1993 Ford Tempo, fuel trouble

SHARK

MEMBER
1993 FORD TEMPO

I have a 1993 ford tempo with a 2.3l. It drove fine on my way home from work, later, when I was going to the store, started the car and it puffed out black smoke and mis-firing. Acted like it was loading up with fuel? Eventually it came out of it. Drove it to work the next morning and ran fine. Went to lunch and it acted up again. Problem seems intermittant and "service engine light" comes on when the car acts up. I had trouble with it idling- up before. I changed the Idle Speed Valve and the Mass Air Flow Senser and that fixed that problem.
Like most people, I can't afford to take it to the shop. Any ideas where to start? EGR, Oxy senser?
Thanks in advanced Jeff.

1 Reply

TAURUSWHEEL

MECHANIC
718 POSTS

First thing is you need to go and buy yourself a scan tool for your car, which has the eec4 system. You can pick one up at the local autoparts store probably around 30 bucks. That way, you'll know where to start looking when that check engine light is on. Or most stores will read them for you free of charge, make sure you get the exact code number, I think 3 digit for your year. Post back here with it, guessing is a waste of time and money, newer models are even more difficult since the control systems are so much more advanced. Soujnd like a broken record, but my opinion is everyone should have a tool that will give them at least the trouble codes, think of the $$$$ you blow on stupid #$@#, could buy a hundred tools. Not being a hardass here, but a lot of parts can be replaced by diy'ers if you have a clue where to start. Also a shop manual or disc is extremely helpful, of course there's always issues that only specialized equipment can diagnose.