Forum Discussion
mosseater
Aug 12, 2015Explorer II
PUCampin wrote:
May be a bit late now, but a Bluetooth OBDII scanner can be purchased for $15, and a app that interfaces with it for around $5. It can display any sensor output in real time as well as log data. I used such a set up to determine where and when I was having misfires, even though no codes were being thrown, I could watch the misfire count on each cylinder as I drove, and could see under what conditions it was happening. It has been an invaluable diagnostic tool for a whole $20 investment.
I agree with previous posters, it sounds like the bypass valve is not opening reliably, and/or the cooling loop through the radiator is plugged.
I had issues with my previous 04 Explorer transmission getting too hot, but in that case it turns out there was no radiator loop, just a stacked plate cooler, and towing up a hill or backing into a spot after towing, it could not reject enough heat and the fluid would get too hot. Design flaw on Ford's part, but it was there from the beginning, not something that developed after time.
I once paid a dealer $500 to diagnose a intermittent no start. The weren't really sure what caused it, but their regional electrical expert was sure he fixed it. It happened again, and it was then I realized I did not hear the familiar whir/click of the fuel pump when it would not start. $25 fuel pump relay fixed it.
Good luck to you, I hope you get to the bottom of it, can be very frustrating.
I'll send you the OBDII scanner I purchased on Amazon and see if you can get it to work. I couldn't. There was another $15 down the drain. It would power up, and recognize the computer, but no info would exchange. That's when I looked further into the scanners and found out there's apparently a plethora of fake scanners for sale on the internet. I have a feeling mine is one of them. Followed the directions multiple times, but no soap. I still have the Torque app, though. Maybe I'll get brave and try another one sometime.
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