Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer 2005 and earlier

swschrad · February 2003

unless you really can talk Granny into a ride with you so she can hold the switch in.

in the Ely / BWCAW area, I periodically have my compass go wacko due to the magnetite rock, depending on where I'm going, and at some point when it gets annoying enough do the idiot dance in a parking lot. but in my 2000 limited, the CAL button is a one-tap over the rear view mirror.

the compass is a backup to the GPS, except where the compass goes wacko, in which case the GPS is the backup. in case both fail, the sun rises in the east, and the big dipper points to the north star. happy canoeing!

1badsidekick · February 2003

Hi guys, I am thinking about trading my '98 Sidekick Sport in on a 2000 Moutaineer with V8 and AWD. I wanted to know if any of you know of any problems that have occured with this vehicle,(I noticed a rear window wiper is one), and things I should look for in examining the vehicle and during the test drive. I'm actually looking at 2 different ones. They are both 2000 models with the V8 and AWD, but one has the Monterey package, with 38,800 miles, and is priced "wholesale" at $17,900. The other one doesn't have any certain packaging, but is equipped the same, with 44k miles and the price is $15,926. Not that colors matter, but there could be a problem with paint as well, so I'll mention that the more expensive Monterey is black with gold pinstipes, and gold cladding around the bottom(which I love). The other is Laser Red, with a darker red on the cladding(I could live with it). I really like the looks of the Monterey, and it is equipped with the back up sensor system, but the other one is MUCH cheaper, and I'd be getting a MUCH better deal on it. Dealer told me they'd give me $5500 trade in on my 98 Sidekick sport with 55k. Which sounds better?

swschrad · February 2003

part of the fun is getting what you want. if you can swing the extra and like it better, what the hay.

that 5L V8 AWD is the best drivetrain combination offered in the vehicle, not much went wrong. there were some issues around february 2000 build dates with intermittent oil pressure switches, but if you haven't seen problems, don't worry much. kind of a bear to get them replaced because of the ancillary equipment in the way, my dealer got full reimbursement for hoisting the engine on that issue.

march through may or june 2000 had a recall for side airbag sensor issues on the left side, by the seat belt assembly.

there were, of course, major issues with the Wilderness AT tires, by this time either vehicle should be off those sneakers even if the previous owner had a "thing" about standing up against the crowd.

a seat belt anchor thing in a few cars, I missed that recall as well.

and that's about all there was for recalls on that vehicle. it's solid and steady and with good rubber holds the road well.

rear wiper issues... I had the wiper motor assembly replaced and haven't seen the issue again. however... if you do... try lifting the wiper blade out of its cradle and let it hang free for a little while. one of the issues that end up being "won't wipe" is that some of the motor units don't close the limit switches, and a couple of tar strip bumps with the wiper blade hanging loose in "service position" usually fixes the issue. if not, you could try loosening the locknut on the motor shaft and rotate it a tad to the left before seeking new motors.

I like my 2000 exp limited, the guy in the cube across from me traded his 96 in for an EB almost exactly like it, and the mountaineer even had the option of adjustable pedals. wish I had 'em.

onegrayfox · February 2003

I have a '97 Explorer with Control trac drive train that has developed a worrysome problem at 85,000 miles. When starting up from stop with wheels turned- even slightly the vehicle kinda shudders as I slowly start up, like an old manual trans vehicle that has a bad clutch. Dealer said it's in the control trac clutch system that diverts some power to front wheels and that it could be "adjusted by computer, which they did. Problem if anything is more pronounced now after the adjustment.

I know there is some kind of clutch system that the computer engages when traction at rea slips but this is happening on dry pavement and ONLY when wheels are turned - either direction.

Anybody out there experiencing similar problems? Solutions ???

swschrad · February 2003

maybe you have a bad half-shaft assembly in front, in particular, the flex joint next to the wheel. also check the fluid level in the front drive unit, if it's low, get a sample analyzed and drain and refill the system. low fluid can wreck that system; an analysis should tell if it's time for a new transfer case or a rebuild.

late 90s control-trac used an electric clutch to engage the front drive to power, but there are parts of the system that are always spinning when the wheels do in 2wd. I'm not sure how far back it goes in the drive system, but my guess is that it goes back to the transfer case, and that would make both the drive joints and the transfer case suspect.

if the vehicle was supported on a frame or axle lift, not a tire contact lift, and showed the fronts turning in 2wd, then the electric clutch control and 4wd clutch stuff in the tranny become part of the suspect lineup.

the number of miles on the vehicle grossly coincide with where FWD half shafts start dying, so that's most likely IMHO

pomchi · February 2003

I got a quote for new 03 Explorer Eddie Bauer with Moonroof and Tow Package in MA

for $4500 below invoice at $30K. (including $2500 rebate)
No trade-ins

I think this is a very good price.

Your input??

nlm · February 2003

There seems to be a slight, continuous "humming" noise once the vehicle has kicked into overdrive. I don't know if it's from the transfer case in the front (that's where the sound appears to originate from) and if this is a common occurance for the AWD. And if it is advisable to put and "additive" into the transmition that may help (and what kind).

geoffdgti · February 2003

pomchi writes:
I got a quote for new 03 Explorer Eddie Bauer with Moonroof and Tow Package in MA for $4500 below invoice at $30K. (including $2500 rebate)
No trade-ins

So you're saying the dealer will sell it to you for $2000 under invoice for a new 2003 with no miles on it? Even with the 3% dealer holdback and the 1.5% blue oval cash, it seems that they're losing money on that deal and that's pretty hard to believe. Is there a dealer incentive program happening for Explorers that hasn't hit Edmunds?

Please tell us what dealer... I've been watching fuel prices soar and it's getting time to start thinking about finding a fantastic deal. I'm looking for a LTD, V8 AWD, moonroof, towing package, no 3rd row seat.

pomchi · February 2003

Dealer's name is Quirk Ford

Visit www.quirkcars.com (Ford section)to see for yourself. Look for Advertised Special which is $8500 off on MSRP on all EBs and Limiteds which would translate to $4500 under invoice

I have the invoice and you're right, even with holdback and blue oval cash, it is below cost..

swschrad · February 2003

the best of them don't hurt much. I don't believe in that snake oil, it's like pouring hot coals into a cut to soothe demons instead of doing heart bypass surgery.

an SUV is never going to be as quiet and glass-smooth as a rolls on a new road. if I have anything like that on my 00 exploder AWD, I've tuned it out long ago.

1badsidekick · February 2003

I have to laugh every time I read a post of yours with you reffering to your car as "exploder." I haven't had time to go drive the mountaineer I'm looking at yet, we've had tons of bad weather hit us here in VA lately, and I was out of state over the weekend. If I'm going to get a Mountaineer, it looks like it will be the 2000 with 44k miles. They made me a great offer for trade in, $500 than book value on my car without even looking at it, and the price for the Mountaineer is so great, its almost too great to pass up. However, I've been watching gas prices skyrocket, and it's making me think. Is the gas milage bad enough on the V8 AWD to say "stick with a rice rocket?" My suzuki gets about 22mpg, but I always fill it up at the 300 mile point. It holds 14.5 gal, but I never let it get below about 13. Its never gotten really great, and its only getting 22 now because I've eased off the pedal quite a bit. The rating for the V8 AWD is 14/19, so its not that much worse...but I'm still not sure. What do you think? $15,900 for fully loaded (except moonroof) and thousands below book, and $5500 trade in, $500 more than book? I don't necessarily need another vehicle right now, I'd be happy to keep my sidekick a while, but I just don't see passing this up. What is your advice? Thanks.

geoffdgti · February 2003

Pomchi writes:
Dealer's name is Quirk Ford

Quirk. Merci beaucoup. Bought a 1992 Mazda Navajo (rebadged 2 door Exploder) from them.

geoffdgti · February 2003

1badsidekick writes:
If I'm going to get a Mountaineer, it looks like it will be the 2000 with 44k miles. The rating for the V8 AWD is 14/19, so its not that much worse...but I'm still not sure. What do you think? $15,900 for fully loaded (except moonroof)

Personally, I wouldn't own a Ford SUV that wasn't under some kind of warranty. My 98 Mountaineer V8 AWD chewed through every moving part in the front drive train and that would have racked up some serious repair bills if it had been on my nickel. I also had the usual rear wiper failures (repaired twice, dying again at 107K miles) and had problems with the power door locks. I don't think $15,900 is a great price on a 3 year old Mountaineer. Edmunds says the true market value on a dealer lot is $15,829. Soaring fuel prices are only going to push prices down so you might be better off waiting or shopping for a better deal.

swschrad · February 2003

awful weather is a good time to test drive an AWD vehicle, though, we had a light winter in 2000 and it wasn't until early Feb that we got four or five inches of slushy snow. bang, down at the dealer to see what it did.

as for "exploder"... well, I have a pocket full of nitroglycerin and I KNOW how to use it (yes, for angina, thanks for asking, Mr. Ridge), I park it in garage #C4... it MUST be an exploder :-D

you will have to evaluate your own mileage situation, it's a political issue according to some people. I like mine and can afford to feed it. the sidekick/tracker figures you've got really aren't significantly better... I get 17-21 highway MPG depending on wind and whether I'm paying careful attention to the speed limit when I stick on the cruise control, and generally around 13 in town. that's not bad, it's in range with most of what's out there, and I can tow when I need to.

that's a pretty nice deal all things considered, four months ago the guy in the opposite cube traded in his 95 for a 00 bauer explorer similar to mine (and the mountaineer you're looking at,) and his numbers were in the $20,000 range with a $6000 trade-in.

I think if the worst happened on an oil-shock basis (lines at the pump), that rig would slide another thousand dollars. it's near bottom now.

your decision, the mountaineer should be a smoother ride, though, due to longer and wider.

1badsidekick · February 2003

Thanks for all the advice. I'm going to eventually get down to the dealer that has this rig (30 minutes down the famed Fancy Gap mountain) when I get time. I had been hoping that it would snow again and I could take the thing out myself, WITHOUT the salesman riding along erking the crap out of me about payments and stuff. Can't they let you enjoy a simple test drive anymore? However, I have found something a bit newer, and more to my general liking at a dealership closer. Its a '01 Rodeo LS with leather, moonroof, and lo and behold, its a 5 speed. I'm going to check it out today and see how much $$$ and how many miles. Again, thanks for all the advice. And swschrad, you gave me a well needed laugh for the day. Watch out for terrorists.

swschrad · February 2003

why, I see them under my bed at night and in the shadows of the ice cubes in the magazines every day, those terrorists. nice to know Our Beloved Government has made it impossible for them to operate with just a couple laws and a few billion dollars. :-D

kuridge2 · February 2003

I just picked up a 2002 Mountaineer with the v8 luxury edition package and conv packages.
On the Web they list 17" wheels for 2002 with these packages but I have 16's on my truck. What gives. Sunflower Lin/Mercury is a screwed up
dealer here in Kansas. They tried to sell me a Mountaineer with a scratch which had to be buffed out to the primer and re-painted so I switched to another one with two chips in the paint and a roof rack with the finish worn over a 4x3" area. I hope the rack can be replaced on the one side without any problems.. Any Ideas on the wheels???

mountneerowner · February 2003

I have a 2003 V8 Mountaineer. There is seriously excessive wind noise (whistle) coming from the front of the vehicle - no farther back than the front post of the front doors - especially on open roads. I suspect it is the windshield seal, but, of course, the dealer has "never heard of such a problem." Any advice? Please help - I'm beginning to avoid driving this car that I just spent all my money on!
Also, is the highest fan setting supposed to be so loud? I have to turn the stereo up three full bars on the display to hear it over the heater when the automatic climate control kicks in.

heintz1 · February 2003

Graham Ford (outstanding service shop) in Columbus, OH. uses a wind noise specialist who regularly visits their shop to help solve these kinds of problems. Give Graham Ford a call (ask for Brian in the service dept.) and they might be willing to give you this consultant's office phone number. If so, he might have some great ideas for helping you out.

dcd · February 2003

I would suggest checking the windshield seal. That was the problem for me on a previous 98 Honda Accord I had. It would whistle really loud sometimes at speeds higher than 60 mph.

As for the auto climate control being loud, I personally like it cause I know it is warming the vehicle very quickly and will soon slow down. If you don't like it you can still adjust the fan speed manually while still in Auto Climate Control mode.

navigator3740 · February 2003

My experience has been so different with Ford SUVs. I had 2 Mountaineers, that never had repair one. My 02 has had a couple, but nothing serious. My Navigator I just sold went 65,000 miles with one 0 ring failure - period. I bought the extended warranty from Ford when my factory warranty was up - never used it once. Money down the drain....... So, honestly, there isn't any other SUV I even consider. I still have my 94 Explorer with 108,000 miles on it, just put a set of brakes on the front. It's still going strong. The 4WD is a little tempermental on release sometimes (have to back up a foot or two to get it to release) but for 9 years old, that's not bad in my book. It still works fine. It's been a hell of a truck.

bkneipher · February 2003

This may sound strange, but I don't think my 4WD has ever worked!

I've never really needed it until this past storm, but when I turn the know to 4 HI the light never comes on the the front wheels never spin. I always wondered why the truck was never that great in the smaller storms we've gotten.

My neighbor has an Explorer and noticed the light was not coming on.

Anyone know if this is a know problem in Moutaineers?

navigator3740 · February 2003

if the light doesn't come on, you are not working. But the V-8 Mountaineers don't have the light, only the V-6 has real 4WD, the others are AWD, all the time.

swschrad · February 2003

you might have an infant mortality fuse on the 4WD system, check those with a test light and replace any that may be bad. if that doesn't do it, there is a sensor assembly on the side of the transmission that some have reported gets its switch gooped with grease... the dealer can play with it without losing the tranny's position indicator to the switch.

jming · February 2003

Hi - I'm new here but am reading up on recent posts. I owned a '97 Exploder Sport 4WD which was, shall we say, a LEMON from day one. Long story but it includes plenty of recalls, engineering / quality defects, scary clattering engine sounds that no mechanic could ever hear...and just plain poor service from several dealers. Since then I've very happily driven a foreign car, but a new house in a remote area is drawing me back toward an SUV. To my amazement, the Mountaineer seems to offer the best balance of price, cargo, power, style, and garage-ability. I feel bitter toward Ford for my very expensive '97 lemon and am resisting on one level, but I really would love the Mountaineer, if only it were made by a different mfr... I need convincing or the hard truth about Ford quality and dealers these days. So fellow Ford SUV veterans...would you recommend the current generation Mountaineer V8 to a returning (and battle-scarred) Ford veteran? Thanks - Jim

jrc346 · February 2003

Hehe I have to give you credit for considering a Ford after a lemon. Don't get me wrong here I like Fords (I currently own 4), but after I had a lemon GM product I decided to switch companies. That was a long time ago (81 Cutlass Ciera) I know that GM has made strides in quality with most of its cars, but since Fords have been good to me I have stuck with them.
Now to answer your questions.
Your Explorer was the first model year with that Engine (4.0L SOHC)and Transmition (5-Speed Auto) combination. This engine and transmition had defiant teething problems not to mention the timing chain noise but are OK now. Something Ford FINNALY managed to fix for the 2002 Explorer. Have you driven one of the new Mountaineers recently? I have good friends who just bought a black Premier with DVD entertainment and 4.6L V8. Wow what a machine. We took it to a Football game and I was very impressed. Very quiet, fast, and refined. However the ride still seems stiff, but more controlled. The TSB's are at a relatively low number which means that problems so far seem to be low, but these haven't been out that long. I do know that in Consumer Reports that the 2002 model Explorer/Mountaineer had much worse reliability than the average. However, if you look at the dots in the reliability box, nothing sticks out as being significantly wrong. If you are familiar with the dots:
Red = Much better than average
half Red = above average
Clear = Average
Half black = below average
black = Much worse than average
Nothing in the Explorer 2002 column is worse than above average.
I guess if I were you just look at the comments and customer satisfaction rating found in under the new car tab here at Edmunds. Right now the Explorer and Mountaineer have the same 8.4 out of 10 rating. People with the V8's seem to be the most satisfied. Just thought I would pass on some information to you. Good luck with your decision. If you have any more questions I will try to help.
OH and on the dealer thing. I know in my area (SE Michigan) which Ford dealers are good and which are bad. The ones that are good got a little better, and so did the bad ones. However the bad ones are still bad and I avoid dealing with them.

swschrad · February 2003

have not heard a lot of local grousing about the 2002/2003 explorer/mountaineer/aviator, and the 2002 drove nicely when I had several on the No Boundaries Experience course a couple years ago. the V6 SOHC engine really took 4 years to tame, but I personally wouldn't take one yet, as it also came with a transmission having less throughput capacity than the A5 models on the V8s and some history of its own.

the V8 is new, and if there are latent issues with it like NG cooling and head gasket problems, they should start showing up this year sometime. Ford did hold this new triton-series V8 back until they figured they had it ready, so that bodes well.

if you're still iffy, try for a good deal on gold extended warranty as well if you like the vehicle.

navigator3740 · February 2003

I concur with my compadres here. My wife's 2002 has not been quite the machines our 97 & 98 were, but it's certainly not a bad car, no engine or tranny problems. And, from my experience, if you can be happy in a SAAB, well, this shouldn't be a problem. On the other hand, once burned, it's tough to get back in love with a car company. I still haven't quite gotten over my 75 Vega yet....even though I have had some GM cars since that I really liked. I think you'll be ok, but I'd sure hate to hear from you if you got another turkey. It would be cruel for you.

1badsidekick · February 2003

If you want a proven Mountaineer, with great reliability and very little worries, AND if you can live with buying a "used" one, then I'd highly suggest a 2000 or a 2001 model. I don't own one, but the people here in this forum (and the Mountaineer forum) have recently come to know me, as I have been looking at possibly getting a '00 model. From what I've been told, the 2000 and the 2001 were both great years for the V8 and AWD versions. On a personal note, I honestly do not like the styling of the '02 and newer. If you can live with a used one, I'd definetly look for an '01 with V8 and AWD. If you must have new, then you might take some problems along with it, although the new ones have a few more goodies to offer.

stever · February 2003

1974 Volvo. Never again :-)

Well, maybe I'll stop ragging on the one I had in a couple of years - some things surely must have changed in 30 years.

Steve, Host

heintz1 · February 2003

FWIW, I've so far been quite happy with my 2002 V8, 4WD, XLT Explorer with towing package and Michelin Cross Terrains. My truck is ~15 months old, with over 32,000 miles logged so far, and the only major problem to date was a recently detected and SWIFTLY repaired leaky transfer case output-shaft seal. This V8 engine is very smooth, powerful, and reliable; and, this winter I've logged hundreds of miles in 4-wheel-high mode. In fact, we recently had 12-18" of snow here in Central Ohio, and I had an opportunity to do some extensive crawling in 4-wheel-low mode as well as faster driving in 4W-H, and I'm quite impressed with this vehicle's 4WD performance. (I couldn't get stuck, no matter how adventurous I became!) Of course, the Mountaineer has AWD, which I've heard is not nearly as rugged and "truck-like" as the Explorer's 4WD system. In fact, I recall one reviewer who opined that the MTNR's AWD is rather delicate (I believe the AWD Jag uses the same tranny), and should probably not be exposed to anything more demanding than light snow, loose gravel, shallow mud, etc. In other words, the MTNR is more of a "suburban shuttle, masquerading as the Marlboro Man", and is probably not much of an off-road vehicle, while the 4WD Explorer is decidely more rugged and truck-like in this respect. At any rate, which ever vehicle you choose, I would strongly recommend the Michelin Cross Terrain tires.

Kirstie_H · February 2003

Are you an SUV owner who has taken special action since the anti-SUV backlash began? Have you traded in your vehicle, reconsidered your purchase, cut back on your use of your SUV, parked in more protected/secure areas, etc? If so, a magazine writer wants to hear from you.
Please respond with your make and model to jfallon@edmunds.com by February 28.
Thanks,
Jeannine Fallon
PR Director
Edmunds.com

jrc346 · February 2003

Actually I am pretty sure that the Explorer offers both AWD and Control Trac 4WD systems with the 2003 models. I think the Mountaineer still has just AWD available. Both systems are pretty good at doing what they are designed to do. I agree with you in that the AWD isn't for rough off roading (in conditions needing 4LO). However, I don't really think that the AWD system is delicate. Both of the systems and engines use the same 5-speed auto tranny, but they have slightly different programing for V6 and V8 models. I am an outsider though as I have had strictly 96-00 Explorers with the old design and I have never had a problem with the Control Trac 4WD. Glad to hear that you are happy with your Explorer! I wish you many more satisfying miles.

jming · February 2003

Thanks to everybody for your comments, I really appreciate it. Someone made a comment along the way about a tough experience with a Saab...I have to say the 9-5 has been the best vehicle I've ever owned..very trouble-free and a really good dealer. I know they have been troublesome in years past but I'm a believer in the new products. ( Sorry for the off-topic. ) I just like the looks of the Mercury better than the Explorer - fits my style a little better - with similar utility. I don't need the 4LO capability of ControlTrac.
Anyway I will let you all know if I move forward with the Mtneer and thanks again - Jim

swschrad · February 2003

of course, these days "special" in the military term has come back into vogue, and while there are mild temptations, they quickly yield to intensive medical treatments and such

frankly, ain't worth my time to be bothered by the detractors. let 'em dig out of the drifts and see how much fire is left in their eyes.

would I like 35 miles per gallon? absolutely, fix the *&%$(* gas, that's the obvious answer :-D

geoffdgti · February 2003

navigator3740 writes:
My experience has been so different with Ford SUVs. I had 2 Mountaineers, that never had repair one.

So our two data points combined give the car "average" reliability. Personally, I don't have a problem with it since I insure myself by buying an OEM Ford extended warranty. You can buy one right before it goes off the 3/36 and you can find them discounted on the internet.

I'm about to "go forth and sin again" if I can reconcile myself to how little a 98 Mountaineer V8 AWD with 108,500 miles on it is worth as a trade-in. The 2003 is a significant improvement for my application. The ride seems much less truck-like even though they've improved the towing capacity. Improved features include integral Class 3/4 hitch receiver, much better audio, heated seats, memory seats & pedals that auto-adjust off the remote entry system, and dual climate control. I hate the faux plastique silver trim around the radio/heat controls and I hate the side body cladding but everything else is fine.

navigator3740 · February 2003

It is REAL plastique trim, I'll have you know!!

Get the V-8

Nav.....

geoffdgti · February 2003

navigator3740 writes:
> It is REAL plastique trim, I'll have you know!!

Yeah, real cheesey. I'm considering having my boat builder make me some teak trim for the dash and the doors. Of course, I need to have him finish the winter projects on my boat first. That usually happens around August. sigh...

> Get the V-8

Gotten. The evil lie on the window sticker says 19 mpg. I saw 16 or 17 with the last one and I calculated in gallons-per-mile when I was towing.

navigator3740 · February 2003

where the wind tunnel and dyno they use to calculate EPA fuel economy on these cars is.......

But IMO, the spunkiness of the V-8 is worth the MPG drop, and you may indeed do the GPM thing when towing, but you'll sprint up the hill, vs the gasping crawl...... You got hills in NH?

Geesh, I hope you got a good one. It's not gonna be pretty on this board if you happened to get the one hanger queen they made in January.......I can just tell....

wec282 · March 2003

We are looking for our first suv, will likely be an explorer, or mountaineer, with the v8. WE live in western Washington, occasional snow and ice, a trip to the mountains now and then, no rough off road driving. Which model would be the best choice in this case? Also can anyone tell me if AWD would be more hard on tires than a 4WD used in the normal mode for normal highway use?

poliface · March 2003

I own a 1996 Explorer XLT 8 cyl and a 2002 Eddie Bauer 8 cly. There are many differences between the two. The 2002 is much nicer but there are a few complaints worth noting.
1. Noise in the front shocks.
2. Wind noise while driving on the highway at 60 mph or greater.
3. Beautiful leather interior is... the seats are cracking on the seat portion of the driver's and passenger's seats.
Other than that the car is very comfortable. Smooth ride, handles much better than the 96.

navigator3740 · March 2003

If mud & snow is the only real adverse condition you drive in the AWD is just fine. If you like to crawl rocks, you gotta have a 4Low range, and need the 4WD option the Explorer offers. Between the two, I've heard of some complaints about the AWD system having problems, never really heard of any on the 4WD system.

As to the poliface cracking seat problem, I'm stymied, our 2002 Mountaineer is 2 years old this May, it's hotter than hell here, and our seats are just fine...... I would think Ford would step up on that unless they've been damaged from water or something......in fact, we still have a 94 Eddie Bauer Explorer with the leather seats, and one of them split a seam, but the rest of them are also just about like new after 10 years.

swschrad · March 2003

in that the exporer/mounty is in AWD when you don't lock up the axles, and 4wd when you do.

just the thing for road driving. and when you get into a boghole on that shortcut, engage 4wd.

wish it had been that way in 2000 when I bought mine. love that AWD, but I don't seek out bogholes. AWD is not a friend in mud. 4wd is not a friend on pavement.

gregb5 · March 2003

The noise you refer to as coming from the front shocks is most likely the center sway bar bushings. If they groan when you push down on the bumper I'll bet it's the bushings and not shock related.
The dealer will replace them under warranty.
I've had them replaced twice now. The second set went on about a month ago. So far, so good.

wec282 · March 2003

I read that the 2002 and later explorer/mountaineer have sealed transmission. Does this mean to change the fluid, one must disassemble the unit, or does it have way to drain the fluid and change filter when reaching the mileage that service is required?

swschrad · March 2003

"sealed transmission" usually means the dipstick doesn't exist any more.

there should still be a bottom plate with no drain plug, but plenty of screws and a gasket. the same plan for maintenance service of the fluid and filter exists... back all the screws out a couple of turns, except on one corner, where they are removed. tap the pan with a rubber mallet or a wood or plastic handle until the gasket gives way and spills tranny fluid all the hell over everything... and most of it, if you set up right, should go into the drain bucket. then take the rest of the screws and the pan all the way off and continue.

crossmembers, etc. may have to be removed. in rare vehicles, engine and transmission may have to be hoisted out. your mileage may vary. etc.

it's said to be an improvement in reliability. it's also another way to keep me away from the toys. I don't like those types of plans myself, but we'll see how it works over the next 10 years.

bkaiser1 · March 2003

My partner has an 00 Explorer Sport with the SOHC 4L/5sp auto drivetrain that has begun making a rather loud tapping/knocking at idle -- almost like an old diesel. He's got 50K miles on it now, but the extended warranty will cover whatever's broken. I seem to recall reading about faulty cam belt tensioners (?) that were causing similar problems in this type of engine. Has this been a problem with others here? What other things might we have the mechanic check out? Thanks in advance,
B

the_heidi · March 2003

How can I tell what kind of coolant I have. I have a 1999 with 5.0 liter. The coolant is now dark. How can I find out if it was originally orange or green?

dvdsteve · March 2003

Greetings from New Jersey...

I have an '03 Mountaineer Premier with the 8 cycinder engine. 11,500 miles in 4 1/2 months.

At least twice a day, and only when I am braking to a stop, at the moment I stop, my engine surges high to low to high to low, or, it stalls.

3 trips to my dealer and of course, it never happens when they test drive it, nor do they find anything when they put it on their computer.

Any thoughts on this???

Thank you for any responses...

Steve

heintz1 · March 2003

I own a 2002 V8, 4WD XLT with towing package and limited slip diff., purchased new in 11/01, and the truck now has ~35,000 miles on it. Several months ago, my preferred Ford service shop noticed that the rear output shaft seal of my truck's transfer case was beginning to leak, and they replaced that seal at no cost, under my factory warranty. Ever since then, I've been "worried" about my drive train, and whenever I take my truck in for maint., I remind the shop to carefully check the drive train for any signs of trouble. Well, yesterday I had her in for routine maint., and they had her on the lift for a long, long time. Sure enough, they soon told me they had found that another, different seal was showing signs of very early leakage in my transfer case, and I was asked to bring her back no later than mid next week for repair. (They will again provide me with a free loner car during repair). At this point, I asked them just how many of these leaks I'll have to endure before they decide to replace the entire transfer case, and I also expressed my fading confidence in the overall integrity of my truck's drive train. Of course, they told me that in their opinion, this was a rare problem with this vehicle, and at that point I inquired about purchasing an extended factory warranty from FORD (rather than a 3rd party extended warranty), and let me tell you, with less than 1000 miles to got on my truck's original 3 yr./36,000 mile factory warranty, I bought the Ford Motor Company's 5 yr./100,000 mile, extended warranty, right then and there, to the tune of ~$1230.00. This particular warranty covers such things as engine, drive train, 4WD, electrical, AC, heating, etc. Now don't get me wrong-- I love this truck, but quite frankly I think I did the right thing here, and I suspect that in the long run I'll be glad I eventually bought this extended warranty, and that it will more than pay for itself. As Dirty Harry once said, "Well... do ya feel lucky, punk..?" rate,

Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer 2005 and earlier

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