I have an automatic V6 1996 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer Edition w/ 135000 miles, and I have been having lots of problems with it. The check engine light comes on all the time, and it has a knocking sound coming from the engline, which gets really really hot and shakes and smells funny when it idles. I have heard that the knocking sound is because of the spark plugs but this seems wierd to me due to the fact that I just changed them about 3 months ago. When I put the truck in reverse, it shifts hard, and the same happens in drive. These problems are driving me crazy!!! Can anyone help? I live outside of town where there aren't any buses, and I really don't want myself and my children to be walking the long way it is into town for school and work! PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME!!! Thank you so much!!!!

"Getting Hot" Just how hot? Whatever is wrong if it's overheating that has to be addressed first as that will cause an assortment of troubles.

Don't wait on that one. Coolant must be full at radiator and recovery tank. If found low - fill it and let's find out why it was low. Check engine light codes may help or be misleading but wouldn't hurt to have right now. Word has it you can get a basic scan at some chain stores like AutoZone for free,

T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
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http://www.autoacsystems.com/tomgreenleaf/

The truck smells like it is overheating, but we took it to AutoZone to have them to the test and they said there was a misfire in Cylinder 6, so we changed that spark plug. The truck seems to be running better, however, is there a reason why the spark plugs burn us in just 3 months??? There seems to be a constant problem with Cylinder 6, but i have no idea how to go about getting that fixed, or what it is.

There may be a problem with fuel to #6. Looking at spark plug vs another might help. You said changing #6 helps -- is that saying it runs well or just a bit better?

You may need a compression check. You mentioned a noise and that might be related. Don't know how the shifting fits into this scenario.

There could be a problem with plug wire to #6 also. I think you could buy just one at about twice the price each as the whole set as a test. I'm bad and don't believe all plug wires are bad all at once unless they just look bad or have been manhandled too much I get incredible miles and years out of plug wires myself.

Do you still think you are running hot? What does the gauge say? Did CEL go out when you replaced the plug or a short while later?

T
Tom Greenleaf - MetroWest Boston - USA
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http://www.autoacsystems.com/tomgreenleaf/