Few questions from a noob in need

[jordan1948]

Alright first off what are these three conections? I have no clue.

And the second, my X is idling really rough and dies most of the time unless I keep the rpms at around 1500. Why is is doing this and how do I make it stop?

 

[Explodr94]

Those connections are for your OBD-I computer. You can plug your hand held computer into those connections to read codes. As far as your idling problem, try taking a computer reading. However, my guess is it could be several things from your Idle Air Control, fuel filter, to injectors. Simply need more information. To diagnose you need to start eliminating the simple things. Start with fuel filter. Just my two cents.

Matt

 

[jordan1948]

Thanks Matt, I was planning on having the fuel filter replaced soon so i guess I'll start with that.

 

[burgundy1994xlt]

The grey plug is the octane shorting bar or adjust plug whatever you wanna call it.

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=31269&cat=500&ppuser=64089

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=98856

 

[rileyrs]

start with doing a tune up to try to fix the idle.
air filter, clean/ replace sensors, plugs and wires, oil. just get the basic stuff done
if it doesnt fix it at least you did a tune up right.

then once that is done see where you are at, and it will make it easier to fix anything else

 

[rayford2]

The grey plug is the octane shorting bar or adjust plug whatever you wanna call it.

http://www.explorerforum.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=31269&cat=500&ppuser=64089

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=98856

The single plug and the multi-plug you have in your hand plugs into a diagnostic tester. If you're using a voltmeter to "count" the code pulses, the single wire is connected with a jumper to the right hand terminal of the two side-by-side contacts when they are facing up. Ray S. in PA

 

[rayford2]

The connectors you are holding normally plug into a diagnostic tester.
If you want to read the code pulses with an analog (not digital) meter
the single connector is jumpered into the right hand contact of the 2 side-by-side contacts when these 2 are facing UP. Ray S. in PA

 

[marragtop]

Check the vacuum connections at the vacuum tree located on drivers side by the firewall. A loose or missing line will cause the idle problem you describe.

 

[geoph1986]

Check the vacuum connections at the vacuum tree located on drivers side by the firewall. A loose or missing line will cause the idle problem you describe.

I second that. One of the reasons I got the X so cheap is because it was "missing". It was missing a vacuum line off that tree.

 

[jordan1948]

Check the vacuum connections at the vacuum tree located on drivers side by the firewall. A loose or missing line will cause the idle problem you describe.

Would someone mind posting a pic of this or the area it's in please? I think I know what you all are talking about but I want to make sure. Also I went to Oreilly's to get a code read. Well of course they can't come out and do it but they gave me the computer and told me how to use it. I hooked it up and followed all the directions but it just kept saying it couldn't read it. I was in a hurry so I didn't bother to ask I just gave it back.

 

[doonze]

Would someone mind posting a pic of this or the area it's in please? I think I know what you all are talking about but I want to make sure. Also I went to Oreilly's to get a code read. Well of course they can't come out and do it but they gave me the computer and told me how to use it. I hooked it up and followed all the directions but it just kept saying it couldn't read it. I was in a hurry so I didn't bother to ask I just gave it back.

Same thing happened to me...at O'Reilly's also. I think their loner code reader won't read our codes, even though it has OBD-1 adapters. Just kept saying couldn't read it, make sure key is on.

 

[boggs1227]

vac tree is to the left of the braided strap

 

[burgundy1994xlt]

Couple more, a bit large, lol.

 

[jordan1948]

Thanks bogs1227 and burgundy1994xlt, I'll have to check that out asap

 

[Explodr94]

Jordan,

When your checking those vacuum lines at the tree, follow the lines and make sure the rubber connectors are in good shape. The connectors often crack and cause the Ex to run badly. Another cheap fix.

 

[fixxxer]

Jordan, in post #12, Bogg's pic of the vacuum tree in the upper right is very good, now take a look at the upper left side of that pic. see the silver metal cylinder mounted horizontily? That is your IAC valve, it controls the amount of air bypassing the closed throttle plate when the truck is at idle. If it is bad/clogged/dirty it will cause all kinds of idle issues. It's something else to look at and it's easy to take off and clean.

 

[jordan1948]

Jordan, in post #12, Bogg's pic of the vacuum tree in the upper right is very good, now take a look at the upper left side of that pic. see the silver metal cylinder mounted horizontily? That is your IAC valve, it controls the amount of air bypassing the closed throttle plate when the truck is at idle. If it is bad/clogged/dirty it will cause all kinds of idle issues. It's something else to look at and it's easy to take off and clean.

Thanks fixxxer, I'm planning on replacing the plugs and wires 2mro as well as cleaning the TB and I will deffinantly clean up the IAC. I seafoamed it the other day and was messing around with the TB and it ran fine on the way to work but not so much on the way back so I'm pretty sure it has something to do with no getting enough fuel at idle.

 

[fixxxer]

If you think it's fuel pressure related, and you've already replaced the filter, get a fuel pressure gauge, they are not too expensive but it's also not a tool most people will use all the time so see if you can get one from a "loan-a-tool" program most auto parts houses offer. You screw in the pressure tester at the Schraeder valve, it looks like the valve stem on a bicycle or automobile tire or tube. That will tell you if you have the correct fuel pressure at the fuel rail leading to the injectors from the fuel pump.

 

[jordan1948]

Alright, changed the spark plugs and cleaned the TB which was anything but clean. Also cleaned the IAC. Looked up inside the intake with a flash light and it is down right nasty in there so next day that I have off the intake is coming off and getting cleaned. It's running fine for now, the old plugs I pulled out were gapped out to .075 when it's supposed to be .054.

 

[boggs1227]

btw: when i was cleaning my upper intake when i was trying to get my truck running after i just bought it i found that after takeing it off the engine 2 big sized golf ball chunks of carbon fell out of the tb opening ! so needless to say i took 4-5 gal of gas and put it and the intake in a big plastic tub...let it sit over night and got a big toilet brush ( round type ) and scrub it clean in about 10 minutes .

the gas got all the hard to get to places inside the intake and when i was done it looked like a new part inside and out