I have a 2001 For Explorer 4x4 XLS.



I am getting 430KM off of 70 liters, so that is 270 miles off of 18 gallons. I used to get closer to 375 miles of of 18 gallons.

I have had the air filters cleaned, new O2 sensor, I run medium octane gas, synthetic oil and have not changed my driving patterns.

This is getting rediculous! Sometimes I feel like I have lots of power, other times it is very sluggish. I run injector cleaner every 4 fill ups.

Can anyone recommend something for me to look at or to get my mechanic to look at?

Thanks
Matt

 

Have you checked for codes? There may be codes stored even if CEL is out. Also, how many miles are on it? Maybe time for plugs/wires and fuel filter.

 

I agree, the plugs are wires have probably not been replaced in a while. Use only Motorcraft or Autolite plugs and wires.

You say you have had the air filters cleaner? Are you a cotton gauze type air filter? If that is the case, I would strongly consider that you may have a contaminated MAF sensor. Consider switching to a better air filter, such as Volant Powercore or AFE ProDry. They may not flow quite as well as a K&N, but they still flow more air than the engine can use.

 

I am about 10000 miles away from my next service. Bare with me as I am converting from KM to miles but I had the 100,000KM service done at 120K and will do it again at 220K. that is plugs, transmission kit, coolant.

I will look into a better air filter, I am just using one provided by my mechanic, I beleive it is cotton based.

I also recently had my transmission rebuilt 100%. I lost 1st and 3rd, it is still under warranty but I am not sure if the transmission can affect the fuel economy.

I have 205,000 KM or 130k Miles on it.

Thanks for you input and please keep the suggestions coming....

Matt

 

OK, now the truck is ideling high. When I first start it, it is around 750. I drive around and it will stay at 1500 rpm, even at a dead stop and put into park or neutral.

My mechanic thinks there may be a vacume leak. Has anyone had a similar experience?

Thanks
Matt

 

Also could be a bad thermostat. Same symptoms happened to me a couple of months ago. temp gauge only showed a small increase in temp, but this put the expy into limp home mode and 1500 rpm idle after a short warm up..

Scucci

 

thanks for the tip, I hope to hear from my mechanic today. He also said it may be a bad ground, I have not had any cables changed over the last 6 years so they are probably due......

Matt

 

OK, I got a call from my mechainc, the engine is running hot at about 105-110. They are going to change the thermostat and perform the cooling system maintenance that I was due to get done in a few months.

I wonder if this would explain why my transmission went at the end of August all of a sudden??

Matt

 

It is possible that the tranny was getting hot because of a failing t-stat. The tranny rebuilder would be able to confirm this.

Scucci

 

New thermostat and a new front bearing assembly on one of my wheels and she is driving good as new. The bearing was a surprise but the drive is much better now!
Thanks for the tips everyone.

Matt