I posted this and some other mechanical questions on one of the explorer boards but didn't get much of a reply. It seems to be populated by younger guys who are brilliant when it comes to sound systems or hopping up their rides but I think I need to look elsewhere for mechanical advice: I'm in the UK with a 97 explorer which I've had just about 6 weeks. It's my first really "electronic" car. Despite being a decent mechanic and the car being good with no major problems when I looked at it, it seems that problems are cropping up regularly. As of right now, I have a vacuum leak on the left side of the engine, I know because I can hear it. I have the following DTC's that I need to "get my head around" P0172, P0174 P1132, P1150. I also have P0301, P0306 (misfire on 1 and 6) which I'll work on at the same time as the vacuum leak, probably wednesday evening with work commitments. You shouldbe aware that this car has a propane gas conversion for use here in the UK where gasoline is US$7/gallon. Propane is "only" $2.80 which is still waaay too expensive but when you do the math you can see I'm running this explorer for less than a japanese subcompact!! Anyway, I can switch the gas conversion out and run on regular gasoline until I get this problem sorted and everything tested out OK so please be aware that it's fitted but assume I'm using regular fuel when you (hopefully) reply. This isn't the cause of the problems although it's a good scapegoat, everybody who knows nothing about them (including Ford) blames them!! In addition to the DTC's I have the following symptoms: intermittent rough idling (mostly drops to stall and occasionally fluctuates wildly) and an occasional misfire when running, not there all the time and not noticeable under power, you can only feel it under cruise control or when running on a "neutral" throttle ie no power on and just holding the pedal steady to maintain speed on flat level ground. I found a list of codes on F150.net and I've read up on what they mean individually, but what do they *actually* mean is wrong with my engine? For example P1132 "Lack of Upstream Heated Oxygen Sensor Switch - Sensor Indicates Rich - Bank No. 1" Lack of upstream heated oxygen sensor switch?? same starting phrase as P1150. I know the o2 sensor is fitted, I can see it! maybe it means that the heater element in the o2 sensor/ sensors is/are not working? Help, please before it causes brain fade! I'll be working on it wednesday after 3 15 hour shifts in a row, I know I'll not be up for mental gymnastics by then LOL Also, in about 10 days I'll be in the US on a work/vacation for 5 days. It seems the ideal time to pick up any spare parts that I might need (example, o2 sensors here are about US$130 each) and I also considered buying myself a code reader because nobody here does free code readings, cost is usually around $50. Because I have manufacturer specific codes on there (P1xxx series) as well as generic (P0xxx) I looked for a code reader that would do both. Some of the very cheap ones only do the generic codes. I noticed this at advance auto parts, I know they have stores everywhere: http://tinyurl.com/7xfh8 Will this do the job? it seems like a good price. Retail is around $200 and there are plenty of online sellers pushing it out for around $160 and above. Any comments? anybody use this tool before? Thanks ALLAN M0HGV "It can be dangerous to weaken the strong in our attempts to strengthen the weak" ~Jim Rohn

Allan,   This is a lengthy email and a bit hard to sort through.  I have friends who have done a propane conversion to 2 old Chevy pickups with no issues what so ever.  When pulling codes you can become more confused than you were before attaching the code reader.  Are you getting any CEL's?  My 93 Explorer did part of what you are describing.  Hesistations and bogs at idle at hardly any load.  Your electronic car relies on sensors and correct information from them.  I would first look at your MAF then go from there.  1 bad sensor can trip multiple unrelated codes.