I thought I might share my 214 code story & solution

[camsdad]

I thought I might share my story.

My 94 California Emissions 4.0L Explorer had had a check engine light on for about a year.
During this time I first started having a no Hi Idle warm up state in the morning when I first fired it up. Other than that it ran fine.
For awhile.

Then I started having a intermittent random Hi Idle state at any time throughout the day while driving.
The first time it happened I thought I had been rear ended.
So, being a cheep scape I had a mechanic friend of mine look into it for me.

Right off the bat he went for the TPS and stated that it was bad. So I swapped it out and still had the same problem. So then he suggested I should swap out the EGR DPFE & EVR sensors, and then the idle air control valve too. So I did and still had the same problem.
So I have another hot shot look at my ride and he starts looking towards a grounding issue. He finds my starter solenoid is about to fall off the starter. He wanted to repair it but I made the call to just replace the starter.

Wow! that seemed to fix my problems and the car ran fine, started up in the AM like it is suppose to but I still had the check engine light on.
After about 2 weeks back to the initial problems.
Ok, I'm getting frustrated now and decide to take matters into my own hands. I buy an OBDII code reader and the dam thing doesn’t work. So I take it back for a refund.
I crack open a Haynes repair book for my ride and learn I can use an analog volt meter to get the error code.
I get a 214 error code.

After lots of research the 214 code weighs heavy towards the camshaft positioning sensor based on countless posts throughout the web. Keep in mind I had not found this site during this time. I look online for a cam positioning sensor and the local Kragon says they have one for the 94 4.0L Explorer. Really???
So I go and get it. Dam, not the same as mine. Theirs plugs in the side and the plug is different, so their system must be labeling their part wrong.

Somewhere I had read that it might also be the MAF sensor and if you carefully clean the sensors with brake fluid or contact cleaner it may clear up these problems. Wrong! At least in my case. Dam truck surged like a bucking horse.

During this time I also had lost my A/C fan switch lower fan positions and had learned that that problem was probably the fan switch resistor, So off to TBA auto parts I go. I ended up buying a new MAF sensor assembly and the fan switch resistor. No one in my area carried the cam positioning sensor but it could be ordered anywhere from $360.00 to $420.00. Maybe, if it's available.

Right on! Swapped these 2 parts and the Explorer is running smooth-er again and the fan switch works in all positions.

Frustrated with the 214 error code and the unavailability of a cam positioning sensor, off to pick-n-pull I go. No 94’s there but there is a 93 and a 95. Both with a 4.0L engine. Ok, I’m getting somewhere.
As I look at both cam sensors they look exactly the same. Metal top, plastic plug angled topside.
Also I note that my 94 Explorer has a MFG date is 9/93 on the sticker on the driver’s door.
The 93 at Pick-n-pull has a date code of 7/93 and the 95 has a date code of 7/94. Interesting…

After totally removing the 93’s Intake manifold to get to the CPS assembly I end up damaging the sensor’s plastic mounting to shaft during removal.
Argh!!!!!!!!!!!!

So over to the 95. This time I decide to very carefully remove the switch portion using a Philips screw driver.
It can be done without removing the intake manifold. All I had to remove was the IGN module 3 spark plug wires and 1 hard vacuum line that were in the way. I carefully removed the screws and gently lifted the sensor off of the shaft. Wola!

As I compared the damaged sensor from the 93 and the undamaged sensor from the 95 they both are exactly the same sensor. Bosch Part numbers and all. So while I was on a roll I acquired a few other odds and ends needed while I was picking parts.

Later tonight when I got home and the Explore has cooled down, I carefully replaced the bad sensor on my Explorer with the removed sensor off the 95 Explorer and Woohoo!!!
No more check engine light or 214 code.

I drove it around town a bit and I’m still good.
I guess tomorrow AM will be the final test to see if I get the early AM warm up idle.

 

[TheJackal]

I thought I might share my story.
. I buy an OBDII code reader and the dam thing doesn’t work. So I take it back for a refund.
I crack open a Haynes repair book for my ride and learn I can use an analog volt meter to get the error code.
I get a 214 error code.

Hello!
An OBD-II scanner won't work on the 94 because I believe it is OBD-I. Those scanners are a bit more expensive and complex because things weren't standard then. The voltmeter method is much cheaper, and adequate for occasional troubleshooting.

 

[Boomin91EX]

Way Te Be Creative

That is exactly what I was thinking but didn't know what years I could pull from. I had already ordered the suppossed CMP for a 95 explorer off of E-bay, it was the all plastic one even a genuine ford part. Huge OOPS on my part becasue its not returnable $70 down the drain. So tonight, as darkness fell I removed the intake plenum and fought with the wires to get what I thought was the sensor, off. It was different but quite similar and didn't fit. My synchronizer is fine and i don't want to take it off. I guess the plan is to find a junk yard donor and replace just the sensor.

It's amazing to me with all these posts that no one has thought of removing the little plate and sensor. I guess that individual part is not available but it has bosch number on it.

Its nice to see some type of resolution to a problem that has plagued many people and cost alot of money. I'll keep everyone posted on my results.