1996 Ford Explorer Fuel mileage and re-flashing

Tiny
DAEFOX
  • MEMBER
  • 1996 FORD EXPLORER
  • 6 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,017 MILES
1996 ford explorer 2wd xlt fuel mileage just keeps getting worse. In the last year the milage went from 21.4 mpg city to 18 mpg city to 16.8 city. Highway went from 25.9 to 20.1 mpg. Took the truck in to find out why. They reflashed the computer and the milage went to 22 mpg city and 27.3 on the highway. I have done all the maintenance filters, plugs, fluids. Air in the tires, plug wires. Two months after the computer re-flashing the mileage dropped off again. Any Idea of what is going on because the dealer just gives me the run around about the problem, Thought about a new computer or maybe water in fuel but there is no driveablilty issues. Also had transmission rebuilt at 175000 miles. Thanks
Friday, November 20th, 2009 AT 6:18 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
This can be caused by many things. Anything from a sensor to gas to injectors or? Now this engine does have a lot of mileage on it so you can expect new like mpg from it either. Now my first question is how old is the fuel filter and spark plugs? Have you tried getting gas from a different station? Have you cleaned the mass air flow meter with mass air flow cleaner. Use only mass air flow cleaner on it too. Get back to me and we will go from there.
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Saturday, November 21st, 2009 AT 8:53 AM
Tiny
DAEFOX
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  • 3 POSTS
Fuel filter replaced 8k miles ago, injectors cleaned and checked at dealership, new air filter, tried different gas from all over town minimal differences, spark plugs 12k miles ago along with plug wires and ignition pack.I checked compression cold and warm all cylinders cold are above 120psi and warm are close to 140psi. The compression gauge is just a cheap auto parts store type so precise readings are difficult.I changed the radiator fluid and thermostat and it helps some, nothing significant it could be just a change in driving.I will try the mass air sensor cleaner, did not know the made such a product. But what if that is not the fix?
Thanks Dave
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Saturday, November 21st, 2009 AT 1:34 PM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
  • 5,029 POSTS
So tell me have you cleaned the mass air flow meter? If not try it use only mass air flow cleaner. Let me know how it goes. If it don't change much then you will need a digital multi meter to check a couple of sensor ok.
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Monday, November 23rd, 2009 AT 7:22 PM
Tiny
DAEFOX
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  • 3 POSTS
Yes I did clean the mass air sensor. Found a very interesting thing. The housing that the sensor is attached to was not completely seated into the air intake /filter assembly. There was a broken tab cracked to be more precise. The whole mass air sensor assembly just plopped out, no clipped in secured seating. The last guy to play with that was the Havoline oil change shop, to check my air filter. Oddly I did have a spare assembly and sensor, cleaned it put it in and the truck even idles better.I do just pull random parts off of junkers that match up. Picked up the habit when I drove a VW fox. Thanks for your help It was worth every cent.
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Monday, November 23rd, 2009 AT 7:52 PM
Tiny
RACEFAN966
  • MECHANIC
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Great glad to hear it fixed and running better. If you have any other questoins just ask.
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Monday, November 23rd, 2009 AT 7:59 PM

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