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Ford Explorer Maintenance and Repair

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Comments

  • fordjunkfordjunk Member Posts: 1
    :sick: To answer your question: YES, THIS VEHICLE IS AN ABSOLUTE LEMON, :lemon: GET RID OF IT ASAP! If it is out of warranty, it is a money pit from hell. We just had to replace the transmission in our 02' Explorer at 87,000 miles!!! Luckily we purchased the extended warranty that covered the FREQUENT problems we had up to 60k miles. After spending $3100 out of pocket on the tranny, we have decided to keep the vehicle for most of the 3yr, 36k mile warranty, And PRAY NOTHING ELSE MAJOR HAPPENS. We will PROMPTLY be trading this vehicle at 35,900 miles or 2yrs 11 months! :lemon: :lemon: :lemon:
  • templertempler Member Posts: 7
    What is the fuel gauge doing? Is it not registering when you fill up? I had this problem on my 2005. It could be carbon build up on the float or the sending unit.
  • explorerx4explorerx4 Member Posts: 19,304
    i have the trans service done every 30k on my '02.
    at this point i just hit 60k. despite the sealed for life mumbo jumbo, it seems to shift better after the fluid change and get softer over time. just my experience.
    2023 Ford Explorer ST, 91 Mustang GT vert
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    Be sure you have good strong spark to each spark plug. Use a spark tester, move it to the end of each wire to be sure spark is strong.
    Check vaccuum lines for any leaks, a leak big enough to keep it from starting would have to be a large leak.
    Check fuel pressure, use a pressure gauge that connects to the pressure test port schrader fitting in the fuel rail at the top of the engine. A bad pressure regulator can cause this.
    Check engine compression, if low, engine timing could be off.
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    Check fuel pressure, use a pressure gauge that connects to the pressure test port schrader fitting on the fuel rail at the top of the engine. A bad pressure regulator can cause this.
  • badphish92badphish92 Member Posts: 4
    It’s not registering at all.. after fill up it stays on E… I don’t know if this tells you anything, I had the front end up on ramps last night and the gauge showed ¼ a tank.
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    Since it indicated 1/4 Tank, the electrical parts must be working, it sounds like the problem is with the float or sending unit in the tank. I had a 1991 that did the same thing, it has a brass float that had leaked, filled with gas, and sank. I was able to buy another float, it is a separate piece that clips onto the end of the wire arm. The fuel tank is not too hard to drop, just be sure it's almost empty first, and buy the special tools to separate the fuel line connectors (available at any auto suppy store for cheap).
    Good Luck,
    E.D. ISF
  • templertempler Member Posts: 7
    My was doing the same exact thing. It was a carbon build. I took my Explorer to the Ford dealership and they put an additive in my tank, then I filled it up. Have to use the full tank before refilling. Worked for me. If that does not work, it could be the float or the sending unit. Hope this helps.
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    Check the small wire at the solenoid with a test light to see if it is getting power when the key is turned to the start position. If it does get power, then solenoid is not working and needs to be replaced. If there is no power on the small wire to the solenoid when the key is turned to the start position, the circuit from the key switch has a problem, it might just be a blown fuse or loose wire. I would highly recommend to repair the circuit from the key switch, instead of trying to wire around it.
    Good Luck,
    E.D. ISF
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    All of those codes refer to the transmission, so I would check all the wiring connections and connectors first.
  • cdot925cdot925 Member Posts: 2
    I have a 98 Ford Explorer that I just bought and it is driving me nuts because it is showing the signs of a bad alternator but the alternator seems good.
    I can start the car, (sometimes) take the positive cable off the battery and the car stays running. This used to be a test to see if the alternator was good, is it still? This morning the car started fine then as I was driving on the highway the electrical gauge dropped down all the way. I got to work and left the car running. I checked the positive cable and the wires going to that and nothing. I got back in the car and turned on the AC and the electrical gauge went up to normal. Does this sound like a short of some type? Any help would be great. Oh, I also changed the battery and the fusable link and that has not solved it. Thanks Chris
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    It sounds like you have the opposite of a short circuit, which is an open circuit, a loose connection, that is why your voltage guage on the dash drops down, it is losing power. It can be tricky to trace, but you need to find where the loose connection is, when it goes out, try to see what else does not have power, it may guide you to where the problem is, could be a bad connection at or near the fuse box.
    Note: It is not good to take the battery lead loose with the engine running because of todays electronic alternators and electronic modules throughout the car, they get fried easily from voltage fluctuations. Test Battery/System Voltage with a volt meter across the battery, and check alternator amps output with an inductance ammeter held next to the wire from the alternator.
    Good Luck,
    E.D. ISF
  • fordexploderfordexploder Member Posts: 11
    RE: the fuel line disconnect tools - the plastic ones didn't perform well. The metal type went into the connection further and did the job.

    Depressurize your fuel system first - easiest way is to disconnect the fuel inertia switch under the dash (passenger side) and turn the key cranking the engine until it starves itself for gas and quits.
  • alc205alc205 Member Posts: 2
    I have a problem!!! Between 30 and 40km/hour my truck grinds, clunks, and sounds awful. It only does this after running for 20 minutes, and is fine if I can get to 50km/hr. To me it sounds like the gears aren't meshing????? The sounds all come from the rear, louder on the left. Anyone know what this is? The truck is a '97 Explorer sport, V6.
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    Check the axle bearings and rear axle.
  • badphish92badphish92 Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for the info, got a repair manual today. Going to tear it up
  • ryana97ryana97 Member Posts: 8
    I have 2002 Explorer that has the paint coming off of the side rail on the roof rack. Can anyone provide instructions on how to remove the rack so it can be replaced or repainted?
  • nberry11nberry11 Member Posts: 1
    Hoping someone can help, I'm seeing some similar posts but nothing quite matching mine. 98 Explorer XLT 4WD, 4.0L V6 SOHC, 84K miles. Have had intermittent starting problem for the last 3 summers (in FL) - when outside temp and/or engine temp are hot, sometimes will not start - typically occurs after short stop after driving (like refueling). Cranks fine but won't fire. Wait, try again, wait, try again, eventually it goes.
    Sometimes after starting, the Theft light continues to flash for a few minutes. Sometimes the airbag light also flashes for a few minutes.
    Took it to the "auto electrician", all they could suggest was to use a different key, maybe the antitheft chip was broken.
    Took it to the local Ford dealer three times. First time they repaired a wire to the crankshaft position sensor. Next time they replaced a relay (no, I don't know which one - black cube with 4-5 terminals, I don't have it any more). Last time (today) - they suggest replacing the main electrical junction box and main harness, for about $4K. I told them I needed to think about that a while.
    Tinkering buddy at work thinks it's not electrical at all but vapor lock (can that even happen with an injected engine?), suggests replacing the thermostat with a cooler running one.
    I'm open to suggestions at this point.
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    You've taken this car to several professional places to have it checked, they had had a hands-on look at it, and yet they still don't know whats wrong with it. It sounds like a complex issue, especially since you mention that the Theft light continues to flash for a few minutes and sometimes the airbag light also flashes for a few minutes. It sounds like the dealer is just taking a shot in the dark by wanting to replace the wiring harness. They should be able to isolate which circuits and which wires are the problem. Before replacing the harness, I would suggest testing all the external computer sensors to be sure that they are giving the correct input into the engine. The computer only knows what the sensors tell it, and if a sensor is telling it wrong information, the computer will make bad decisions. They can do the "Wiggle Test" on all the wiring, and they can do "Freeze Frame Captures" on the computer memory if they can catch it in the act of malfuntioning. It may be worthwhile to invest $400 in an electronic auto diagnostic tool that connects to your Laptop Computer and to your cars diagnostic plug, and you can do those things Yourself. It is on autotap.com

    Even if the problem is some form of vapor lock, DO NOT change the thermostat to a cooler one. Use ONLY the correct temperature rated thermostat in your engine, because the engine must warm up to the proper temperature before the computer will operate correctly. The engine starts and runs for about 2 minutes with the computer in "OPEN LOOP MODE" until the engine is warm enough, then the computer goes into "CLOSED LOOP MODE".
    I would treat fuel pressure as a big suspect on this one. You need to check fuel pressure when it is acting up. The fuel pressure port is on the fuel rail near the top of the engine. It has a Shrader Valve with a cap, sort of like a valve stem on a tire. They have a fuel pressure gauge made for this that has a hose and the valve adaper on one end, just screw it onto the fuel pressure port and read the pressure. Remember, Safey First. Watch out of any fuel leaks and fire hazard. Check the pressure when the car is running normally, and then again when it is acting up, and compare the pressures. I'm not sure what the normal pressure should be, I think somewhere between 30 and 60 pounds.
    If the problem turns out not to be in the fuel system, then the ignition system is the next thing to suspect.
    Also check for any vaccuum leaks, the Idle Air Solenoid, ect.
    Let us know what you find.
    Good Luck,
    E.D. ISF
  • alc205alc205 Member Posts: 2
    ELECTRICDESIGN: The axel and bearing have all been checked by Ford. Not it. And they don't know what's going on either. They can feel it, they can hear it, and short of dismanteling everything underneath, they are no help. I was told that because this is speed related, it isn't axel or bearing problems. Also, because it takes 20 minutes for everything to warm up, and the clunks to occure, they are now suggesting a sensor. ?? I live in a small rural community, where the nearest Ford dealer is over 3 hours away. If I could at least get the problem figured out, I'd have no problem doing back to town and have it fixed. Right now this is costing me time and money, of which I have neither. Got any more guesses???? Any help would be appreciated!
  • fordexploderfordexploder Member Posts: 11
    For what it's worth - a shot in the dark.

    I had a '94 Ranger with the problem you describe to a 'T'. Once it was so bad the tow truck was on its way and it finally started while waiting. The computer finally recorded a trouble code which led me to replace the fuel pump relay. This might be the relay they already repaced though as it receives signals from the c.p. sensor. Mine was intermittent as well. Frustrating! Essentially mine was getting the signal to the relay telling it the car was attempting to start but it wasn't sending voltage on to the fuel pump to introduce fuel into the system. It was starving itself of fuel. The Haynes manual gives a systematic way to test - "fuel pump/fuel pressure check" - the relay and other components. With an intermittent problem it's hard to know for sure. My $5-10 replacement of f.p. relay eliminated the problem.
  • ryana97ryana97 Member Posts: 8
    My wife had a similar starting issue with 4.6L V-8 and I did some research. Found a lot of information on the IAC valve, if it doesn't start place your foot on the accelerator while starting. If this works it is most likely the IAC valve that needs to be replaced plus the IAC will not throw a check engine code if it doesn't work properly. I will send an a web address lated on how to check for proper IAC function.
  • hatfieldhatfield Member Posts: 2
    Did you ever get anywhere with this? My 2005 is just over a yr and I have had the latch replaced twice. Just at 1 yr and over 15LK miles, it started popping open again randomly. Ford has been absolutely useless as they have not been able to duplicate it even when they had my vehicle for a few days. I do not want to deal with lawyers but I do not feel safe with kids and dog in the back. Please let me know if you got anywhere...
    Thanks!
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    Yes, it is very strange that the Dealer can feel it, they can hear it, yet they don't know what it is, or even where it is coming from.
    I would think the best thing to do is drive it until it warms up and makes the noise, then have them put it up on the rack, and try to duplicate the problem while running it on the rack, then they could see and feel under the car and find out where it is coming from.
    If they can't fix it, it may be best to drive even further away to another dealer and have them check it. Maybe they can give you a loaner and you can leave it there until they figure out what the problem is, and get it fixed.
    That's about all I can say about that.
    E.D. ISF
  • ika_sk7ika_sk7 Member Posts: 2
    My husband and I have a 1991 Explorer Eddie Bauer edition. Dozens of problems :sick: : poor gas milage, wierd engine sound, also I can hear rattles when pedaling accelerator. My husband says that there are some airtubes? around an engine that should be connected correctly, but instead they are in mess. Also I'd like to know what is the difference between new and cleaned sparkplugs? Please help me :confuse:
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    I had a 1991 Eddie Bauer, it was a great car, considering it was the First Explorer. Yours sounds like it needs a lot of work, it probably has a lot of miles. Sounds like a tune up and a good going over is what it needs first.
    Spark Plugs? New spark plugs are just that, New. Cleaned spark plugs are used spark plugs that have been cleaned up, NOT a recommended practice anymore. Spark plugs in a properly running engine can last up to 100,000 miles, but in a poorly running engine, the combustion is "dirty" and creates carbon deposits in the combustion chamber and on the spark plug. A dirty spark plug is a strong indication of an engine that needs attention. Don't clean the spark plugs, fix the engine. If you don't know about these things, it's best to take it to someone who does. First make sure that all hoses, wires, tubes are all properly in place. Do a basic tuneup new spark plugs, new spark plug wires, etc. While the spark plugs are out, do a cylinder compression test on each cylinder, and write down the maximum pressure developed by each cylinder. They should all be within 20% of each other. Low cylinders should be investigated for head gasket leaks, valve leaks, cylinder head cracks or leaks, or leaky piston rings. There should be no combustion gas going into the cooling system and no coolant going into any of the cylinders. There should be no steam or smoke coming out of the exhaust pipe. The cooling system should be clean, inside the radiator cap should be clean, and inside the coolant reservoir should be clean. The engine should run at normal operating temperature. There should be no vaccuum leaks and the engine should idle smoothly at 600 to 700 rpm. Check the large plastic air tube that runs from the air cleaner box to the engine intake throttle body for any leaks, cracks or holes, especially on the bottom, this is a known problem with these cars. Any cracks, leaks, or holes found in the large air tube should be taped and repaired, or replace the large air tube. The check engine light should be OFF, with no DTC's (Diagnostic Trouble Codes) stored in the computer.
    The Engine Oil Level should be at the proper level with the correct motor oil and the motor oil filter should be clean. The oil and the oil filter should be changed every 5,000 or sooner. The air filter should be clean, change it every 15,000 miles or sooner. The fuel filter should be changed every 30,000 miles or sooner. The automatic transmission fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles or sooner. The brake fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles. Check all belts and hose to be sure that they are in good shape. Replace any that are questionable, old or cracked.
    There, that's a start. Let us know how it runs after you get all this done.
    Good Luck,
    E.D. ISF
  • kyrosekyrose Member Posts: 1
    Hello I have a 1995 ford explorer 4x4
    it will not shift into first gear until i let up on the gas a little then it will shift and do fine. until i have to slow down really slow or stop and it does the same thing but after i let up on the gas a little it will shift and then it shifts on through. and the od light flashes and the 2wheel and 4 wheel lights will flash ,, can anyone tell me what the problem could be.
  • ika_sk7ika_sk7 Member Posts: 2
    Thanx ED,
    I will try doing what you have advised, and if not ask someone who knows how to. As you can see from my rpofile, I live in Mongolia, and ther are no ford dealers here, and no place to have our car checked. Therefore it was a big help, and will let you know as soon as I'll have progress.
    Thanx again,
    Ika
  • panzerpanzer Member Posts: 125
    Is it just me and my big feet, or has anyone else noted that it is rather easy to push both pedals when braking to a stop on the 2006 Explorer? I have the adjustable pedals and I use only my right foot to operate the pedals. This is the only car of the dozens that I've owned over 35 years that I have to make a concious effort to get my foot only on the brake. Obviously, if this is a design error and other people have the same issue, safety is a concern. If I'm just a klutz, then it's my problem.
  • dunningdunning Member Posts: 4
    I don't know why it should be such a problem to swap another factory deck with your stock deck? My dad is going to give me the factory 6-disc stereo he got for his '06 F250 work truck (for around $250 from Ford), and I intend to put it in my '05 Explorer. I assumed that it would just plug right in, although if it takes a little more work than that I can handle it.
    I am sure that Car Toys or some other stereo shop may have difficulties installing a deck into the factory spot since Ford uses such mammoth stock units and they would have to spend extra time on the install. A new wiring harness and customizing and Alpine or Kenwood to fit the vehicle would cost you a few extra bucks...
    But why in the heck would you not be able to swap stock for stock???
    I am starting to dread making the swap myself - if you find out more, please keep me posted!
  • mz_cocomz_coco Member Posts: 5
    I too am having this same problem except my 2wd/4wd lights do not flash. I am hoping that i dont have to get a new transmission. I have put transmission fluid in and I still am having the issue. Please help.
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    You and kyrose did not say what engine and transmission you have. That makes ALL the difference in the world. You probably have the 6 clyinder engine, which has the smaller more troublesome transmission behind it.
    I was going to say something about the Ford layoffs announced today due to sales being lower than expected, being due to the lack of quality than we have seen in these posts, such as the transmission problems, the engine problems, and the rear axle problems, but I won't.
  • mz_cocomz_coco Member Posts: 5
    I have a V6 and I have had the rear axle trouble to but the Ford dealer had to replace that because they damaged it.
  • alman08alman08 Member Posts: 282
    02 Explorer XLT

    passenger side front window regulator (according to the dealer) has failed and they wanted $462 parts and labor for it. does it sound too high? I did some research and found out the regulators go for about $85 to $160. Let's say if the dealer ordered the most expensive one, does it mean they're charging me almost 4 hours of labor?? is there any way i can search what is the standard labor time to do the job? i thought it should take no more than 2 hours.
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    Nothing at the Dealer is cheap. I suggest that you get some quotes from independent auto repair shops or body shops.
    E.D. ISF
  • bosiphusbosiphus Member Posts: 7
    02 Explorer XLT - V6 4.2L Engine

    First post, hopefully someone can help me figure this problem out. Thanks ahead of time for all those that post!

    I've had several recent problems with my '02 Explorer. Items below are in order of fixed problems.

    1.) Thermostat problem (replaced)
    2.) Thermostat housing broke (unreplaceable gasket broke)- I replaced the whole unit and gaskets.
    3.) Soon after, my water pump blew out. Replaced!
    4.) A month later, I went to start the car and white smoke continually blew out the back!

    I feared the worst but thankfully there's absolutely no water in the oil and vice versa. The coolant tank seems to be a little yellow maybe and smells a little like exhaust? And the exhaust obviously smells like its burning coolant.

    So I just want to confirm my suspicions, does this mean my intake manifold may be cracked or is it just the gasket?

    I'd like to get a little info before I dive in. Right before it started blowing smoke it seemed to be idling higher than usual....can anyone give me a little direction?
  • alman08alman08 Member Posts: 282
    E.D., thanks for the reply...
    as for me, it's too late and I will learn my lesson on this one. and i should have thought of taking it to the body shop first.
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    Unfortunately, your engine situation does not sound good. Going back to your previous history of replacing cooling system components, thermostat, housing, water pump, it seems to indicate that you had an overheating problem. Overheating is a major engine problem that causes leaking head gaskets and cracked cylinder heads, and it sounds like overheating led to your problem. Even though you don't actually see coolant in you oil, or oil in the coolant, there may still be a leak present. The white smoke from your exhaust is almost certain proof of this. The dealer or any auto shop has a tester that they can put in place of the radiator cap and test for any combustion gases present in the cooling system, or other test, and they can determine for sure if you have the problem. It certainly does sound like you do have the problem, from what you have said. If you do have Coolant entering the combustion chambers and going out the exaust, it will have to be fixed soon. It may need a head gasket replacement (most likely), or it may need a new cylinder head, or the it may have a cracked engine block and need a new engine (not as likely).
    Let us know how it turns out.
    Good Luck,
    E.D. ISF
  • bosiphusbosiphus Member Posts: 7
    So it doesn't sound like the intake manifold? The reason I came to this assumption is because everywhere I read on the internet, the explorer (02's and a few other years) were susceptable to the intake manifold cracking or the gaskets leaking. Plus, when changing out the thermostat housing a bunch of fluid poured over the engine and when I first restarted the car several puffs of white smoke came out. I thought this might be due to some fluid leaking into the intake manifold and got me thinking...

    My car never overheated, and never had such indication during the replacement of each of the parts. I pretty much eyeballed the parts and saw that they needed replacing due to their soon to be failure.

    So is white smoke the only indicator for head gaskets or could it be something else? My dad's car blew white smoke like crazy out the rear one time while on the interstate and he found out that his thermostat was completely stuck and needed replacing. After that, it was fixed so could it be something else?

    The car is at my house here and I really don't want to drive it to a shop, so I'll need to get a tester from a parts store it looks like?

    Thanks again!
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    White smoke could mean other things too, like heavy amounts to oil or transmission fluid in the exhaust, but you specifically said the exhaust smells like coolant, so we diagnose in that direction. It could possibly be the manifold or gasket leaking, if it leaks coolant into the intake and lets coolant into the engine combustion chambers. If you spilled coolant over or into the engine while working on it, that coolant would be expelled from the engine as soon as it was started and it would quite making the white smoke quickly, but you said it makes white smoke out the exhaust continuously. That would indicate that it is continuously burning coolant, if the exhaust smells like coolant. The testing tool I was refering to is too expensive for you to buy just to use it one time. It is only worthwhile to a shop that uses it often.
    Let's proceed with some diagnostics. If your engine is burning coolant, then the coolant level must go down, you should be noticing the coolant level in the reservoir and or radiator going down. But if it's so bad that you can't drive the vehicle around, and the exhaust definitely has a strong smell of coolant, it is a very safe bet that coolant is getting into the engine combustion chamber. If you want to do further diagnostics before tearing into it, you will need more specialized tools. One easier way to test it is to pressurize each cylinder one at a time with air pressure, you need an air compressor, air hose and an adaptor to connect the air hose to the spark plug hole. Take the radiator cap OFF. You must bring the piston of the clyinder you wish to test to EXACTLY Top Dead Center of the compression stroke and pressurize the cylinder with at least 100 pounds of air pressure. Every thing must be clear of the engine, in case it spins. Once the cylinder is pressurized you will be able to see if any air escapes from the radiator cap opening, bubbles at the radiator cap or air leakage anywhere else. It is normal that a small amount of air leaks past the piston rings, which you will hear in the crankcase at the oil filler hole. Do that to each cylinder to see if you can find any leak between the combustion chambers and the cooling system. If you want to start tearing into it, you can start with removing the intake manifold to search for the leak, then proceed to removing the heads to check the head gaskets and the heads.
    Let us know what you find.
    Good Luck,
    E.D. ISF
  • bosiphusbosiphus Member Posts: 7
    Thanks for the info, that's definitely what I was looking for.

    Now I checked at the local autoshop and they said an entire gasket set (to do everything down to both head gaskets) would cost $226. I thought that was pretty reasonable for the set of gaskets as I'm sure labor would be astronomical. Any possible tips on a cheaper price?

    Now, I've torn a DeLorean down to the bare frame and rebuilt it back to original condition but I've yet to do a head gasket set on any newer vehicles. Therefore, I need to know whether I should do it myself or not. I've torn apart plenty of engines to fix many things, just not head gaskets. To me, cars are really easy to work on, I really only need a good manual with all the torque specs to get around. Any help on where I could find such information for the 02' explorer XLT 4x4 with a v6 4.2L engine?

    I really want to do it myself as it's what I always do, but I don't want to be stupid obviously. I figure I'll start at the intake manifold and inspect and work my way down. I really have nothing to lose but my time if I have the correct information (torque Specs) from a manual.

    Thanks!
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    The best "manual" is the online manual at alldatadiy.com/
    The subscription is about $24 a year and all the information you need is in there, and all up to date. You must buy a separate subscription for each vehicle. This would be your best bet for information. You can look up what you want and print out the pages, you don't have to worry about getting them greasy, because you can always print more.
    $226 for an Upper Gasket set? I haven't bought one in a long time, but it still sounds steep to me. I would call around for that one.
    One thing to check for is to be sure that all the gasket mating surfaces are smooth and FLAT. Get a big long flat file, a nice straight one, and carefully file across the flat gasket surfaces on the intake manifold and on the heads where the intakes bolt on and on the surfaces that bear on the cylinder block, look for any high spots. Also run the file over the flat surface of the cylinder block.
    If you find the manifolds or head warped, best to take it to a machine shop. And while the heads are down there, have them check the manifolds and heads for any cracks. They have special equipment for that. They can find cracks that you can't see.

    Here is a link to an interesting forum about the Ford 4.2 engine and the coolant leaks into the engine. It seems that there have been a lot of other people having the same problems and often the coolant leaks into the cylinder and hydro locks the engine, causing the engine to throw a rod. It' best you fix your coolant leak before you have a major problem like that!

    http://forums.treemedia.com/fb/showthread.php?t=224&page=1&pp=15

    Check it out.
    Good Luck,
    E.D. ISF
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    Are you sure that your engine is a 4.2L V6 in a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT? I was checking on gasket set prices, and nobody lists an Explorer with that engine in it. They said the 4.2L engine is in the F150. The V6 Explorer has the 4.0L SOHC V6 Engine. Please check to be sure what engine you have, because that will make all the difference in parts and gaskets.
    Good Luck,
    E.D. ISF
  • bosiphusbosiphus Member Posts: 7
    Yah, sorry it is the 4.0L engine, I got a bit confused in the chaos. That website should help out tons! Thank

    I think JC Whitney had the same price for the gasket set but it's for every gasket down to the head gaskets including the head gaskets. Hopefully this week I'll be able to start tackling this project.
  • sealyonssealyons Member Posts: 2
    My 96 xlt 4.0l pulled a po136 and a po420 for the downstream O2 sensor malfuncion and a catalyst operating below effic. respectively. I replaced the sensor and it gives a reading of o. I am still pulling the 420 code. Is the reading on the sensor acceptable? I assume that the only way to cure the 420 is a new cat?
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    What are you using to take the O2 sensor readings? What were the readings on the O2 sensor before you took it off? Is it a heated O2 sensor? How many wires go to the sensor? The normal readings for the front O2 sensor is for the voltage to swing back and forth between 0 and 1 volt. The O2 sensor behind the cat should swing very little, stay fairly steady around .5 to .7 volt. The steady rear sensor means the cat is working. If the cat is bad, the rear sensor voltage will swing like the front sensor. Your reading of 0 makes no sense, it means there is NO voltage present. Look for bad connections, broken wires, blown fuse, ect. Use a good scanner to read and to observe the O2 sensor readings.
    Good Luck,
    E.D. ISF
  • sealyonssealyons Member Posts: 2
    A friend of mine had a scanner. It is the sensor after the cat...which made me think that the cat wasn't necessarily bad. It has 4 wires. Where would the fuse be located? I checked the fuse panel in the cabin and the distribution box under the hood.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    I'd recommend buying all gaskets from the dealer if it costs more.
  • electricdesignelectricdesign Member Posts: 681
    If the O2 sensor has 4 wires, then it is a Heated O2 sensor. It should have power on the 2 heater circuit wires, and the 2 wires for the O2 sensor will develop the signal voltage from the thermocouple within. The computer reads this signal voltage, which displays on the scanner. You should be sure the heater circuit is energized, I think it is 12 volts battery voltage. You will need a wiring diagram to trace out the circuits. You can go to alldatadiy.com/ to get the information for your car, they have everything you need, wiring diagrams, pin outs and all, for $24 for a one year subscription.
    Good Luck,
    E.D. ISF
  • fixitrodfixitrod Member Posts: 67
    We have been experiencing on both 98 Explorers with power locks an inability to unlock the drivers door either with the remote, the door code or the inside switch or handle. We had been either pulling on the inside handle or hitting the switch multiple times. After visiting a couple of dealers and reading this forum and I decided to replace the power door lock actuator on one of the vehicles. All sources said that this could be the cause of the rod not coming up to unlock the drivers door. It took three hours (it should take only about 1 hour if the door latch and window bracket are removed to allow the actuator to swing out...I finally got the nerve to do it this way after I got tired of not having enough room. I had been advised that it could be done without removing these parts)
    This has not fixed the problem. Disappointed to say the least yet as I try to figure this out I notice how flimsy the outside door latch feels on both car compared to the passenger side. There is not much if any tension. One of the service advisors indicated that we should fix the actuator before the "spring" went out. I wish that had been stressed initially because I feel its actually the latch mechanism which needs replacing. (Although in both the Haynes and Chi;ton manuals there is not a spring indicated in the illustrations) Has anyone had any experience like this because so far I am out $200 for the actautors, $60 for the heavy duty riveter and about several hours tracking down the riveter plus what I'll have to spend to buy the latches or other expenses. By the way the actuator seems OK since I put a battery on it and it pistons better than the one I took off. Next time I'll check the circuit first
    Any and all advise at this point would be appreciated
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