Questions and Answers
Explorer Maintenance
Q. Good Evening Mr. Ciulla, I just recently discovered your site and found it very informative and helpful. But, unfortunately I now have a very specific situation and would like your input. I own a 1996 Ford Explorer XLT AWD V-8 5.0 liter. The 'check engine' light has now lit up and won't turn off.
It is my understanding that this is quite common for my SUV and that it could be a result of many different issues. Background on my SUV, is that it now has approximately 72,000 miles, I purchased it in 1997 with approximately 46,000 miles on it. It has never had the PCV valve, fuel filter, or 02 sensors replaced. It has had the basic maintenance of oil, oil filter, air filter, transmission fluid, brake fluid replaced at it's recommended times and have also recently replaced the spark plugs and wires.
I would like to do the easy repairs, such as replace the PCV valve, if any and see if that will fix the issue. What would you recommend I replace? Or would you recommend I take it in for service? Can you tell me where the PCV valve is located and any diagrams that would help me locate it or direct me to sites that may have the diagrams?
Thank You for all your help.
A. With 72,000 miles on the original fuel filter, you're probably getting a fuel related code in the computer. I would change the fuel filter and PCV valve before I go into the computer and see what codes are in there. The O2 sensors are not usually changed as a routine maintenance item, only when they go bad. When you replace the fuel filter, disconnect the negative battery terminal for about five minutes and then reconnect it. This will clear all the codes from the computer.
If the check engine light comes back on, then we can go into the computer, pull the codes and go from there. Below is the location of your PCV valve.
Additional Information provided courtesy of ALLDATA
