Ford Explorer Maintenance and Repair

alnazzal · April 2005

Hi ...
My name is Mohammad ,
I have ford explorer 1994 , it is shaking when i press on the fuel step , and the accelerator delays at the range of 25 ~ 40 mph gauge ... please help me in this case ...

demus · April 2005

hey nomore2!!!! I have a 2000 Explorer LTD with only 90k and the tranny went. 3rd gear and the clutch drum was wearing. But 3rd gear is the common gear problem in this transmission. Since having this issue, I have done some research and it seems there are literrally thousands of Explorer owners with the same tranny issues. I spoke to Frod Executives and they basically "spit in my face".
They won't eben acknowledge there is a problem. Just so you know the trannies they are building even today have the exact same problem parts as 7, 8 10 years ago...

I am so livid. But we can do something about this if we can all work together. Strength in numbers. What we can do is collect as many signature as we can about the tranny problems. Ford will listen then. This I believe. If we do this we might be able to get them to create a Recall or even better, some refunds. I have been told by Ford employees this is worth trying.. But I need help

ottav · April 2005

I have a 2005 Mercury Mountaineer Premier w/V8 engine. I purchased the vehicle two weeks ago, and it has been back to the dealer twice (it's there right now). Both times I've filled up the tank, the Service Engine Soon light has come on, and the fuel gauge drops down below E, even below where it stays when the vehicle is off. I always shut it off before filling, and make sure the cap is properly fastened. The first time it happened, they reset the code, and said it was fixed, but it happened again. Anyone seen this problem before, or have any suggestions? I never had a single problem with my 2002 Mounty, so I'm a little disappointed.

chuck1 · April 2005

"2000 Explorer LTD with only 90k and the tranny went. 3rd gear and the clutch drum was wearing. But 3rd gear is the common gear problem in this transmission. Since having this issue, I have done some research and it seems there are literrally thousands of Explorer owners with the same tranny issues."

OK-you have a six year old car with average miles. (15,000/yr.) You have 90,000 miles on it. So-how long do you think a manufacturer should be liable for their products? 90K, 120K, 150K? Did you buy this vehicle new? Did you buy an extended warranty? How do you drive this vehicle? Gentle or Hard? Do you think some people abuse their vehicles? Do you think the manufacturers should be liable for ABUSE? GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

coltpeyt · April 2005

Hopefully you won't experience what I have been through, but it sounds like you are started down the same road. If you are interested read my message strings since the beginning: I have a civil court date with Ford December 15th in a Virginia court of law - jury trial. The vehicle transmission still slips - the torque steer (Pulling hard left) still happens - and my memory of the Dealer Service Manager telling me to "just be sure to hold on to the steering wheel when it pulls" is still there too!

Messages to read: 3072,3075,3080,3082,3083,3087,3255,3257,3268,3269,3276,3439,3430,3448.

Can anybody say "Class Action"!!!!

demus · April 2005

Well Chucky,,,,,Let's get some things right before you flap your gums too much..

It's KMs not miles... Big difference if you understand basic math.
Second, I bout this truck new and the previous owner was an older gentlemen who did not do any towing, nor and off road driving. I was able to talk to him myself.

When you purchase a vehicle at this price you would expect some type of respect that parts, especially a transmission, which is the HUB of an auto Chucky.

Third if you have done any research at all on this issue, with this transmission, your repsonse might be a little more intelligent.

Here is a quick stat just for you.... A local transmission shop, working for over 30 yrs, in my community of Hamilton Ontario, has had an Explorer in their shop, one-two every week for the past year for the same transmission problems. Some going back to 95 and even 2004 models.

Then I checked other tranny shops and other auto repair centres and the same thing. Guess what Chucky????? I eventially visited 8 centres and came up with a large number of Explorer tranny issues, same as mine... GEE, go figure.

So, in conclusion Chucky, I spoke to several of these owners and low and behold Chuckster, none of them tow nor do any off road driving and seem to be respectable enough to understand the issue.

So before you give meaningless comments, do some work ahead of time especially if addressing me directly..

tidester · April 2005

... all tone it down a bit. Thanks.

tidester, host

demus · April 2005

My apologies tidester

jrc346 · April 2005

I sympathize with your transmission failure, but I have owned three Explorers, and many Fords. Only one has needed a transmission overhaul, and that was because it was 25 years old and fluid would pour out of every seal after driven over 5 miles. Also, I believe that your occurrence is more rare than not. If people driving the 4 million plus Explorer's on the road (In the U.S.: no idea about Canada) all had transmission problems, there would proportionately be a lot more flaming than is actually going on. My wife currently drives a 2000 Limited with the 5R55E, and it now has 80,000miles on it. I change the transmission fluid on it every 30,000 miles on the dot, and it shifts good as new. We bought her truck used, so there was some "risk" involved. I am curious about how you bought the truck new, if you said the person you purchased it from was an older gentleman. Did he change out the transmission fluid when the time came?
Another question that I have. Why in the world would anyone take their 2004 Explorer in to a transmission shop for a transmission repair if the car is still under warranty? Now, there are I'm sure a few individuals that drive a great deal and surpass the allotted mileage, but that is bit rare. You also may have visited the dealership, and that is what you are talking about. If it is, then so be it, I am just trying to get clear picture.
Moving on
I don't know a manufacturer out there that guarantees that their components wont fail at some point. You have about 56,000 MILES on your Explorer now? Say Ford extended their warranty a year and another 12,000 miles. So 4/48,000. You would still be out of luck. You would still be mad, and I doubt that a Ford Executive would spit on your face. They care about the customer, they just have to draw the line somewhere. They can't dish out dough to every person that has an issue after their mileage and years or warranty expire. It is extreamly costly. My point, is that there is probably more to this than meets the eye. If you liked your Explorer before, then get it fixed and enjoy it again. If you don't like it, explore (no pun intended) your options. Look for something that will make you happy, because that, at the bottom line is what is most important. :shades:

chuck1 · April 2005

You message is a little confusing. Did you buy your truck new or used? Also, I will restate my question again - How long do you think a manufacturer should be liable for their product? 90,000 miles, 120,000 miles, 150,000 miles or forever? If you purchased you vehicle USED-was the transmission fliud chaged? Also, on your visits to transmission shop, you didn't mention the failed number of trannys, however, as another poster mentioned-there are over 4 million Explorers on the road! If your tranny shop had a '95 Explorer in for repair-at average miles (15,000/yr.) that Explorer would have 150,000 miles on it. It goes back to my original inquiry about how long things should last and how long should Ford (or any manufacturer) be responsible. Good luck with your vehicle.

demus · April 2005

My 2000, I purchased was used. I purchased it 1.5 yrs ago and had the tranny serviced as part of the purchase. As for the 95 Explorer, my point is this: When it was worked on, it had the same parts as there is in my 2000 and newer Explorers which are considered faulty. This particular garage even contacted Ford Canada several times to point this out. He is not worried about losing business, he actually feels for the customer on this one. I now have the correct and modified parts in my tranny with a transmission cooler, which should be on all trucks, especially 4x4s, but you probably know this since you have had 3 Explorers already. I had this done on my 4 runner when I had it and it made a world of a difference to the life and performance on the 4 runner. problems was, it rusted out eventually but never had a mechanical problem with it other than normal wear and tear.

Just to clear something else up, when I did my research on the defective parts at other service centres, the problems in many case were the same as mine.. This was my point to Ford. And yes, some of these trucks were 2004s having their tranny rebuilt (under warrenty of course). And no there was no extended warranty on mine and Ford denied me purchasing one through them because of it's age. I had a standard 1 year warranty from where I purchased the truck.

If you look at other car manufacturers, like Kia, Honda, they are offering 5-6 yr bumper to bumper warranties. A friend of mine purchased a Kia 4x4 and had a transmission issue after 4 yrs. Replaced immediately and only paid $300.00 deductable.

So my question, why does Ford not offer something better than their standard 2 yr warranty? That is a little pathetic given the investment in such a high priced vehicle. Not sure what you pay for an Explorer in the US but here it is quite pricy.

chuck1 · April 2005

"If you look at other car manufacturers, like Kia, Honda, they are offering 5-6 yr bumper to bumper warranties. A friend of mine purchased a Kia 4x4 and had a transmission issue after 4 yrs."

You bring up a good point.
Kia and Hyundai offer longer warrantys because they have had quality issues in the past. As far as Honda is concerned, I am not sure, other than the fact that their cars don't generally break down. Therefore, to offer a longer warranty is of little consequence. As far as Ford is concerned, they sell plenty of Explorers (#1 SUV sold in the world!) so I guess they figure they dont have to offer a longer warranty to sell these vehicles.

jrc346 · April 2005

First, I'll say this. Please be careful in how you state things, they come across as being somewhat insulting ( I am speaking only towards comments made towards me ).
Like these...
"you probably know this since you have had 3 Explorers already."
I am not implying that I "know" anything because I have had owned 3 Explorers. I am merely stating that I have experience with them because I have owned more than one.

Now for my rebuttals:
Ford's warranty is 3 years/36,000 miles or whichever comes first. My 1979 F-150 however, only came with a 1 year/12,000 mile factory warranty. I am sure there is a proportionate measure in kilometers for Canadians. Like I mentioned in my previous post to you, you wouldn't have benefited from Ford having a longer warranty anyway, your mileage (kilometerage?) is to high.

I don't know who services your transmission or who is rebuilding it now, but the 95 ALD4 a 4-speed auto, is not the same transmission used in 2000 Explorers. In 1997, Ford switched over to the 4R70W for the V8 and the 5R55E (5-speed auto) for the 4.0L SOHC V6. Since 2002, all Explorers have the 5R55E. The only problem that I have seen with them is failure of a clutch solenoid. This is being replaced by Ford, at their cost, in most cases.
Another note. Your 2000 Explorer already has a transmission cooler from the factory.

As far as warranties go
Honda offers 3years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, same as Ford
Kia/Hundai offers 5years/60,000 miles bumper-to-bumper

If you were happy with the 4-Runner, maybe you should cut your losses with the Explorer and get another one of those?

greaper · April 2005

Talked to a friend of mine who said he had the same problem after changing his rotors. said it the ABS speed sensors on the backof new the rotor was not pressed in correctly by the rotor manufacturer. I disconected the ABS sensors and test drove it. No ABS but the problem was gone and of course the ABS light stayed lit. Not looking foreward to changing out the rotors again.

bioman · April 2005

But you are going to remove the defective rotors and return them to the place of purchase?? If you are sure it is the rotor and not the installation that is what I would do. Just M2C.

greaper · April 2005

yes, just hate having to do a job twice for no good reason. still troubled about my other problem, the hesitation when putting a light load on the car. seems to be getting worse. checked my plugs and wires, no problem there. still think it is a trans/converter problem.

dtownfb · April 2005

Dayton Timberline HT. Put them on my Explorer at 125k miles. I had the same cupping problem with my Wrangler RT/S. They always cupped in pairs forcing me to buy 2 at a time and too cheap to replace all 2 perfectly good tires.

You should be able to get them for about $70 - $75 per tire installed. I got mine for cheaper than that. Good overall tire with a 50k warranty.

rr122 · April 2005

I have exactly the same problem. Did you ever find out what caused it? My mechanic has suggested that the brake booster check valve may be at fault. The acceleration problem does not happen all of the time.

krmitch1 · April 2005

My 94 Ford Explorer 4x4 started having transmission problems in that it wouldn't shift when first started, usually forward. Adding transmission fluid fixes the problem for a while but there is no visible leak. Now the engine is idling very rough and I get a Check Engine Light with a code 332 "insufficient EGR flow". Upon pulling the throttle body and checking inside the intake manifold I found a pool of transmission fluid, which I assume is causing the rough idle and probably has carboned up the EGR system. It appears the fluid is possibly getting there through the vacuum system somehow. What would be causing this? Can a dirty and stopped up Transmission filter cause fluid to vacuum up into the intake? Not sure the transmission has been serviced in the last 50K. Also could a bad vacuum modulator be the culprit?

bioman · April 2005

ddtownfb- thanks for the info on the Dayton Timberline HT. I'll put them on my short list when I'm ready to replace my 4 Wrangler RT/S.

On another issue, what is the appropriate amount of time that is allotted for the replacement of lower ball joints on a 99 Explorer 4X4? When I had mine replaces I was charged 2.5 hours for labor for each side. New Ball joints were added to the old lower control arms.

RE: Transmission Fluid in Intake manifold. Many years ago I had a 62 Comet that had a bad vacuum modulator valve. The symptoms were very similar to what you are describing. When the diaphragm in the valve breaks, transmission fluid is sucked into the intake manifold. If your transmission has one I would check out the vacuum line going from the valve to the intake manifold. If it has transmission fluid in it, Bingo!

wijoco · April 2005

Yes, it's the vac modulator. Go ahead and replace the vacuum line, too as the fluid will soften and collapse it.

idntnvu · April 2005

I have a '99 Explorer XLS and I had both upper and lower ball joints replaced at 50k miles. How much did you pay for your ball joint work? Did you replace both upper and lower or just one of them?

bioman · April 2005

Only the lower ball joints were replaced. I had checked out the truck before I brought in in for another problem and did see play in the lower ball joints. Since I will be getting new tires in a short wile I decided to have the ball joints replaced and a wheel alignment done. Cost a little over $500 for the job. I can't say anything about the price, but the shop has a reputation for doing excellent work.

mrzoom · April 2005

Please let me know if you find out the solution for this as the exact situation is happening to my Explorer as well...

Scott

demus · April 2005

The 2000 did not come with a transmission cooler. Why would you suggest this? Maybe it does in the US but not here. This is an external cooler that sits right in front the rad and simply supplies a much higher level of cooling to the transmission. Not sure what you are referring to. Ford inidicated to me that they do not install these as factory items.

If you know Explorers that well, then you should not look at the model of transmission but the PARTS that are internal. With the garage where my truck was done, we compared transmission parts from a 1998 Explorer, 6 banger auto to mine and the parts are the same. We then compared to a newer 2004 and the same. This also came from a top manufacturer of the Explorer trannies. Do you know who I am referring to? It is a US company...Now that is research when you can actually compare like we did. I have a transmission now with the modified parts suggested by this manufacturer to Ford several years ago. Plus it comes with a 2 year warranty. Not bad for a rebuild huh!!!!

codered · April 2005

i am looking a an 04' XLT with a 4.0, i was wanting to know what gas mileage might be and if there was any problems with it?

chuck1 · April 2005

"If you know Explorers that well, then you should not look at the model of transmission but the PARTS that are internal. With the garage where my truck was done, we compared transmission parts from a 1998 Explorer, 6 banger auto to mine and the parts are the same. We then compared to a newer 2004 and the same."

Somethings not right here. In 2002's and up the trannys are 5 speed autos. Are they not 4 speed trannys in previous years? If so, how can the parts be the same?

chuck1 · April 2005

The 4.0 will get between 14-15 city and near 20 on the highway providing you don't go much past 75mph. The mpg seems to really drop after that. The only problems that seem to be out there are the transmission solenoid and the rear-end. My advice is if you are worried about the mpg you should stay away from any SUV. Also, do not buy an Ford Explorer WITHOUT A FORD EXTENDED WARRANTY. This warranty can be purchased over the internet at a reasonable cost. Shop the internet for your warranty and then ask your local Ford dealer to match the price. I purchased mine at www.fordwarrantys.com. I purchased the "basecare" which is a "powertrain warranty" that will cover the transmission, rear-end and other misc. components.

demus · April 2005

You bet I will

splitpeasoup · April 2005

Maybe Ford is too busy paying for their lawsuit to put too much attention into the warranty. Speaking of which, has anyone actually checked out that "esuvee" website? I think it's www.esuvee.com. There's a game on there that's supposed to teach you to drive an SUV. It's worth a laugh.

jodar96 · April 2005

Does anyone know how to find out what the factory setting for the code is? I bought mine used, and in the books, I can't find a sticker or a card that shows the number. The dealer wants $100 to tap into the computer to figure out what it is or they probablyare going to rest it.

Shouldn't the dealer be able to run the VIN and figure out from there what that number is. Does anyone know how to reset the keypad?

Thanks,
Joe

kppeel · April 2005

There's a panel for the rear windshield washer fluid on the left hand side of the back bed. In that panel (towards the front of the vehicle), there's a transformer with a 5 digit code on it. That code is your security pad code.

jrc346 · April 2005

Gunna clear the air here. Congratulations on your rebuild, hopefully the modified parts will give many more miles of reliable transportation.

I am familiar that there are some carry over parts from the 4-speed into the 5-speed, but those parts are few. The most important components are new; valve body, clutch plates, shift solenoids etc. Those are the parts that count. BTW: The 1998 Explorer with the 4.0L SOHC V6 would have the same transmission as your vehicle.

"Ford indicated to me that they do not install these as factory items."
Did you call on these parts or check on them at the dealer service dept? If so, I am curious as to which parts they are.

Anyway, I am not here to prove anyone wrong. My original response to your post was one of question to your logic. Flaming Ford for this and that over one bad transmission. My suggestion to you then, and is now, that your experience with your transmission failure COULD be the exception and not the rule.

On the transmission cooler. This has me puzzled. I have a 2000 Explorer Limited with the 4.0 V6 that I bought at a dealers auction in Flint, MI. It originally came from Canada, as do many vehicles at this auction, and it does have a transmission cooler. It looks factory, but maybe it was added by the previous owner?

ckeator · April 2005

I believe I read on one of the review sites that Ford, starting in 1996 with the V8s and in 1997 with the SOHC, put the transmission coolers in those vehicles fitted with the offroad/towing package. My 1997 XLT 5.0 has the cooler, and if your 2000 has the tow package, it came with a cooler from the factory.

chuck1 · April 2005

"I am familiar that there are some carry over parts from the 4-speed into the 5-speed, but those parts are few."

I am the first to say that I am not a mechanic, but transmissions that are several model years removed and different gearing (4speed vs. 5 speed) having almost the same parts did not seem at all right to me. I have an idea about why this misinformation might be spread.....but I won't go there......

ajmtbm · April 2005

All:

received the notice for the liftgate window recall in october. parts finally came in about a month ago, got mine replaced about 3 weeks ago. never had a problem with the original ones, but yesterday, when i went to close the hatch, the passenger side rod that attached to the window popped off and slammed shut. I am very nervous know. this is the replacement hardware - and it failed. a couple of seconds earlier and i would have gotten clocked in the head. the dealer said this is the 1st time he has heard a replacement part failing. any thoughts? should i be nervous? i am concerned that myself or my spouse will be using the window and the next replacement rod will let up and someone gets hurt.

chuck1 · April 2005

Got mine replaced several months ago. I have used the "hatch" several times. No problems. My bet is you got a faulty part (it happens!) or a bad install (this happens too!) At any rate take it back and don't worry about it!

jrc346 · April 2005

Huh...well the information I am referring to came from a source I don't remember (how convenient I know

) that I read back when the 5R55W came out. I thought it said something like " the new transmission is the old 4-speed unit with 90% new parts and an additional 2nd gear." Though I am also no technician, I could be wrong, and so could the article I read. I think it was one of the auto magazines I used to subscribe to.

Anyway, I can almost predict the response I will get back from demus. It'll be something like, "only it wasn't only my one failure, it was a THOUSAND(S)!" In the words of Ace Ventura, ALLLlllllrriiiggghhtttyyy then. Guess I'll go dance around my Explorer (00; 81,000 miles), my Expedition(99; 124,000 miles), and my T-bird(96; 144,000 miles) and rejoice that their transmissions are all original. SUCH LUCK! My secret to success, maintenance...Bye

sailinmon · April 2005

My soon took his '96 4L Explorer to Autozone to have them run a diagnostic test. They said it was an egr insufficient flow problem. Well, I've checked the egr valve, blown compressed air through the egr manifold and pitot tubes, and all appeared OK. I've also replaced the egr sensor, but the check engine light remains on. Any ideas?

wijoco · April 2005

You replaced the DFPE sensor? Checked all the vacuum supply lines for leaks?

dstef · April 2005

Okay here comes a long story...Driving on the highway 2 weeks ago my ABS light came on..then we saw black smoke coming from the back end, My 2003 mountaineer got towed to Ford and they said it is my front differntial, and it needs new axles a week and a half later pick it up, 13 miles down the road the same thing happens again after paying 2600. They come and tow me again. The manager says it was because the car needs new tires and they are off my 3/4 of an inch and now the transfer case is gone along with wiping out the new front end differnetial....does this sound like tires could create this and to have the same problem occur 13 miles down the road and it happens again I feel like I am being taken...I take great care of my Mountaineer it has high mileage 72,000. but is cared for. It does not sound right for a 2 year old car to have to have over 5000.00 of work does it.

chuck1 · April 2005

I would get another consulation on it. If it does end up being another major repair, I would get rid of it. But the whole thing doesn't sound right to me.
Good luck!

merc2002 · April 2005

If i remember right on my other vehicles when you do an axle replacement they need to drop the front end suspension.If they did and didnt realize the alignment was off when they put it back together,i'd say you might have a good case for them to eat the cost of the new repair.Keeping those fingers crossed for ya.
GOOD LUCK!

ckeator · April 2005

OK,

First...the black smoke "coming from the rear end"...is it literally originating from your rear differential, is it coming from your tailpipe, or is it originating in your front end? You should have been able to tell when you got out of the truck after stopping...if from the front end, the smoke plume should have enveloped around the cab. If not, then it was literally coming from the rear end or the tailpipe.

If you haven't had new tires, and have 72,000 miles...it needs tires. Tires, however, would not damage your differential.

Ask for all of your old parts. Take it to someone else. Something definitely does not sound correct here.

And just a note...when you say "cared for"...is this regular scheduled maintenance?

fernb2000 · April 2005

Hello;

I have a '98 Explorer Sport 4.0L SOHC 2WD. When the car is started up a noise can be heard for about 4-5 seconds. It sound like something is getting scratched. During the day the noise starts fading after the car has been ran for about half an hour and it is started again. After the sound is gone, if one leaves the car parked for about 3-4 hours the sound can be heard again only during start up. The oil gauge is in the middle all the time. I have no idea what it might be, i thought that the starter might be the problem since the noise is heard during start up. I am trying to sell this car so I hope that it is not a big thing to fix.

Any ideas

Thanks

Fernb2000

lateralg · April 2005

My idea:

Hydraulic lifter (Tappet)

1) How long has it been doing this?
2) How long since last oil change?
3) What oil are you using?
4) How many miles on the vehicle?

Please answer 2&3 factually, not what you think is correct.

fernb2000 · April 2005

Hello;
My wife does 99% of the driving with this car and mostly short drives.
1)Maybe 3 - 4 months, like I said my wife uses this car so is hard to say. Since trying to sell it for the past couple of months I have noticed it since I have been trying to get it ready.
2)3-4-2005. we usually take it for oil change every 3000-5000 miles
3)We usually take it to Walmart

for oil changes . I think they use Penzoil. The last one we took it to Brakes Plus , I am looking at the invoice and it says All-Climate 10w30 valvoline
4)100,100 miles

The invoice from the last oil change says that the serpentine belt is cracked can this be it? I also took it to a friend mechanic and he suggested that it might be the oil pump that it might not be oiling the engine soon enough.

I am trying to sell this vehicle and would not like to spend any more money than i have to but since this noise occurs when you start the car it is hard to explain the prospective buyer what the problem might be, well unless before they come and see the car I have driven it for 30 mins before they test drive it

thanks

fernb2000

autodumb · April 2005

I just had the ego sensor replaced on my '96 Explorer XLT. Cost $500, but the engine light is now off.

autodumb · April 2005

Just had my '96 Explorer XLT 6 CYL 4WD (78,000 miles) inspected and service dept at Ford dealer said I need lower ball joints (car shimmys at about 65MPH). I opted for wheel balancing this time around instead (improved the situation, but for how long I'm not sure). Does anyone know how long lower ball joints should last (do I realy need 'em at just 78,000mi?) and how much they should cost installed? Thanks. I remain...
AutoDumb

lateralg · April 2005

Here's a possibility with maybe a 20% chance of being correct:

IF the onset of the noise coincides with the latest oil filter change.
and
IF the oil filter on this engine is mounted horizontally, or open end down.
then
Failed oil filter anti drain back valve could br the cause.

This is fairly easy to check ... replace the filter with good name brand, preferably Motorcraft.

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