96 Ford Explorer rough running

230,000 MILES • 6 CYL • 4WD • AUTOMATIC
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EDWARDNEWMAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
96 Explorer, 6 cyl, with intermittent rough performance, and occasional difficulty to start. I recently replaced MAF, coil pack, spark plugs and wires, fuel pump and filter. I removed and inspected fuel injectors, and the cylinders compression are within limits. I almost purchased a camshaft position sensor, but employees at auto parts store did not think it would help. I have been getting engine code 0306 mostly with occasional 0303 and 0305 codes (misfire cyl 6,3 5 respectively). It seems to run ok at cruise, and at idle when warmed up. While accelerating, I get code which corresponds to enriched fuel mixture. Cold mornings (40-45 deg in Sacramento, CA) may either be very difficult to start, or may start easily with RPM fluctuations until it warms up in about 1 minute.
Jan 22, 2011 at 8:27 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 110,248 POSTS
Check the idle air control valve. also, check the temp sensor. The IAC can cause the RPM fluctuations and hard start. The temp sensor can cause a hard start based on too lean or rich fuel mixture.
Mar 9, 2011 at 9:20 PM
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