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Ford Explorer Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • doubleg1doubleg1 Member Posts: 1
    Recently purchased a 2000 Limited V-8. Expensive, considering my last vehicle was a 1978 Bronco with
    470,000 miles. Does anyone know of a noise that occurs at approx 72 mph eminating from the front of the vehicle? It sort of sounds like intake noise. Similar, if any one remembers, that sound old 4 barrel carbureted cars made at full throttle. Its not present at 70 or 75 mph just at about 73mph. I'm a little concerned since this news about the Wilderness tires has come out and perhaps the noise is from the tires. (I have those tires).Has anyone experienced this?
  • mike_542mike_542 Member Posts: 128
    I bought my wheels and tires from Tirerack.com. The total cost was $1446.90 which was quite a lot. But, as I said before, the upgrade not only improved the sense of security, but handling, styling, braking, and refinement.
  • poco1poco1 Member Posts: 2
    We recently bought our second Ford Explorer which now has less than 4000 miles on the Wilderness A/T tires. After hearing the news and reading the newspaper concerning the danger of these tires, we decided to do some research.Little did we expect to find three incidents in our area of tire separation with these particular tires on this particular type of vehicle, one resulting in a rollover and a death. Our Ford dealership did not warn us about these tires at all. We called the Firestone hotline and were told by a recorded message that we could go to a Firestone owned store and they would do whatever it took to make the customer happy.However they forgot to tell their stores that. Bottom line is, after tempers flared we did get new tires put on our Explorer at no additional cost. Our son who lives in another city had purchased an Expedition about the same time as we purchased ours and was in his Firestone store today and also received new tires. Please take a good look at your situation. Take the time to do what it takes to make your vehicle safe.
  • njdevilsrnnjdevilsrn Member Posts: 185
    Question for Poco or anyone with experience to share...

    The tires they replaced, were they Wilderness tires also, or did they give you something else. If it were Wilderness tires they replaced them with, are these new ones re-designed? Basically what I'm getting at is did it cost you anything, and did Firestone give you an explanation of why the tires they gave you were ok and the other ones suspect to the tread problem.

    Thanks (PS The reason I ask is I just bought my 3rd Explorer 2 weeks ago, has the Wilderness tires...truck was built in June 2000)
  • mazman1mazman1 Member Posts: 229
    My Firestone Retailer was only willing to sell me the Bridgestone Duelers HL tires and give me a credit for my old tires (that have 5,000 miles)..

    Bridgestone, a Japanese company, owns Firestone, and who knows whether the tires are made the same way and in the same place as the Wilderness AT's
  • njdevilsrnnjdevilsrn Member Posts: 185
    Another question about tires...

    Anyone out there have anything other than Wilderness ATs on their truck? I know Michelin makes a good AT tire, but is kind of pricy. I had Goodyears on my 1997, I liked those tires better than the Firestones. Quieter, smoother ride.

    Any thoughts?
  • mazman1mazman1 Member Posts: 229
    There are a few other tires that can replace the Firestones. Bridgstone duelers, Pirelli, Michelin, Sumitomo and Goodyear all make tires for the explorer.

    You can see prices and tires on a website called

    www.tirerack.com

    I'm not pushing their site, but looking at their prices can give you an idea of what you would pay at a tire store.
  • mikenohmikenoh Member Posts: 6
    Just replaced the Firestone Wilderness At's which were OEM on my '98' XLT due to be news on tread failure. Thought about riding it out until Ford/Bridgstone did the right thing but decided to act now since we've got a long vacation coming up. The AT's had lot's of tread left at 20k but traction left a lot to be desired. Replaced them with Michelin LTX M/S--boy what a difference. Smoother rider, better steering response/handling and seemed quieter. With the AT's on the Explorer felt like it had too little rubber on the road--a bit unstable. The LTX's make it feel very stable;price was around $115 installed and balanced--well worth the $ IMHO.
    Mike
  • shayes1shayes1 Member Posts: 12
    I too have a 98 with 21.2k on the ATs. What kind of a trade in deal did your firestone dealer give you? $115 for those Michelins is a great deal!

    scott
  • poco1poco1 Member Posts: 2
    Firestone replaced the Wilderness A/T tires with Bridgestone Duelers A/T at no cost to us and at no cost to our son. We had under 4000 miles on our vehicle and our son had well over 4000 miles on his. By the way, our Explorer was made in late May 2000.
  • ahughes2ahughes2 Member Posts: 14
    Late tuesday it was announced the the three tires in question namely the ATx's, Atx II's and Firestone Wilderness AT's will be recalled. It is estimated it will cost Bridgestone $500 million dollars. As of today my local dealer was going to pro rate my after market AT's and apply that value to the purchase of Bridgestones' Dueler HL's. This is a far superior tire to the Firestone, acording to Tire Rack's evaluation regarding handling, noise and tire life. After the recall details come out,I assume I will be getting these tires at no cost to me as well as thousands of other Explorer owners who have been riding around on these noisy, uncomfortable, potentially dangerous tires. I cant believe Ford supplies their new vehicles with such an inferior tire. The truck is harsh enough. It will be real interesting what they select in the future.
  • mikenohmikenoh Member Posts: 6
    Actually, they(Mueller Tire in OH) knocked only 10% off their price, which looked pretty good compared to Tirerack. Didn't give me anything for the At's, except to note on the sales order the type of tires they took off and the mileage.

    I really wasn't expecting to get much and who knows if Ford or Bridgestone will give anything to customers who couldn't wait for the deal to trickle down them. With 10,000,000 tires to be recalled and priority given to the SE and SW states, I think it will be a while before the people in the rest of the country will see any tires.

    Do you really want to wait until they got them in stock? I couldn't since we have a vacation planned; it didn't make sense to roll the dice the the family safety.

    Regarding Ford, I'm going to try and see if I can get a free oil change out them; if I can great, if not, oh well.

    You're right on the mark on the issue of putting these junk tires on the Explorer; I would have gladdly paid and extra $100-200 to have the LTX's on at the factory. Given the fact the GM on these trucks is in the $10-15K range, I 've got to wonder what they were thinking when they decided to put these things on the biggest cash cow they make.I've got the feeling Ford is not going to come out looking real good in the lawsuits that have been filed since this problem has been known for the last4-6 years.
  • swschradswschrad Member Posts: 2,171
    A CNN story says there will be a limited 7-state recall area in the south when this is announced tomorrow, and half of the Firestones in that area could be replaced, which is still something like 24 million tires. The recall notice gets posted tomorrow, so YMMV.

    link: http://cnnfn.cnn.com/2000/08/08/companies/firestone_recall/
  • jillrjillr Member Posts: 1
    We actually replaced our Firestones in April as we had about 60K mi. on them. We got a great deal on Michelin X Radial LT's at Costco. We paid $497 for all four mounted. They ride like a dream and are great on wet roads.
  • mazman1mazman1 Member Posts: 229
    1. If you have Wilderness Tires, it will say
    "Made in USA" or "Made in CANADA" on the white letter side right under the "W" in Wilderness.

    If you have "Radial AT or ATX" it will say
    "Made in USA" or "Made in CANADA" under the "A" in
    RADIAL on the white letter side.

    2. The "VD" code that Firestone speaks of in its
    press release is visible only on the black letter side and is branded into the tire around the rim edge in BIG LETTERS.. following the letters DOT.

    To see this you will probably have to dismount the
    tire (a.k.a. bring it to a tire shop) to check for
    the code.

    Good luck everybody. I guess the distinction of
    where the tire was made is important, but I'd still have a tire store look at the tire and maybe hook you up with a replacement if you are so inclined.
  • pqschwartzpqschwartz Member Posts: 9
    I have read the postings and responses to "dieseling" noises made by the SOHC V-6. Has anyone had this sound in the V-8? I have a 1997 Explorer XLT with the V-8 which occasionally makes a sound which I equate with valve tapping. The dealer said they couldn't find anything ...
    Thanks.
  • snowturkeysnowturkey Member Posts: 1
    Okay, Im jumping in here into the topic, but I my troubles are with a ongoing vibration. New tires, new shocks and no real understanding. The car is a 92 4x2 and vibrates at 55 mph or above. I thought it was the right rear and indeed, the Right rim was bent, although not much. I changed that and then the problem seemed to go away then returned. IT does seem to vibrate under the seat, but it also feels like it could be the front as it "apears" to obviate from side to side.
    Just very confusing to me. Any thoughts would be welcomed.
  • njdevilsrnnjdevilsrn Member Posts: 185
    Hello, question to anyone with any info on a problem (?) my truck is having...

    My 2000 XLS 4X4 is only 3 weeks old. Previously I had an Explorer with the 4.0 SOHC, this truck has the base 4.0 OHV. Other than the slightly noticeable loss of power, I have noticed this vehicle makes a "whiny" sound when making turns/maneuvering at slow speeds. The truck does not make the sound when going straight, only when turning the wheel. There is no noticeable change in RPMs or in how the truck runs. I checked the power steering fluid and it is at an acceptable level, and there is no difficulty with turning the wheel or problem with how the truck handles.

    Just wondering, is this a normal steering sound for this model truck, or do you think it is symptomatic of a power steering pump problem?
  • mazman1mazman1 Member Posts: 229
    1. Make sure that 4x4 mode is disengaged. Make sure the position of the 4x4 selector switch is set to either "off" or "Auto" (depends on model). Then I would back up about 10 feet at 5 mph in driveway to release the auto lock hubs. I know that in 4x4 mode my truck whines when i make turns.

    2. The serpentine belt may not be installed properly. Check it for tension and make sure that all of the teeth on the belt are meshed properly. (this was the problem with my 1994 out of the factory)..

    3. The PS pump may be noisy.. i'm not saying its bad, but it may make more noise in normal operation.
  • njdevilsrnnjdevilsrn Member Posts: 185
    Did some more looking into it today, the truck is in Auto (as far as 4WD goes), and the belt appears to be properly installed. I noticed (as it is only 65 degrees here today and not 90) that the truck is not making the noise as I am not using the Air Conditioning. I wonder if it is just such a draw on the engine for power that it makes this noise (AC and turning)?
  • mazman1mazman1 Member Posts: 229
    The AC does add to the load on the engine, as the a/c compressor and pump run off the same serpentine belt as does the PS.

    When its hot again, see if the whine happens with the AC off. Also, try with the ac on, lift the hood and turn the wheels, and try to listen where the whine is coming from. Note that if you turn the wheel from lock to lock, especially if the truck is not moving, you will get a whine, and that whine is normal.
  • ceberharceberhar Member Posts: 1
    My driver side power window on my 95 Explorer (EB) has stopped working. I think it's the switch and not the motor. Is this typical of this model? It was intermitent for a short time, then just stopped completely. Any suggestions? Thanks.
  • pqschwartzpqschwartz Member Posts: 9
    Thanks or your input. I took it in to the dealer and asked them to check the timing belt tensioners. The technician went for a ride with me and clearly described the noise as a bad EGR tube, not covered under the warranty. The total charge for labor and part is $121 plus $25 to get the part shipped overnight. My wife was reluctant to have the work done and to get another opinion. My thinking was to get it done. This way, if the noise is still there, then I can fight the charge and then proceed from there. However, without getting it done, then I can't rule out their diagnosis. Also, this eliminates more time that the car is in the shop. I guess we'll see once I get it back today ... Anyway, thanks for your input.
  • bcollisonbcollison Member Posts: 24
    Mazman1 and anyone who can help. Took my Explorer in to the dealer to show him the new part # for the tensioners (third design) and they can't find it in the computer. Post #92 said the part # was XU2E-6K254-AA is this the correct #? Doe's anyone have the correct #, and does this third design work and fix the problem? Thanks in advance!!
  • mazman1mazman1 Member Posts: 229
    The third version of the tensioners is supposedly working much better than the other previous fixes... I beleive it has been available since Nov 1999... the others have been discontinued, so that your parts guy at Ford should be able to find it by looking for Timing belt tensioners.
    That should be a free (Warranty) fix!
  • richpetersenrichpetersen Member Posts: 1
    Having read the reported problems, I was surprised when I took my 98 4.0L in at 26K miles for what I thought was a sensor problem, only to be told that Ford was replacing my engine at N/C as my number 3 cylinder had zero compression. Note, I never had a problem, changed oil/filter every 3k miles, the engine ran great until that last morning when it started and shook, and didn't idle well. I guess I'm happy, but at the same time I wonder what's wrong with the design. The dealer isn;t saying anything, except it's the 4th engine replacement this month.....got it back this week, brand new motor, running great, and on top of it all, had a loaner for free for 3 weeks....anybody know what's wrong with the 4.0L....now, about those tires....
  • lmc5lmc5 Member Posts: 16
    I have had all three versions of the timing belt tensioners on my 1997 Explorer XLT. The first two did not work but the last one seems to have corrected the problem.(fingers crossed)
    I had them replaced a few months ago. I will look at my last receipt and see if there is a part number on it. Ford should not charge you for this repair because they have known about the problem for some time. Like I said, I had to have this done three times.
  • lmc5lmc5 Member Posts: 16
    Here is a description and part numbers that I had on my receipt concerning timing belt tensioners:
    Tens-Eng JK/Shft Chn- Part #FMC XL2Z 6L266 AA
    Engine Tensioner Kit- Part #FMC XU2Z 6K254 AA
    Tensioner ASY-TIMI- Part #FMC XU3Z 6K254 BA
    Gasket-TM Chain Tens- Part #FMC XU2Z 6M252 AA

    I had the work done on 5-26-00 and was not charged for the service. I hope this helps. Good Luck.
  • rvivinettorvivinetto Member Posts: 13
    I have a 97 XLT with the same tensioner problem. The car has 57,000 miles on it and started sounding like a diesal engine. I brought it to my dealer to be fixed on Friday as one of the reasons I originally bought this car so I could bring my 2 kids to college with it. Friday told me it was a major problem with the tensioners and that he hoped he would get it done by Wed. Yesterday, Monday, he told me he would need the week. He also acted surprised when I mentioned the TSB's I had learned about from this board. Does anyone know the actual TSB number as I can't find it? Needless to say I have no car to bring both of my children to college. They don't want to even give me a loaner car till it is fixed. They also told me I would have to pay about $300 to fix it and Ford with Good Will would pay the rest. Does this seem fair to you? Were your cars that were fixed for free still under warranty as mine is not? Please help, as I will probably have to rent an Explorer or Van to bring the kids to college and this is a big expense besides the $300 Ford is going to charge me.
    Thanks for your advice.
  • mazman1mazman1 Member Posts: 229
    TSB database:

    http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/servicemmy1.cfm

    You can look up all of the TSB's on your vehicle. Give your year make and list "ENGINE" as the part to review and about 50 TSB's will appear.

    Even if your car is out of the warranty, the TSB should cover parts and labor. Dont let the Dealer BS you. It's been a known problem on the SOHC ever since introduction.
  • lmc5lmc5 Member Posts: 16
    I do have the extended warranty on my 1997 Explorer but the dealer should not charge you for this service. This is a problem that Ford has been aware of for quite some time. It's the faulty parts they put on the Explorer, not something you did. Stick to your guns and tell them that there is no way you are paying anything for this repair. Ask to see the GM if you have to. I am on my third Ford service department because their service stinks. If you raise enough &%#@* they will probably back down.
    As for the rental car, they should supply you with a rental. If you have to rent a car on your own, make sure that they will reimburse you. It will be cheaper for them to get you a rental because they have a contract with the rental company. Tell them
    that if you have to rent a car, you are going to rent a Mercedes and they will need to reimburse you and they will probably go ahead and get you that fancy Escort but at least its free.

    Good Luck.
  • mazman1mazman1 Member Posts: 229
    Another place that has the TSB's in a very easy to use format is www.alldata.com

    Good luck.
  • njdevilsrnnjdevilsrn Member Posts: 185
    I had the service performed at a dealer on July 18. Granted it was under warranty, but here is the breakdown of what it would have cost under my receipt...

    - Computer analysis - $21.03
    - Install Camshaft tensioner kit - $112.16
    - Parts (tensioner, gaskets) - $24.34
    - $14.02 (no reason listed)

    TOTAL...$189.27 including tax

    Tell your dealer that the he is ripping you off.
  • swn1swn1 Member Posts: 27
    I had tensioners replaced few months ago on my '99 XLT and it seems O.K. Now, on cold start up in the morning only, I get a knocking sound that goes away after a short time. Sounds like dry lifter or maybe tensioners. Anyone else have this?
  • bcollisonbcollison Member Posts: 24
    I would make sure you use a Motorcraft, Pulolator PureOne (same inside as Motorcraft except for Silicone valve), Wix or other premium filter. The cheap ones like Fram and what they have at the quick lube places may cause this brief knock you describe. I have a '98 which is going in for the Tensioners Monday so I hope the upgraded Tensioners will do the trick for me. I have used Motorcraft filters and never have had a knock on a Cold Start.Good Luck
  • mazman1mazman1 Member Posts: 229
    I agree, the cheapie oil filters can cause the knock in the first few minutes of the warmup period. Also, a worn tensioner or idler pulley can cause it. If you raise the hood during warmup and try to listen to where the knock is coming from.. that would point to the problem.
  • swn1swn1 Member Posts: 27
    Thanks for the advice but I have to rule that out as between scheduled 5000 mile service I change the oil and use only Motorcraft oil and filters as does the dealer at the 5000 intervals. I listened close this morning and sounds like the tensioners acting up again even though they are the 3rd generation. I am taking it in next week and will let you know what they come up with.
  • cbennycbenny Member Posts: 1
    I have an '86 Toyota P/U with 245,000 miles. For the 14+ years of owning this truck, the costs of owning the truck consist of 3 sets of tires, rebuilt the tranny at 115,000 miles, and 3 brakes jobs ... plus the regular maintenance. I found a '97 Explorer XLT V-6 SHOC, fully loaded w/16,000 miles and the asking price is $18,000. I was about to make the deal until reading these comments on Edmunds.Com and glad to have read the comments before making the deal. I guess I'll be purchasing another Toyota ... the Explorer is too good to be true.
  • shopper38shopper38 Member Posts: 2
    I am looking at purchasing a 2000 Ford Explorer. Any input. It is the 2WD model.
  • shopper38shopper38 Member Posts: 2
    I am looking at purchasing a 2000 Ford Explorer. Any input. It is the 2WD model.
  • birdsallbirdsall Member Posts: 1
    HELP My 1998 Explorer will occasionally hesitate on acceleration. Any ideas?
  • sanandtonsanandton Member Posts: 342
    Had the same problem with my 98 explorer 4.0 SOHC. Had into the shop at least 6 times it was never fixed! Finally gave up and traded it in. Ours was a severe safety hazard as it would sometimes completely stall out leaving us in the path of oncoming traffic. Would happen about 2-3 times a month. Don't attempt any turns across traffic unless you think you have enough time to put the car in neutral restart and put back into drive and get the H#*# out of the way. It was a maneuver I became all to familiar with. Good luck.
  • rvivinettorvivinetto Member Posts: 13
    Well it has now been 11 days since I brought my Explorer to be fixed. They finally gave me a Taurus last Tuesday to use - free of charge. I still had to rent an Explorer to bring my son to college as the Taurus was not big enough. I have no idea why it is taking so long to fix these tensioners. The service department claims it is over a $2000 job that we will only have to pay $295 for. I still think we should get it done for free as it is a known Explorer defect. Any Comments?
  • lmc5lmc5 Member Posts: 16
    Please read post #144 of 157. You should not have to pay one red cent for the tensioner problem. Ford has been aware of the problem for awhile. If you can't get any satisfaction from the service manager, escalate it to the GM. Keep escalating it until you get what you want. Ford will jerk you around if you let them. Believe me, I know from experience. I have been down this road too many times with Ford. Don't back down. Good Luck.
  • mazman1mazman1 Member Posts: 229
    More interesting news from Firestone and Ford.. and this time they got caught!

    http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/ap/20000829/ts/tire_deaths.html
  • eggnogeggnog Member Posts: 5
    I just started reading these posts to find out if there is anything on my particular problem but now I feel compelled to write something because in 3 years, I haven't had a single thing go wrong with my explorer and I bought the first year of the 4.0 SOHC engine. Of course had the two recall repairs for two things I can't even remember what they are, i think related to electrical, done for free but that's about it.

    My first and only real problem: the "Check engine" light has suddenly come on which means apparently something is wrong with the emissions control system. Anybody experience this? I am going to have it looked at at a dealer since it may be covered under the emissions warranty which is 5 years I believe. But that is it in terms of problems.

    But while I am at the dealer, should I argue my case to have my timing belt tensioners replaced? Shouldn't something this serious have been the subject of a recall notice?

    Andy
    San Jose, CA
  • mazman1mazman1 Member Posts: 229
    The dealer will not replace or even work on your timing belt tensioners unless there is something wrong or they present a problem. That is the difference between a TSB and a recall.

    As a general rule, I try not to have Ford dealers touch the vehicle unless it is absolutely necessary... they might mess it up worse than it was before. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.
  • exexplorerexexplorer Member Posts: 1
    How many have had this problem? CD player overheats after one CD, sometimes after just a few tracks. I called the Dealer here in Boulder and he said that Ford is aware of this problem, but they haven't decided what to do about it. Well, I'm still waiting to hear. Has anyone heard?
  • fedup3fedup3 Member Posts: 1
    My explorer is currently in the shop with a dealer for the third time trying to get the diesel engine out of my v6 SOHC. I am fed up. I am planning to write anyone and everyone about the problem and demand compensation for my headache over this problem. I was also told that the rattling would not hurt the engine or cause the engine to fail early. My thing is that I am affraid when the time comes for me to sell my car noone will want it due to this rattle. I know I sure would not purchase it with this sound. I am also amazed that it takes 2 weeks to fix the problem. I never had my car in the shop that long when I owned a foreign car. Sorry I will not support the USA on this "buy American" crap. Now I am trying to get the front end aligned. I have a pulled to the left. It can not be the tires since I just had all 4 replaced. (Thanks Firestone) Any ideas on this one? Has anyone had this problem. Could the fact that one rotor does not spin a easy as the opposite one be causing my front end to pull to the left.(the side the rotar is harder to spin). Thanks for any info anyone may give. I am about ready to trade the car in but I do not know what to get instead.
  • sanandtonsanandton Member Posts: 342
    Some of you may remember me as the PREVIOUS owner of 3 different explorers. My last one was prone to unexpected stalls, usually when you needed the power the most (like making a left turn across traffic). Ford never did fix the thing and I ended up trading it at a loss. I have seen some sporadic post regarding the same problem from other explorer owners and some expedition owners.
    Well, finally some news surfaces regarding a stalling problem with fords. In todays paper, business section, Headline: "Ford may face huge recall over ignition devices". Seems a federal judge in California feels enough evidence exists to force a recall. Dangerous stalls have occurred as a result of this defect. He even goes as far as accusing Ford of deceiving safety investigators and consumers. Not sure about the investigators, but I sure wasn't happy with my vehicles. Anyway the article does indicate the recall will affect cars built from 1983-1995. Mine were all newer than this, but at least those ford owners out there with this problem know about a possible fix. Most ford owners have to be knowledgeable about their own cars and problems. It didn't seem that my local 3 dealerships had a clue!
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