Newbie Help - Please

[mike213735]

Hi all,

I have only had my 2000 Explorer for a week and half and I'm already getting a bit depressed by it.
After one week of ownership, the alternator failed, yeah I know, just one of those things, so I just replaced it with a second hand unit. That was Sunday and all was fine until today when on the way home from work the Engine Management Light came one.

Where should I look first for the cause of this. I thought MAF and when I pulled the plug out of the back, it seemed to make no difference, which leads me even more to think it may be that.

I don't want to throw money at the car, so any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Mike

 

[Joe Dirt]

You'd need to have the trouble codes read first if you don't want to toss money at it. Not sure how that all works across the pond as far as who would be able to do it, but I would do that before spending any more money... Have them read, then post them here before picking up parts...

 

[mike213735]

Thanks,

My thoughts exactly. I've found a chap about an hours drive away from me that can read the codes, so I'm going up there Monday morning to see him...

I'll let you know the results.

Thanks
Mike

 

[mike213735]

I've just had a look to see if I had missed something when I fitted the alternator and it looks like the hose running from the inlet tube (by the MAF) to the Idle Speed Controller was not fitted correctly. In fact, I hadn't pushed it in at all. I have fitted it correctly and the EML light is still on. I also noticed that the car won't rev past 3750rpm.

Does that limit the possibilities any, or will the car clear the error after a while, if that was the problem?

Thanks
Mike

 

[windsors03cobra]

Which engine in the 2000 North Face ?

 

[mike213735]

It's the 4.0 SOHC.

Thanks
Mike

 

[sploderV8]

Instead of driving an hour, which I assume is one way?
Check your local autoparts store to see if they will scan the code for you.
If not just buy a scanner. I got mine for about $65.00, best money spent.

 

[mike213735]

I have ordered a code reader / reset tool from Ebay.....now.

I did go up and see the chap though as he is an Explorer specialist and I though he would have the parts I needed.
I can't remember exactly what the codes were, but the errors were, Intake air temperature (which is now part of the MAF) which we believe to be where I left the hose out, Bank 1 running lean and bank 2 running lean, which coupled with the fact that it runs as lumpy as hell when first started in the mornings, we put down to intake rubbers. These were replaced, but I have yet to start the car this morning, but once I have, I'll let you know how it goes.

The errors were reset and on the 45 mile drive home, all was OK

Thanks
MIke

 

[Joe Dirt]

Fingers crossed for you!

Good to have a code reader anyway... Handy tool to have, especially if you have to drive to get to someone that has one otherwise.

 

[mike213735]

Well, I went out to start the car this morning and it started perfectly and ticked over like a dream.

I am so pleased I had the intake gaskets replaced, now I can start to enjoy the car...hopefully.

Thanks
Mike

 

[Joe Dirt]

Explorers generally want to make sure that you really care about them before they run flawlessly for you. Sounds like you may have finally won her over...