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Ford Explorer Sport Trac - IV
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Comments
The vehicle has been very enjoyable to own, very versitle and fun to drive.
If you enjoyed the test drive, I think you will probably enjoy owning one too.
the only downside is that a 4x4 is $30,000- which is alot for a pickup without alot of ground clearance. a few questions for you lucky owners:
1. what do you owners use the bed for? one of my concerns is that the bed maybe too small to be really useful- how are you guys using them?
2. i only sat in the leather ones, how is the fabric interior- durable or wears soon?
3. has anyone changed out the tires? i said i did not want firestone tires and the dealer seemed reluctant to swap out.
4. anything i should look out for when doing the 'test drive' and tire kicking?
5. do any of you go off-road? how does it perform?
6. is the tow pkg worth it or should i just get a hidden hitch-type aftermarket?
7. it is very long (over 200 inches) do any of you find it difficult in shopping pkg, city pkg, etc?
thank you in advance for responses!
1. What do I use the bed for? First, I bought an after market fiberglass cover for it so that I can use it as a giant "trunk" - perfect for fitting all the "stuff" required by our baby when we travel. Also perfect for getting most large consumer purchases to the house - anything not longer than 5 feet or so (like trips to Sam's Club, etc.). I also use it for hauling yard items to and from the house. With the cargo cage I was able to fit 8 very large yard bags full of leaves.
2. Fabric interior: have not had any wear on mine, and stains came out well. I've had mine for 6 months now.
3. Tires: I bought my ST 3 days before the recall in August 99, and it had non-recalled Wilderness AT's. I complained in my Ford purchase survey and to the dealer about it and was put on a list in October. It took until today, but the dealer just put 5 Goodyear Wrangler HT's on it for no charge. I got 5000 free (but uneasy) miles out of the Firestones. Stick to your guns on the tires if you don't want Firestone.
4. I did not have any of the defects mentioned in these postings. I did fail to notice a loose speaker wire on on speaker!
7. I do not have any problem parking or going around town with it, and my prior car was a small Civic.
I highly recommend the ST after 6 months of trouble free usage and counting.
Much to my surprise, I have never had a problem fitting anything into the bed. I recently bought a new kitchen table and 4 chairs; they all fit fine. Even moreso, I moved a queen mattress set just fine.
Also, 4-wheel drive has been VERY beneficial this winter (in the midwest). But before winter came, I wanted to test it out myself. I drove down a very steep and muddle hillside on our property. I hadn't been down it in a while, and soon realized that the bottom of the hillside had been washed-out. I didn't have enough room to turn around and thought I was doomed. Of course 4-wheel drive was engaged the whole time. My only option was to go back up the wet, muddy hillside; BACKWARDS. I got out fine with no problems except for a heavily-mudded underside.
Message #303 also mentioned a tow-package. I bought a nice Hidden Hitch over the web for around $125. I haven't had a chance to use it yet, but it looks great. I'll report on that later this Spring after a few fishing trips to the lake with my boat. I love my Sport Trac!
Also, I have carried 10 foot long rain gutters without a problem. I just lowered the power rear window and slid the excess length into the cab.
I used to have a compact pickup with a 6 foot bed and I feel the ST is much more useful and versitle.
Will
I have tried to read most of the posts on this discussion board and have seen a lot of enthusiasm and some disappointment. I live in the "triangle" area of NC and don't see any "dealing" on them, yet. Should I wait, order or deal with the dealers that have them in stock now. I tried to look at the "mysportrac.com" website but it seems to be down or unavailable, so I couldn't access some of the other feedback from other owners.
I'm looking for some honest feedback regarding mpg with the manual and the "feel good" owners got after they bought theirs. I feel that all the technical information helps you buy the truck but it's all the little stuff that makes you love one.
4 Door Explorer XLT (similarly equipped) for $25,000.
Expedition XLT $29,000.
These were all new vehicles. Just shows you what the mark-up is on these things, as they all sticker for about $6000 more than what they are offering.
You need to try MySportTrac.com again. It will give all you need to know and more.
I just received the safety recall notice but it fully explains that it is for the hood latch striker. It has been reported that the latch for the engine hood could crack and fail causing the hood to fly open during high speeds. Ford advises that you make an appointment and have it replaced free of charge. It should only take half a day or less. The part might have to be ordered, which might take a week to come in.
I especially like the 6 disc in dash CD, the electric rear window and the tonneau cover. I am very satisfied with the purchase. I even like my dealer, they were professional during the sale and the service department even washes the vehicle after being serviced. The new Blue Oval certifcation standards seems to be working. The dealer has spruced up the place and they seem very customer-focused.
As for the ride you experienced, the hard-riding vehicle may have had overly inflated tires. The factory usually fills them over the recommended amount to keep the tires from getting flat spots while they sit around during shipping.
The ST only comes with the higher output Overhead Cam version. That ST 4.0L engine rocks! The 5 speed automatic also assures that the gearing is always right for good acceleration and 5th gear overdrive is great for low rpm cruising and better mileage.
Three people? How does it compare to an Explorer, or Montero, or van, or car? Thanks for your time and input.
PROBLEM CONFIRMED
FIX CONFIRMED
A rattle coming from the right and/or left wheel wells could be heard from inside the cab. The problem is caused by two pieces of plastic hitting each other. The force of the wind causes the plastic parts to vibrate against each other. The fix may vary from dealer to dealer but usually involve cutting or gluing the plastic pieces.
Sun Roof Leaks.
PROBLEM CONFIRMED
FIX CONFIRMED
A roof leak could occur if the drain tubes become disconnected. The leak appears at the rear seat directly over the passenger door. Owners can mistakenly believe the leak is in the door. It is necessary to lower the headliner and reconnect and secure the drain tubes.
Gas Door Rubs.
PROBLEM CONFIRMED
FIX CONFIRMED
9476 fuel door rubs fender or tab does not fit in the slot
Some 2001 explorer sport trac vehicles may exhibit a fuel door rubbing the fender opening near the hinge position or the fuel door tab not fitting into the housing slot. This may be due to insufficient clearances between the fuel door & fender opening. If a vehicle comes in for this condition, install a revised fuel door housing assembly per the following color applications:
HARVEST GOLD 1L5Z-99405A26-BAA
TOREADOR RED 1L5Z-99405A26-BAC
WHITE 1L5Z-99405A26-BAH
DARK TEAL 1L5Z-99405A26-BAE
ESTATE GREEN 1L5Z-99405A26-BAJ
EBONY 1L5Z-99405A26-BAF
WEDGEWOOD BLUE 1L5Z-99405A26-BAD
SILVERFROST MET. 1L5Z-99405A26-BAK
Refer to section 501-04 of the 2001 explorer sport/sport trac workshop manual for installation instructions.
Extended Warranty 6 Years, 72,000 Miles.
WARRANTY CONFIRMED
Exclusive Report
Ford to extend warranty on Explorer, Mountaineer
Published: 01 December 2000
Robert Lane
Date of revision:
Ford Motor Company has decided to extend the warranty on 1997-2000 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer models produced at their St. Louis assembly plant that are equipped with the 4.0L SOHC engine. The free extended warranty also applies to 2001 Explorer Sport and Sport Trac models with the 4.0L SOHC engine as well. The extended warranty will only cover the engines camshaft, timing chain tensioner and lower intake manifold gasket for six (6) years of 72,000 miles. If the vehicle already has 72,000 miles than the warranty will be extended to 01 April 2001.
Ford will also authorize dealers to replace all three parts should a vehicle come into the service department for any one of the problems. If you would like to contribute or comment about this article, please contact Robert Lane or comment about it on our message board BlueOvalNews.com
Rattle in Dash.
PROBLEM UNCONFIRMED
FIX UNCONFIRMED
Rattle is a loose bracket behind the lower center console (one with the cup holders and the tray for holding miscellaneous items). You will need an offset wrench to tighten the bolt. Locate the bolt by contorting into the driver's side space below the steering column and finding it behind the center console. Alternatively, you can feel for it by sitting at the driver's seat and using your right hand to feel directly to the right of the panel below the steering assembly. Find the single metal bracket that runs from the center console to the chassis. The bolt closer to the center console should be marginally loose. It should require 3 to 4 full turns to tighten.
Some electric seats squeak and/or wobble slightly.
PROBLEM UNCONFIRMED
FIX UNCONFIRMED
A few reports of wobbly and/or squeaky seats have been reported. None have reported anything serious and the problem appears to be isolated to a few vehicles.
That Dam Ringing Sound.
SOUND CONFIRMED
PROBLEM UNIDENTIFIED
FIX UNCONFIRMED
The shape of the transfer case front flange (bell shaped) amplifies the transfer case noises. A coating was applied. It seemed to have worked, but two days later the ringing came back.
Missing Paint on Doors.
PROBLEM CONFIRMED
FIX CONFIRMED
The bottoms of some doors are not completely painted with the body color paint. Most of the owners reporting the problem indicated the paint was missing on one to three doors. One or more doors were fully painted. All owners reported that the clear coat was present. You must look under the door to see the problem. It is not visible from any other angle. The fix is simply to have the doors painted
Steering Vibration/Shudder
PROBLEM CONFIRMED
FIX UNCONFIRMED
The shudder problem is noticeable only at low speeds in 2WD when the steering wheel is fully or almost fully turned such as when entering a paring space. A slight shudder is felt in the steering wheel. This occurs on 2x4 and 4x4 models. Most users report the problem diminishes over time. Others reported that bleeding the power steering lines solved the problem.
Your ST should never be in 4WD on dry pavement, especially during tight turns. Tight maneuvering while in 4WD will always cause a steering shudder.
Paint chipping/scratching on inside door handles.
PROBLEM CONFIRMED
FIX UNCONFIRMED
The problem is related to poor materials. The interior door handles are painted with a very thin coat of paint and do not have a sealing coat of any kind. The handles should have been made from a solid color materials instead of painted. There is no known resolution at this time.
Recall of Hood Assembly.
PROBLEM CONFIRMED
FIX UNCONFIRMED
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 00V394000
Component: STRUCTURE: HOOD ASSEMBLY: HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
Mfg. Campaign #: 00S45
Year: 2001
Make: FORD TRUCK
Model: EXPLORER SPORT TRAC
Potential Number of Units Affected: 137700
Manufactured From: SEP 1999 To: OCT 2000
Year of Recall: '00
Type of Report: Vehicle
Summary: Vehicle Description: Sport utility vehicles with steel hoods and certain pickup trucks equipped with sheet molding compound hoods. A wire formed hood striker could be susceptible to fatigue fractures. If the hood striker fractures, the hood could fly open while the vehicle is being driven.
A hood fly-up while the vehicle is being operated could result in reduced driver visibility.
Dealers will replace the hood striker. Owner notification is expected to begin during December 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact Ford at 1-800-392-3673. Also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's Auto Safety Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
The rear seats fold down (60/40) and there are two covered storage places behind the rear seats.
This states that, "it is possible for the affected vehicles to exceed design maximum speed."
It goes on to say, "Owners who are affected by this owner notification are asked to return their vehicles to their dealer for powertrain calibration update. The updated calibration will insure that the vehicle operates within the design maximum speed."
Does anyone know what the design maximum speed is? If I have them to do this, I'm concerned that I will lose some performance. If anyone has more info on this, please post.
Thanks.
http://www.mysporttrac.com/mysporttrac/
I know this has been posted before but it truly is a great site.
1) The tonneau cover is not a good fit for me and I know that a company in Michigan (A.R.E.) produces a fiberglass camper shell style cover. Any thoughts on this or does anyone know of other companies doing the same/similar product?
2) Can anyone recommend a good trailer hitch? Can -Haul install one? Is there one that is easy to order and install yourself? Thoughts?
Would you mind e-mailing me at RSchFamily@aol.com
with any ideas? I sometimes forget to log on here to check... THANK YOU
Thanks,
RP
The cargo cage extender also has locks to keep it and the tailgate from bouncing around. It is a very sound design. In comparison, if you look at the Nissan cargo extender, they have these cheap hold down clamps that look like an afterthought and are clumsy to use. The tailgate of the Nissan can bounce around with their design.
...
I got my ST 11 months ago too and have enjoyed it thoroughly. I have not had any problems at all excpet for the gas door rub which the dealer adjusted while I waited. It has not rubbed since. Love my ST.