94' Explorer...in a mechanical age, what i would have called "advance problems" - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Fredd1566 · 04-30-2009, 10:31

I have a 1994 explorer 4.0 efi with around 253,000 miles on it. A week or two ago, i started having problems with it when idling when it would get warm. Now it has gotten worse. I use the vehicle for delivery. When going to the pickup facility, it is cold and runs fine. Once I get out on the route and it gets "hot" it idles rough, and now has trouble accelerating. When i push the accelerator, it starts crawling and then as I depress the pedal farther it will lurch forward as it enters a high acceleration mode as if I was trying to pass. Back in the day, I would have said that it doesn't seem to have power because the advance is not set right, hence the distributor needs adjusted, but those days are long gone. There doesn't seem to be any intermediate between full acceleration and no acceleration. I took it over to the garage, and the computer reads out about 10 or so different codes including some stuff about the ecm and other sensors. The mechanic couldn't make much out of the errors, he said they seemed to be all over the place. If someone could point me at a sensor or problem that would cause these symptoms, that would be great. Thanks

**360ci** · 05-03-2009, 16:48

I'd replace the IAC (idle air control) and TPS (throttle position sensor). They should help mitigate some of the problems. To have ten engine codes, that's a lot to be stored. I imagine that more codes were stored, but they've since disappeared. The engine light will go off only if no more codes pop up, or you've started the vehicle at least 50 times.

Replace the PCV valve as well, along with spark plugs and wires, and the sensors mentioned above. This should help make the vehicle more livable while you make deliveries. Total cost should be around $250 if you install the parts yourself, or $400-450 for a shop to do it.

Another thing you might want to consider, is changing the thermostat. This has a few benefits and a negatives. First, the stock T-stat is 195F, You can install a 180F unit (local auto parts store should carry it) and this will lower the engine temperature. It can increase engine life, reduce engine knock/ping that is generally associated by high temperatures. The only downside is if you drive the vehicle in the winter, below freezing, the 180F stat won't keep you toasty enough in the cab.

The pros definitely outweigh the cons. I run a 180F stat in my Durango during the summer, as it helps a lot when I tow my trailers. It takes me 20-25min to change out and costs me $10 twice a year. It's more than worth the investment!