Won't stay running

[zteca_101]

I have a 94 ford explorer xlt, when the engine gets warm it starts dying. It starts back up just fine, and then continues to die. If I let it set for about an hour or so it will start back up and run again for 15 minutes then continue to die. I had a friend who came over and looked at it and replaced the throttle sensor but that didn't help at all. Anyone know what might be causing this?

 

[cjones101812]

when it dies, do you have fuel pressure?? spark??

 

[zteca_101]

I don't know, how do I tell if I have fuel pressure or a spark? Do I need to look at the spark plugs to see if I have a spark

 

[cjones101812]

for spark - pull a plug wire and connect it to a spark tester (you can also use a narrow screwdriver holding it about 1/4 inch from ground, but be careful if doing it that way). crank the engine and see if there is spark

for fuel pressure - you'll need to attach a fuel pressure gauge. (an auto parts store may loan one out)

also, any codes??

 

[zteca_101]

Thank you for being so helpful! I don't have any codes. I think I'm going to take it in on Monday and see if I can get someone to get the codes for me. Also, do you know of any auto parts stores that loan out fuel pressure guages? I guess it would be ones that are nationwide since your probably not in my area. Thanks

 

[cjones101812]

autozone may...they loan out other tools. they also scan codes.

just from the symptoms, i'd check for clogged fuel filter or cats.

 

[zteca_101]

I'm not sure what cats are? catalytic converter is my guess? I was reading on tsb that others have had ignition module problems and mass air flow sensor problems too. I am so confused at this point!
Do you mean after I get the codes autozone can tell me what they mean? I'm really sorry, I'm not very mechanically inclined.

 

[cjones101812]

yep, cats = catalytic converters

autozone can pull/get the codes for you...after you get them (if any) let us know the numbers and we can explain how to diagnose them.

 

[zteca_101]

Thank you! I will let you know Monday what they are. Thanks for all the help!

 

[zteca_101]

I am so happy to say I finally got it fixed! Thanks for everything and the really great tip of autozone pulling codes! It turned out to be the mass air flow sensor. Thanks again!

 

[MrShorty]

Since diagnosis can be 90% of the battle, can you tell us how you determined that the MAF was at fault?

 

[TJ1]

i have same type of problem... 31.1.07 i was driving in here and after i got in to local liquer store and went back to car, it was dying... like there werent any gasoline??? after one cigaret i got it working for bout 20 seconds and again, just like no gasoline... i have changed there fuel filter and fuel pump relay... but it didnt help. Could it be that i have the same goddamn sensor busted??? Thanks For Answers... TJ from Finland

 

[zteca_101]

I figured out that the MAF was the problem after disconnecting the plug in thing to the MAF sensor, as soon as I did that it ran perfectly fine. TJ1 could try that too.

 

[TJ1]

thanks

and just one thing... How Much does it cost in usa??? the maf sensor...

 

[zteca_101]

around 65 or so

 

[TJ1]

cause in finland it cost bout 200 euros... could it be posted for somewhere in the states???