mikeinri
Explorer Addict
- Joined
- January 18, 2007
- Messages
- 1,127
- Reaction score
- 6
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 04 Explorer, 94 XLT (RIP)
No worries, Gary. Sometimes, in trying to be brief, it's tough to not sound gruff...
Thanks for the longer version of the story, sounds like "something" you replaced was due (since you've had some measurable improvement). A few things jump out to me, maybe they'll help you.
For future reference, always check the codes first. Usually, that will save you time.
The videotape idea is BRILLIANT!!! When I pull codes, I set my reader to beep, and I sit in the truck and watch the CEL while listening to the beeping (this probably only works in a quiet garage). I always run each test at least 2-3 times to confirm my work.
Never thought of taping it, that's a phenomenal idea. Could probably do it with just an audio tape recorder for those of us without video recorders. Really wish I had thought of that sooner. Once again, too simple for me to be obvious...
Onto the O2 code. Since it's showing up on KOEO, it's most likely electrical. Meaning, the fault exists while the engine is not running. Check the wiring, connectors and the O2 sensor itself.
Also, since your O2 issue is just on one side, that DOES raise the probability that it actually IS the O2 sensor (or its wiring). Typically, if an upstream sensor is the culprit, both O2 sensors will give bad readings. Of course, it could still be something just on the right side of the motor, but at this point, I would investigate the O2 sensor and its wiring.
If, after investigating the O2 sensor, you're still concerned about cleaning the MAF, go ahead and replace it. You can pull the sensor part off the rest of the housing, which is much cheaper to replace than the whole assembly. Especially since you've had a K&N in there, and a filter box sealing issue, I'd say you're a prime candidate to clean or replace the MAF.
There are other posts here that raise concerns about the oil required for the K&N filters messing with the MAFs. It comes down to personal preference, the K&Ns have pros and cons. If you decide you really want one, just realize that your MAF may need more attention from time to time.
Good luck, keep us posted, and stay warm up there!
BTW, outstanding diagnostic process just posted, glfrederick. Wow, if we all could be so disciplined. I wish I lived in KY, I'd just bring my Explorer to you! (This, for the record is not sarcasm...)
Mike
Thanks for the longer version of the story, sounds like "something" you replaced was due (since you've had some measurable improvement). A few things jump out to me, maybe they'll help you.
For future reference, always check the codes first. Usually, that will save you time.
The videotape idea is BRILLIANT!!! When I pull codes, I set my reader to beep, and I sit in the truck and watch the CEL while listening to the beeping (this probably only works in a quiet garage). I always run each test at least 2-3 times to confirm my work.
Never thought of taping it, that's a phenomenal idea. Could probably do it with just an audio tape recorder for those of us without video recorders. Really wish I had thought of that sooner. Once again, too simple for me to be obvious...
Onto the O2 code. Since it's showing up on KOEO, it's most likely electrical. Meaning, the fault exists while the engine is not running. Check the wiring, connectors and the O2 sensor itself.
Also, since your O2 issue is just on one side, that DOES raise the probability that it actually IS the O2 sensor (or its wiring). Typically, if an upstream sensor is the culprit, both O2 sensors will give bad readings. Of course, it could still be something just on the right side of the motor, but at this point, I would investigate the O2 sensor and its wiring.
If, after investigating the O2 sensor, you're still concerned about cleaning the MAF, go ahead and replace it. You can pull the sensor part off the rest of the housing, which is much cheaper to replace than the whole assembly. Especially since you've had a K&N in there, and a filter box sealing issue, I'd say you're a prime candidate to clean or replace the MAF.
There are other posts here that raise concerns about the oil required for the K&N filters messing with the MAFs. It comes down to personal preference, the K&Ns have pros and cons. If you decide you really want one, just realize that your MAF may need more attention from time to time.
Good luck, keep us posted, and stay warm up there!
BTW, outstanding diagnostic process just posted, glfrederick. Wow, if we all could be so disciplined. I wish I lived in KY, I'd just bring my Explorer to you! (This, for the record is not sarcasm...)
Mike