why is my 1994 ford explorer overheating,and the check engine light comes on when i go uphill,off downhill?

Answer 1

Probably because you have a 13 year old radiator that's 3/4 clogged.

Answer 2

not sure if it works with your vehicle or not but you can give it a try. turn your key on and off 5 times quickly(not starting the vehicle) on the last turn leave it turned. your check engine light may begin to flash, if it does count the flashes. it will pause then start again. each code will have two numbers for instance 5 flashes pause 5 flashes is a 55, on my car that is a clear code. then google your model and cell code. (1994 ford explorer cell codes) there is someone out there that has had the same problem for sure and has most likely posted something somewhere that will help. good luck

Answer 3

Raidator could be filling with rust. So even if yur water level looks OK, the amount of water avilable to do the cooling could be insufficient.

This happened to my 1988 Jeep Cherokee, towking a 12-foot trailer from Florida to Arizona - I got in to Texas & it boiled going up each hill & cooled going down the next.

When it got diagnosed, a power flush solved the problem.

Answer 4

it might be ur overflow tank makesure there is enough water in there so your car doesn't overheat, as for ur check engine light for uphill and down as well let's just say if the hill is steep enough like the ones in SF California it your engine isn't powerful enough but going down if it's also steep it's because your engine doesn't have the power to go that fast so easily so it might be a burst of speed from the hills

Answer 5

well, there could be a number of reasons...try the cheapest thing first! your thermostat could be sticking. that's where I'd start. Also make sure your fan is working and you have water in your radiator...then check the water pump if all else fails.

Answer 6

Might need a new thermostat or need to change your engine coolant.

Answer 7

Have you checked your radiator fluid level?