Ford Repair: Engine, catalytic convertor, muffler shop

Question
I have a 1994 Ford Explorer 2wd with automatic transmission. The other day I was headed out of town and when I started to go up a hill my check engine light came on and the car started to loose power. I know that one of the sensors must be bad, but don't know which one would cause a loss of power. Can you help with that or do I have to take it to a Ford Dealer to have it checked? Also, is there a way to know if the catalytic convertor is bad or do I need to take it to a muffler shop and have them check it out? It seems that when I lost the power that the engine was straining. Any help would be appreciated.
Ronnie

Answer
The Check Engine Light comes on when there is a problem in the Emissions System. The system will have to be scanned again for Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC's). The code will indicate where the computer sees the problem. The code doesn't always mean that the sensor is bad, it could also be a wiring problem, or a symptom of a different problem.  Your catalytic converters could be bad, this would cause a Check Engine light and a lack of power.  When converter are clogged, they sometimes make a loud hissing noise from the exhaust.  I would take the vehicle to the dealer to have it diagnosed.  Factory converter are very expensive. If the dealer diagnoses them to be bad, you might want to take the vehicle to a muffler shop to have them replaced.

I hope this helps,
Dave