94 Explorer Black sut smoke

[webthis]

Help! I have a 1994 Ford Explorer 4x4 V6 with over a 125K on it. About 2 weeks ago the check engine light came on for about a minute and the truck started to buck. Then light went off the started to run fine. Then more and more the light would stay on for longer amounts of time. Now the check engine light is on all the time. I know take it to the dealer and get it fix!! Well I did that; they gave me a list of things that needed to be replaced. This list included everything under the hood (MAF, PFE, O2 and the computer) I find this hard to believe, because the truck still has an intermediate problem, if everything they told me to placed was bad how is this truck still running. Don’t get me wrong, the truck runs a LITTLE ruff, OK now for the real problem. When the light comes on the truck starts to idle a little ruff, the only way to tell is to look at the RPM gage, you really don’t feel the truck shaking. Here are some of the things that happen next, the truck starts to smoke BLACK SUT type smoke and the kicker the smoke will make your eyes tear. The smoke smells like someone mixed mothballs with tar. The truck burns no oil; I change the oil every 3000 miles. Here is another thing that happened, the motor oil has always been light almost clear, now the oil is black and sutty! I would keep on driving the because it still runs good only for a little low idle the truck runs on the highway as is always did. This is why I can’t imagine everything is bad under the hood. Has anyone had the same symptoms? 1, a little ruff idle. 2, black sutty smoke. 3, sweet eye burning smell. Ok great news I’m done. Please help I really like this truck and I had never ever given me any trouble before.

[rickthejeepguru]

start by replacing the o2 sensor you sound like you are running really rich like its trapped in lock and loop

[webthis]

Originally Posted by rickthejeepguru

start by replacing the o2 sensor you sound like you are running really rich like its trapped in lock and loop

Thank you very much, im going outside to replace them right now.

[ishop4less]

when the check engine light on, you should take it to autozone and have them read the code. You will find what you need to change after find out the code, it could be one of the list that dealer gave u, or could be all of the list, but for now you should have it read the code.

[shadyladywolf]

I have the exact same problem with my Ford Explorer did you get the problem fixed? if so what was it? because i am at a total loss here as well. I was reading about the o2 sensor and AutoZone so I am headed off to try that but I would really like to know how things turned out for yours...

[rickthejeepguru]

you can't tell for sure whats wrong unless you read the code but 02 sensors are the fastest way to put yourself in lock and loop autozone will read your code. i have always been told that you start with the cheapest thing and saying the computer is at fault is a really rash thing to say. if the computer was out you couldn't trust any of the codes that the check engine light put out. but if that maf sensor went out your truck will not run right. its a very expensive fix. although simple to replace the part can cost anywhere from 300 to 500 dollars just for the part. i have never seen an explorer put out black smoke from the maf sensor being bad check with your junkyard for a maf sensor before you buy a new one though. but you really should head to autozone and get those codes read. its free and easy. and the worst that can happen is you can find out what is wrong with out all th BS the dealership throws at you. the dealership is going to tell you that you need a new engine if they think thay can pull it off- rick

[webthis]

OK, that was not fun! I just changed both of the 02s and it held true to form, it’s not the 02s. It looks like I’m AutoZone bound tomorrow to get my code told.

[webthis]

OK, that was not fun! I just changed both of the 02s and it held true to form, it’s not the 02s. It looks like I’m AutoZone bound tomorrow to get my code told.

[rickthejeepguru]

i was asking a technician at work (i work for ford) he said the mass air flow (maf) was more than likley the culprit. he said you will feel a bucking and jerking if it is out. he also said to check the plug on the maf to see if it is loose or cut at all. that really sucks that it wasn't the 02's fault. i was hoping you would have gotten my reply before you spent $140 on 02 sensors

[skamxxiii]

did any one figure it out because mine is doing the same thing but when i went to auto zone they said they can only run codes for 96 and newer cars i think they are full of crap but it may be because it a mazda navajo

[molehole]

Autozone tends to be a little dumb in some respects because the port for the computer is behind the relay box on the passenger side under the hood. Also check vacuum lines. If one is missing it can make the car really run like crap. The MAF is a common problem and will make the car buck and jerk around if it is bad. Good luck

[shadyladywolf]

ok all I figured out what was causeing the Black smoke. It was the metal thing that conects the air filter to the long black plastic thingy i changed that it only cost $80.00 bucks and you can do it yourself. I am very happy to say I have no more stinky Black smoke.

[skamxxiii]

i got my maf censor changed and that what was causing it you may need 2 changer your maf because with mine it was puting out unburnt gas into the cadilac converter

[rickthejeepguru]

glad to hear it was the maf i remembered back to my days as a mechanic and remembered a similar problem good deal happy motoring

[ahoff4821]

When getting multiple codes you have to check each one and make sure that circuit or sensor is good. When a sensor starts going bad it can cause the input/output of others to show signs of not working correctly. I tell people who come to Autozone that I can not and will not diagnose a problem,all I can do is read the codes and tell you which might be the problem,but I never encourage anyone to buy parts until is has been thoroughly checked by a shop/technician. I was a service mgr for ten years,had my own shop for three,and have worked for Autozone for the past 4 yrs. I am ASE certified in several catagories including engine performance and I still wont diagnose anyone's codes/symptoms.Autozone just don't supply the right equipment for that kind of help. I still have my OTC monitor 4000 enhanced that I use for friends and family. I have even taken it to work but it takes time to go through a vehicles system. Unfortunately, even though Mazda uses Ford parts it maynot use their diagnostic connector. Starting in 1996 models the auto makers started to use the same diagnostic connector.But imports were still slow to follow.So most if not most Autozones cant check import vechicle codes.I will gladly help anyone that I can but only within certain guidelines.I know automotive service/repairs can be a frustrating experience.