Quick Question

[mrbrinks]

So, my 93 explorer idles at about 1500 RPM when in P and N but lowers down to 1000-750 in D or R. Any ideas to what could cause that?

Also, my truck literally sounds like a train, any time I accelerate over 1000 RPM it makes a Chugga chugga noise. Could my truck just need a good tune-up or?


Random question, what is the weight limit I can tow? I don't have the towing package.

 

[Anime]

If it's at ~1500 RPM when first started, that's normal. Idle speed in P and N won't drop to the 750-1000 RPM level until after the engine is warmed up and at operating temp.

If it's high even at operating temp, lots of things can cause a high idle. Number one is usually a dirty or messed up Idle Air Control (IAC) valve, but so can a dirty or messed up Throttle Position Sensor (TPS), or even things like cracks and air leaks in the air intake tube, or a dirty air filter that causes the engine to gasp for air when it can by idling high. Sounds like you should probably read up on the basic maintenance for the Explorer and do all or most of the free/cheap maintenance items.

Is the acceleration sluggish or is it just noisy? There could be an exhaust leak, or the engine might just have lots of maintenance issues. Plenty of these older Explorers have 200,000 miles and more, but have original parts that were never changed.

Maximum weight limit depends somewhat on gearing, but the 4 door Explorer with an auto transmission, properly equipped, can tow 1-1.5 tons all day long, and has a maximum towing capacity of about 2.5-3 tons with the lower 3.73 gears and the right equipment. Things like a load distributing hitch, electronic trailer brake control (and brakes on the trailer), along with a well distributed trailer load are essential to safe towing of heavier loads.

 

[mrbrinks]

It's pretty sluggish. I honestly don't think much has ever been changed on this truck, it looks all pretty original.

Thanks for the info!

 

[vq5speed]

I had this high idle problem too. I turned out the adjustment screw completely out that's below the throttle body. I also bent the bracket the holds the throttle cable a little more forward just in case its not springing back enough. I also added a spring to pull the throttle cable back closed. I drilled a tiny hole on the A/C compressor near edge to anchor the spring to. That's the direction I have the spring pulling back. It fixed my high idling my idle is always at 700 rpm in park or in gear.

 

[larrydd999]

If you plan on doing much towing be sure you invest in an aftermarket transmission cooler. Heat is the enemy of transmissions - or more specifically transmission fluid. Also plan on changing the fluid more often.

 

[mrbrinks]

I'm just planning on pulling my Mom's 1200LB tent trailer for an hour and a bit up to a camp ground twice every year.


Still wondering if anyone has any info on the chugging noise my truck is making. What could be causing it?

Also, I spot cleaned a lot of my engine with some Spray 9, it said it was auto approved, but just wondering if anyone has a different opinion?