My 1997 Ford Expedition has been running really rough. I had the Valvoline person hook it up to the computer and the errors came back "running lean" and "misfiring". Now I've started to smell a gasoline smell as well. Any ideas about what the problem could be??
Optional Information: Year : 1997 Make : Ford Model: Expedition Engine: XLT Already Tried: Oil change, fuel system cleaner (including a process through Valvoline Oil Change)
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Thanks for visiting Just answer
Do you know what codes are stored?
p0171, p0174 and what else?
I don't know anything except the two I mentioned. The check engine light has been on, and it definitely has problems accelerating (that's when it gets really rough). My problem is that it's an old, gas-guzzling vehicle, and I need to figure out how much to put into it in order to sell it, or whether I should just donate it. 222,000 miles.
Well this might be an easy fix.
(donate it to me)
Jk
This truck is common for lean coedes.
When the mass air flow sensor gets dirty the vehicle throws lean codes and the vehicle runs bad
(usually)
You should simply try removing and cleaning the mass air flow sensor.
Easy to do??
A vacuum leak is also common, so make sure to have the tech check for vacuum leaks.
To remove the MAF it's pretty easy.
It's located right next to the air filter box.
Air goes through the mass air flow sensor, the sensor tells the computer how much air is going in to the engine and the engine compensates .
let me get you a pic
what size engine?
That would be great if it was something easy and cheap! I'll check those two things -- the Valvoline tech also mentioned spark plugs??
V8??
Um, there are 2 V 8's
4.6 and 5.4
1 sec
I think 5.4
Sorry - it's not my car, originally. My daughter got it from her dad, and she's the primary driver....
all good
they are similar
click here
Be sure to use special electrical cleaner or mass air flow sensor cleaner you can get at the parts store.
This is probably going to fix the problem and cost you next to nada.
As far as spark plugs
Not a bad idea if they are due.
Thanks -- I think Valvoline replaced the air filter.... and I'll look into the other cleaners, and the spark plugs. Do you know, is there a way I can save this info, if I'm not currently on my home computer??
Um...
If you can email the link of this page to yourself it would be easiest
http://www.justanswer.com/questions/410dq-my-1997-ford-expedition-has-been-running-really-rough-i-had
Thanks, Tim -- I'll give it all a try!
Experience: ASE Certified Service manager of Firestone