20 Most Recent 1997 Ford Explorer AWD - Page 3 Questions & Answers

What's the problem exactly, Dreama? don-ohio (:^)

I located the switch and cleaned up underneath it as well as a shot of WD40. 1st open the door. 2nd manually close the latch with a screw driver. Look for the white tab in the top of the latch. You can only see it when the door is open and the latch is closed. To test, start the vehicle and if the switch is not working correctly the door ajar will go on. Use a small screw driver and push the white tab up and let it fall back down. It should move very easily and doesn't need to go up much. The tab is the bottom of the switch. I used a tooth pick to get up under the switch and clean anything that was possibly stopping the switch from coming down all the way. Once I clean it I used the WD40 with a nozzle to lubricate it blow any remaining junk out from under the latch. This seems to have corrected the problem.

Hi:
Your P0446 code is a Evap vent valve code: Evap vent valve has only one purpose. It closes in order to seal the vent so the EVAP system can pressurize and ensure there are no leaks. Evap vent valve is usually supplied Batt. voltage with key on. The ECM's driver controls the ground, and when grounded, activates the valve (closing it). If the ECM detects a short to ground, and open,or a short to battery voltage on the control circuit, P0446 will set. Code also may refer to ECM detecting that EVAP system is unable to achieve or maintain vacuum during test.
Symptoms There will be no obvious symptoms to driver, other than MIL illumination.
Causes A code P0446 could mean one or more of the following has happened:

• Faulty vent valve
• Open, short or excessive resistance on Vent valve control circuit
• Blockage of vent valve
• Bad PCM

Possible Solutions With a P0446 OBD-II trouble code, here are some things to try:

• Replace Vent valve
• Repair open, short, or resistance problem in control circuit
• Repair open, or short, or resistance problem in power circuit
• Replace PCM

Sorry ,can't make any larger

Sounds like it is your CV axles.  Turn the wheel one direction, right or left, and check just behind the wheels to see if your CV boot is cracked or ripped (the boot is a black, rubber accordion looking thing).  If it is cracked or ripped, I would say that is definitely the problem.

Did you check for spark ? I did you check fuel pump ? pressure test ? What relay ?

Were you having this problem before you changed the cable? If it cranks good but won't start, have a helper crank it, while you visually check for spark at the spark plugs, if spark everywhere, use a gage and check fuel pressure. Also, check for fuel injector pulse. Can you check for applicable trouble codes?

Transfer case stuck in neutral. Or you bought a bad transmission.

P0420 Catalyst System Efficiency Below Threshold Bank 1 Probably the cat is bad .You need to have it tested How To Diagnose Check Engine Light Code P0420 Catalyst Bank 1

The recommended repair for both the P0171 and P0174 codes is to clean the MAF sensor. Ensure you use the proper cleaning solution, as there are many that will damage the sensor. Buy a cleaner that is made specifically for MAF sensors. The P0420 code will probably clear up if the MAF sensor clears the other two codes.

code p 420 refers to catalytic converter system bank 1--efficiency below threshold ===causes--- catalytic converter,--wiring---HO2S 2 sensor could be a bad HO2S sensor or a failed cat converter try the sensor first as they are cheaper than a cat

The 1997 Ford explorer does not have separate Transmission Control Module, the transmission is controlled by PCM

Inertia fuel shutoff (IFS) swicht location in instrument panel below radio.Thanks

Under the truck on the backside of the engine. Behind the catalytic converter. Passenger side.

Loose tie rod or other suspension component. When my inner tie rod was loose the car would shake like crazy

Here are two excellent websites to check: www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUO6HvkgmeM http://www.modifiedlife.com/1997-ford-explorer-car-stereo-radio-wiring-diagram/ Both are terrific resources and should give you everything you need. Cheers, TIH

I would expect no damage to the sprockets. They are hardened. I must have replaced 2-3 hundred on Jeeps with Quadra-trac; never replaced a sprocket.

either lift engine up or drop front differential out i would remove diff remove cv axles front drive shaft then all mounting points on the front end then should be clear shot to oil pan