Towing Question for 94 Explorer

[DScoggins]

I have a 1994 Explorer that I have had for about 6 months and it has 116,000 miles but is really good condition. The only problem I have noticed is an engine rattle at high speeds especially when low-grade gas is used. I put a class 3 hitch on it about 2 months ago to tow my boat that weighs about 2500 lbs. When I tow the boat with the explorer, after about 30 minutes, the check engine light comes on and it runs rough when stopped and at an idle. Any ideas as to what would cause this and what the remedy might be ?

 

[Gofast]

OK, time to check my memory...

OK, Mine used to do that. I was towing a 2500lb boat and occasionally a 6000lb Trans Am to Road Race. I changed 2 things out at the same time. 1 was the Fuel Pressure Regulator and the other was the Fuel Filter. When it did throw a code it was lean condition. But the O2 sensore was pricey so I changed the cheaper things first. The Fuel Pressure regulator was around $40 I think and the filter was less than $10. Try them first.

Thanks Rob

 

[MrShorty]

The first thing to do is to pull the trouble codes from the computer's memory. Can be done with nothing more than a piece of wire. Instructions are in any good manual or several places on the internet.
And, on the subject of that "rattle" at high speed on low grade gas. That sounds like it might be engine ping, which is a common problem on the 1st gen OHV. Fortunately, it usually is relatively easy to fix and doesn't cost much. Search for "engine ping" and you'll find lots of information.

 

[Gofast]

Engine Code.

Just to point out. My check engine light would come and then go, not leaving any codes. Or if the engine light did stay lit it would disappear when I would turn the truck off. The scanner to pull codes required theat the truck be turned off then plug in the scanner and turn to the ACC position. The codes were clear when this was done.

I did get a dealer to pull a code and all they told me was that it was "lean condition bank 1 or 2" can't remeber. I chnaged the O2 first then went with the other stuff since my light would still come and go.

Good Luck
Rob