So Fix it

The fuel pump to your 1993 Ford Explorer is designed to pressurize fuel that then travels through the fuel injectors and into the engine. A faulty fuel pump may be responsible for problems related to engine stalling and no-start conditions. Replacing the fuel pump is a procedure that can be done at home if you know how to remove the fuel tank and the fuel pumps fuel feed line and return lines, which are separate procedures that require separate tools. Other than acquiring the replacement parts, there are no special tools needed to perform this task on your own.

Instructions

Removing the Fuel Pump

1

Relieve the fuel pressure system by disconnecting the electrical connector from the inertia shut-off switch, located on the passenger-side floor pan below the heater, and run the Explorer for several seconds until it stops.

2

Siphon the fuel tank until it is empty with a siphoning kit.

3

Remove the negative cable from the battery.

4

Jack the Explorer and support it, using jack stands.

5

Remove the fuel tank. This is a separate procedure.

6

Remove the fuel feed line and the return lines from the fuel pump module. This is a separate procedure.

7

Caully knock loose the fuel-pump-module lock ring counterclockwise, using a brass punch and hammer.

8

Pull out the fuel pump from the fuel tank. Tilt the pump as you are doing this to prevent the fuel level float and sending unit from breaking off in the fuel tank.

9

Replace the O-ring seal on the tank if it is damaged.

10

Separate the electrical connector from the fuel pump. Use a small wrench to loosen the fuel hose lower clamp.

11

Separate the C-clip from the bottom of the fuel pump to remove the pump strainer using a flat-head screwdriver. If the strainer appears too contaminated to be cleaned with solvent, replace it.

Installing the New Fuel Pump

12

Wipe clean the fuel pump mounting area with a rag. Use thick grease for the new O-ring seal and place it around the opening on the fuel tank.

13

Attach the strainer to the new fuel pump and clip on the C-clip.

14

Install the new fuel pump to the fuel pump assembly by connecting the electrical connector to the fuel pump and tightening the clamp with a flat-head screwdriver.

15

Insert the fuel pump assembly into the fuel tank. Be caul not to damage the fuel level float and sending unit when installing the assembly.

16

Tighten the lock ring clockwise until the locking cams are underneath the retaining tangs. The new O-ring seal may make it difficult for it to lock, so you might have to push down while turning the lock ring.

17

Follow steps 6 to 3 of Section 1 in reverse order. Add gas to your Explorer. Follow Step 1 of Section 1 in reverse order to finish.

If the gas mileage in your 1996 Ford Explorer has noticeably decreased or the engine is running rough, you may have a failing oxygen sensor. The 1996 Explorer uses four oxygen sensors in the emissions system. The sensors are located to the front and rear of the dual converters and mount straight into the exhaust pipes. You can easily change the oxygen sensors on your truck at home with a few common hand tools.

Instructions

1

Raise your Explorer with a jack and position a set of jack stands beneath it for support. Remove the jack once the jack stands are stable.

2

Disconnect the electrical connection from the oxygen sensor. Remove the oxygen sensor using an oxygen sensor socket and ratchet. Discard the old sensor.

3

Install the new sensor and thread it by hand. Torque the sensor to 30 pound-feet with a torque wrench. Press the wiring connection into place until it clicks.

4

Repeat the process on the remaining sensors if needed. Raise the truck slightly with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the truck to the ground and remove the jack.

Oxygen sensors monitor the oxygen saturation in your Ford Explorers exhaust. The fuel to air ratio is regulated based on the readings from the oxygen sensors. A failing oxygen sensor can cause decreased fuel economy. Improve your fuel consumption as well as your Explorers emissions by replacing faulty oxygen sensors. You can purchase a new oxygen sensor at an auto parts store or Ford dealership.

Instructions

1

Disconnect the battery cable from the negative battery terminal. Set the cable in a secure area away from the terminal.

2

Lift the truck with a jack and position a set of jack stands securely beneath it to support the vehicle while you work under it. Remove the jack when your Explorer is secure.

3

Locate the O2 sensors along the exhaust. Depending on the engine your Explorer is equipped with, there are anywhere from one to four O2 sensors along the exhaust pipes and the manifold. Change your O2 sensors one at a time to make the process easier.

4

Disconnect the electrical connection from the top of the sensor. The electrical connection plugs into the wiring pigtail on the top of the sensor.

5

Unscrew the sensor from the manifold or exhaust pipe using an oxygen sensor socket and ratchet. Discard the old sensor.

6

Coat the threads of the new sensor carefully with anti-seize compound if your new sensor is not pre-treated with it. Many sensors are pre-treated with anti-seize.

7

Install the sensor using an oxygen sensor socket and ratchet to tighten it securely. Attach the electrical connector to the pigtail.

8

Raise your Explorer with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the truck to the ground.

You can retrieve the error codes from your 1996 Ford Explorer right from your home garage, saving money and time. The 96 Explorer comes equipped with an On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD II) computer that monitors all of the vehicles functions. Sensors send error codes to the computer, which it stores for later retrieval. The computer alerts you to these error codes by illuminating a warning or service light on the vehicles dash. To read the codes you must buy or borrow an OBD II scan tool. These tools can be obtained from any auto parts retailer.

Instructions

1

Find the diagnostic port on the drivers side dash near the steering column. The port will be the same shape and size as the OBD II scan tool connector. Plug the OBD II scan tool into this port.

2

Put the key into the ignition and turn the vehicle to the "ON" position, but dont start the engine. This will power on most scan tools. If not, look for the "ON" switch on the scan tool and turn it on.

3

Press "Retrieve Codes" or a similar command on the scan tool. Wait while it interfaces with the Explorers computer. Eventually you will see one or more alphanumeric codes. Write down the codes on a piece of paper. Look up their meaning in the scan tools manual.

4

Unplug the scan tool and have the vehicle serviced or repaired based on the information obtained from the error codes.

The 2006 Ford Explorer has a message display feature that informs the driver of several maintenance procedures that should be performed over time. One of these procedures is changing the engine oil. When the oil is low, the message display will show "CHANGE OIL." After the oil is changed, however, the message display must be reset manually. You should reset this display every time you change the oil, which should be done every 5,000 miles or 180 days.

Instructions

1

Locate the "TRIP/RESET" button on your vehicles control switch. Press and hold the "TRIP/RESET" button to select the "SYSTEM CHECK" option. This will cause the message display to cycle through each of the systems being monitored. "OIL LIFE RESET" will be the first system displayed.

2

Depress the "TRIP/RESET" button then select "OIL LIFE RESET." The message display will show "HOLD RESET IF NEW OIL."

3

Press and hold the "TRIP/RESET" button for more than two seconds to reset the engine oil life. Once the procedure has been completed, "OIL LIFE SET TO 100%" will be displayed.