Vehicle

My 2002 ford explorer for some reason seems like it’s pulling a trailer. It doesn’t have that get up and go. Not sure what’s wrong. No check engine light is on. Anyone have any idea what it might be? I changed the fuel filter 1 year ago, air filter is decent. Any suggestions are appreciated. It is a 4.0 L engine.

E

Has the fuel economy dropped recently? Have you changed where you're buying your fuel? Do you regularly use fuel injector cleaner? How many miles on it and when was the last tune up? Does the vehicle pull to one direction when driving down the highway or when braking (maybe a stuck brake caliper)?

You may want to clean your MAF sensor and see if that helps, especially if you have an oiled reuseable air filter such as a K&N and have cleaned and oiled it.

-Rod

The fuel economy is pretty much the same. I have not changed where I buy gas either. I don't believe I've ever used fuel injector cleaner. Someone (a automotive expert) told me it was a waste of money.

It's been about 20K miles since the last tuneup. Should I have the wiring replaced? It's original. The vehicle doesn't pull at all. I am not sure what the MAF sensor is or where it is. Can you provided some detail or a picture?

Thanks

If the fuel economy hasn't dropped, the problem is probably not a dirty Mass Air Flow (MAF) sensor or stuck brake assembly. The MAF is located in the air intake tube between the air filter housing and the throttle body. It will have a 3- to 5-wire connector plugged into it.

Depending on the mileage on the plug wires, they probably are not due to be replaced. The 2002 V8 uses coil on plug (no plug wires) but I don't recall if they are also on the V6. If so, it wouldn't hurt to inspect them as well as the spark plugs. However, if either of these were an issue, I'd expect the engine to run roughly as well as contribute to a drop in fuel economy.

As for routinely using fuel injector cleaner, some people believe that the detergents in modern fuel is sufficient that, for a clean system, injector cleaner wouldn't be necessary. However, for an older vehicle, or just for preventive maintenance, the $3 every oil change is good piece of mind as far as I'm concerned. While you're waiting for additonal suggestion from others on the forum, you may want to try adding a bottle of fuel injector cleaner to the fuel tank and see if it makes a difference.

-Rod

Thanks for the reply. Have a good day.

Ed

I took the vehicle to the dealer and they want to change the fuel filter, do a fuel injector flush and a diagnosis & update computer program. Total cost is $252.00. Is this reasonable? The airbag light is also on and they said I need the seatbelt replaced. The seatbelt with labor is $206. What's your opinion on this item? Thanks in advance.

Eddie

$252 to change the fuel filter, flush the injectors (depending if they are talking a decarb here or just chemical flush of the fuel system, and update the ECM seems reasonable. However, you could change the fuel filter and purchase a can of BG44K to flush the injectors for less than $50 probably. You'd probably have another $120 or so for teh ECM update if that is needed though.

As for the SRS code indicating a seatbelt issue, that seems a bit odd. About the only thing that could be (for a seat belt issue) to trigger the SRS is the seat belt pre-tensioner.

When you first turn the ignition key to run, or start the car, does the SRS light flash? If so, count the pattern of flashes and post here. For example, Flash, Flash, Flash, pause, Flash, Flash would indicate a code 32. After a couple of cycles of the codes, the light will remain on solid or possibly go out.

If the car has not been in an accident, even a minor one, research the warranty terms for safety items such as seat belts. There used to be a Federally mandated extended warranty for items such as seat belts, similar to the Federally mandated extended warranty for emission items. If a pre-tensioner failed due to infant mortality, it seems this might be covered under the Federal warranty.

-Rod

Does that BG44K really make a noticeable difference? I will get back to you on the seat belt.

Thanks again,

Eddie

I personally don't know that the BG44K is any better than SeaFoam, but many of the professionals seem to like the BG. SeaFoam is certainly less expensive and generally easier for the consumer to get ahold of.

-Rod

Thanks again Rod. Have a great weekend!

Ed