Rough Idle, Intermitent Check Engine

[james.oco]

1995 Explorer XLT, 90k miles. Recently I have had problems with a rough idle and an intermitent check engine light. I'll start the vehicle up and it will idle roughly, I'll drive for ten minutes or so and when I come to a point where I have to stop at a light, or slow down significantly, the check engine light comes on. I'll continue driving and pick up speed again and most of the time it will go off (though occassionally it has stayed on). Though when I finally get home and come to a complete stop, the light will go off. It never stays on long enough for me to get to my toolbox to get the scanner out to pick up a code. Also, given that this is a 1995, I'm guessing that my OBD II scanner will not work, right? Is this OBD I? Someone had suggested to me that it might be the air charge sensor on the air intake, any ideas?

 

[chriswells78]

Sounds like an IAC valve issue.

 

[nu.b1]

Rough idle..

yeah, try cleaning the IAC..

 

[dogfriend]

It never stays on long enough for me to get to my toolbox to get the scanner out to pick up a code. Also, given that this is a 1995, I'm guessing that my OBD II scanner will not work, right? Is this OBD I? Someone had suggested to me that it might be the air charge sensor on the air intake, any ideas?

You should try to get codes anyway; you may be able to retrieve a stored code even if the light is not on when pulling codes.

IIRC, 95 is a split year, some are OBD I (EEC IV) and some are OBD II (EEC V). You should be able to tell by the location of the Test connector; EEC IV will be under the hood and can be accessed with a simple code scanner or even a voltmeter or test light; EEC V should have a DLC (data link connector) under the drivers side dash and you will need a OBD II scan tool.

 

[TeckNine4]

Take it 2 the local shop and get the #s pulled,,, We're just sittin round drinkin blueberry vodka, HAPPY NEW YEARS:exp:

 

[andy123]

I had a similar problem to this once. Had a rough idle, check engine light on and off. While it was idling I put my hand on each spark plug boot. On cyclinder 1, I felt a tapping. Pulled off the boot and the plug was loosened 3-4 thread turns. Hope your problem is something this easy to fix.

 

[Donner]

And...

If you're not already using Chevron, please do... and try the bottles below.

 

[aldive]

Take a look at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=169335&highlight=quest

 

[james.oco]

Tried hooking up my OBD II scanner to the plug that sits above the pedals and my scanner keeps reading "Unable to read vehicle info, make sure that the key is in the ON position and check the cable connection.

I just replaced the IAC valve, as it the inside of it was badly coated dirt, I'll see if that remedies the problem.

 

[aldive]

Tried hooking up my OBD II scanner to the plug that sits above the pedals and my scanner keeps reading "Unable to read vehicle info, make sure that the key is in the ON position and check the cable connection.

Your truck is not OBDII.