2CarPros - Car Questions & Answers

1996 Ford Explorer Repair Question


Topics covered: Sensor, Hard start, Rpm.
Mileage: 230,000 miles.

Asked on January 23, 2011

96 Ford Explorer rough running

96 Explorer, 6 cyl, with intermittent rough performance, and occasional difficulty to start. I recently replaced MAF, coil pack, spark plugs and wires, fuel pump and filter. I removed and inspected fuel injectors, and the cylinders compression are within limits. I almost purchased a camshaft position sensor, but employees at auto parts store did not think it would help. I have been getting engine code 0306 mostly with occasional 0303 and 0305 codes (misfire cyl 6,3 5 respectively). It seems to run ok at cruise, and at idle when warmed up. While accelerating, I get code which corresponds to enriched fuel mixture. Cold mornings (40-45 deg in Sacramento, CA) may either be very difficult to start, or may start easily with RPM fluctuations until it warms up in about 1 minute.
Avatar Asked by edwardnewman

Answer

Replied on March 10, 2011

Check the idle air control valve. also, check the temp sensor. The IAC can cause the RPM fluctuations and hard start. The temp sensor can cause a hard start based on too lean or rich fuel mixture.

Tiny Answered by Jacobandnickolas (expert)
57,318 answers provided