Hello. My check engine light has been on for almost a year. First it was on and off again. Then gradually it stayed on all of the time which it does now. I have a 1997 Ford Explorer XLT, 4.0, sohc. Traction control, etc.,. I went recently to a parts store and out of the blue, asked if they could do a check engine light scan. No was the answer, but they gave me a coupon good for a free check engine light scan which they assured me would tell me what was the cause of the light being on. so I took my ford and the coupon to one of the service stations listed, they did the scan, and the result was, and I quote, "In order to tell you what the problem is, we need to run a full diagnostic scan." O.K. No problem. let's do it, I said. They said " We can do it for $64.00 an hour and no telling how long it would take. Plus parts." F@#% that. scan or not, I believe it to be 02 sensors or intake leakage. I heard the intake was made of plastic and is known to leak. Just don't know how to go about replacing it. If there are any explanatory pics(step by step i;e.) or even a video link of some sort, or even some typed in guidelines of any sort, I would be forever in your debt. Thank You.

 

Why not buy your own code reader and diagnose your problem yourself? You can get a basic one for about $50 that will tell you what the problem is. I bought one myself and now I don't have to visit garages or gas stations and be subjected to the robbery they tried to pull on you. I can do it myself.

With a 97 Explorer, you're bound to need one as your ride ages. (No offense --I just traded in my 98 Explorer for a 2010. It ran fine but the wife wanted a newer car).

 

Just a friendly reminder, a code reader will most of the time not tell you what part or parts are defective. What it does tell you is what system is involved and then you need to do some further checking for wiring, connections etc., The codes will generally direct you to the system causing the check eng lite to come on. You will still need to have some guidance especially if the system has several components involved. Thats where a good manual will help tremendously. It might pay to consider an investment in both , a reader and a good manual.

 

you can use ford vcm for diagnose yourself.
it's easy using and cheap.
you can go to esobd2.com to have a look.