No power on '92 XLT

[Epitaph]

I got my 92(stock auto) 5 months ago (bought from mom) and it runs great and I have no complaints about anything, except one. I've never been able to take it over 120 km/h (75m/h) on the highway, and 80 km/h (50 m/h) on some steep highway hills. I actually don't think it's ever gone faster than this in it's whole 8 year life (ohyah, the acceleration stinks too). I've taken it in for tune ups, replaced plugs, wires, decarbonized engine, used higher octane gas, kicked it, to no avail. I recently took it in to a decent mechanic (well knowen and respected out here) and he couldn't find anything wrong. Any suggestions for things to check?
Thanks, Matt.

 

[kvo]

Something is definitely wrong there! How is your mileage, any carbon deposit in your exhaust system. Have you thought about buying a code reader to check the engine/computer system yourself? Sears has it for $39, the one with the light and tone.

Are there any other symptoms? You can try using the search, there have been a number of discussions on this topic with lots of good diagnostics from people with similar experiences, check it out.

I don't suppose Explorers outside the U.S. have a speed limiter??? Because mine with all the additional weight and lower gear, I can still cruise on the freeway at +85MPH (not to say that I do, of course!!!)

Another thing, you're not towing anything or carrying anything extremely heavy are you? Whenever I tow a boat or something that heavy, I can't go over 50 MPH on hills anyway.

[This message has been edited by kvo (edited 08-30-1999).]

 

[mike91]

The 91-94 explorers have a speed limit of approximately 106/107mph. This is even limited by the fact that ford uses **** tires - Firestone.

You definitely have a problem with your truck - I for one have gone pretty fast on the highway - not 85mph, but roughly to the D on the shifter (automatic). My estimate is that I was doing around 95-100mph.

Your problem may ride with the transmission since its not allowing you to reach higher speeds. Are you driving in regular drive gear? Is your Overdrive working?

 

[Paul Gagnon]

Speed limiter on a '92? Never found one on mine. I could bury the speedo (over 180 km/h) on the stock size tires and can still easily do over 160 with the 33"s. You definately have something seriously wrong there. There are a couple of other guys on this BB from Vancouver that might be able to help you figure it out.

------------------
Paul Gagnon
"No Brain, No Pain"
Dead Link Removed

 

[Skip Pendle]

Matt:
Just to get you started, clean the MAF and reset the computer. Also, check that the octane plug is in place.

Do searches on this site for these tasks.

[This message has been edited by Skip Pendle (edited 08-31-1999).]

 

[treehuger]

Matt,
Ive had the exact problem(s) for about 8 months now on my 94xlt, I have done the obvious(MASS clean, plugs, wires, air cleaner, etc.) Im convinced its a sensor(s) and Im going to go the route suggested by the others who have responded and buy a code reader. If find a fix before you do I will post another reply.
If it will reasure you at all my truck used to get up and go (for a v6) so hopefully this is easily fixed.
good luck,
Doug

 

[treehuger]

Matt,
I picked up a tester as suggested by other site members.
The bad news is I have not had time to use it, Additionally I recieved the following from an independent Ford mechanic:

"codes will likely only be present if the check engine lamp has been on
- if the lamp is not coming on while driving, then the problems probably are
not setting a code. However, a scanner that will also allow you to see PID
data ( the readings the computer looks at from the various sensors) would be
very helpful in diagnosis.
It might be worth the investment to have a shop do a computer diagnosis for
you, as it should cost less than $100. The problem with power loss could one
of many different things, so guessing is out."

Anyways the reader I got does not read 'PID' but if I find anything I will drop you a line.

Doug