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Hmmm...I wonder if that was actually the truth?]
So, anything they are doing right now is just temporary, to quiet the customer. Follow up with the dealer periodicaly to see if there is a fix.
PART#: 1L2Z*5484*BA"
It also says test and diag noise RXR sway bar bushings. She told me they replaced the bushings. Did they? The noise is gone, but from this board it sounds like it will be back. It is annoying but can it be harmful to the vehicle? Just looking for any info because I really don't know what this part does, also what would this repair cost if it was out of warranty???
Update;
The unit has been in the shop for a week. I don't think they can pinpoint the problem. The latest guess was to replace the plug wires. I hope thats it
because if not, they're just shooting in the dark.
Should I (demand) ask for a new vehicle?
Thinking of going synthetic but not sure because the recommended oil for the V8 is 5w-20w.
Would like to stretch the oil changes with Mobile one any thoughts?
1. When cold, there is a buzzing noise that seems to be coming from the back of the engine compartment. It disappears when you let off the gas and often returns occasionally until the vehicle is warmed up. This may be associated with the previous post about a transmission valve TSB.
2. From 50 -70 miles per hour (1500-2200 RPM), my Explorer makes a noise that sounds like either noisy valves or possibly a slight exhaust leak. HOWEVER, the noise cannot be replicated by attaining the same RPM in neutral or in DRIVE holding the car with the brakes. So, it does not appear that a noise created by the engine but something else in the driveline....Any ideas?
So far, the Ford Dealer has come up empty!
I'd also like to mention that because I bought my 2002 XLT with leather seats in 11/01, a leather wheel was not then available. But, I really, really wanted a leather wheel, and you may know that one has recently become available for newer 2002 XLTs. So, I ordered one from Ford ($225.00) and it was installed today ($68.00 labor). It is black leather, and it looks and feels wonderful! (The cruise control buttons are identical to the old wheel, and as far as the airbag is concerned, they simply pop out the airbag module from the old wheel and re-install it into the new leather wheel. This upgrade is expensive, but the results are worth it in my opinion--my wheel now looks and feels very classy and elegant, especially after applying some Zaino Leather Treatment/Conditioner).
If I go by the oil life monitor, could wait till about 5,000 mi.
The second is the knock inside my steering wheel. I feel it more when the weather is damp and the roads are slippery. When the service guy took my car for a test drive, he claims he didn't hear anything. So, I haven't had any luck.
Although, I might add that I'm still under 35,000 miles and covered under warranty. Perhaps when I get over 35,000 miles they'll find the problem.
It provides extra confidence when turning a less than 90 degree corner, with the road slick with rain or snow and in less than ideal driving conditions. Especially in a rear-wheel drive vehicle. It operates seamlessly and kicks in before you realize you are in trouble. Once you have it, you will never buy another vehicle without it.
I have read various media reviews complaining of rattles and squeaks in the '02 Explorers as well. Please let us know how successful the dealer is in getting rid of them.
When turning left and hitting uneven road surface, could sometimes hear a rattle in front end. Dealer kept vehicle for 2 1/2 days and checked several possibilities. Finally diagnosed it as coming from steering. Replaced steering gear and noise seems to be gone but haven't driven much since. Front wheel toe had to be reset and steering wheel is a little off center. Will get that fixed on next trip.
Only other complaint they said was "normal" is the high idle speed for several seconds after starting cold or hot. Must wait to shift into gear. Anyone else noticed that and had it checked? Not a problem on my 94 or 98 Explorer.
Also, to others with posts about rattles - I have them in the instrument cluster, sometimes a huge clunking from behind the radio somewhere, and in the front right door window assembly, as well. Appears to be dependant on temperature. Dealer never duplicates problem.
(Have already been through rear hubs being shipped from factory with no lubricant, the transmission shifting problem - which when fixed is nothing more than reprogram the transmission and engine to drastrically retard when shifting, smoothing out the problem but causing very poor acceleration.)
We love the vehical (had 2 Explorers before this), but am about to give up, and sell it for whatever anyone offers, and drop Ford from my line up forever.
Looking forward to getting it on all future vehicles. In the EU they are about 10+% introduced on models, but here we are probably still below 5% by vehicles sold. There they are putting it on lots of small cars to enhance safety while here they went luxury and then due to, IMO, media it will next be on SUVs.
jscatena@floracraft.com
Two questions: 1) are you owners of 2002 models who owned earlier versions, happy with the new model? 2) Has Ford fixed the SOHC V6? I've read about lots of problems with it in the first couple years of production.
If you do buy a 02, make sure you get the newer one that comes standard with fog lamps, leather steering wheel, dimming rear mirror, and adjustable headrests on the front seats. My 02 is not a newer one, and these things, except for the headrests were on the 98. I added factory fog lamps ($200) and will add the leather steering wheel (heard it is $250). The dimming mirror isn't a factor as the rear glass is tinted and have not noticed it being too annoying. The 02 interior is okay, I think it is a little more plastic like than the 98, but that is personal opinion. All in all it is a dramatic improvement.
I did not have any problems with the SOHC engine except for the cam tensioners which were fixed with the recall. Hope this helps!
Did you know it was basically the same vehicle as the other?
Why did you choose it over the other?
Please submit your response to jfallon@edmunds.com no later than Wednesday, May 15.
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4WD Auto = 3500 lbs
2WD Auto = 3500 lbs
4WD Manual = 2500 lbs
2WD Manual = 2700 lbs
FWIW, the 3.73 axle would give you a higher tow rating.
I’m currently about to finish lease of Isuzu Rodeo LS (36 month, 320$ a month) It was good, but probably not good enough to go again with Isuzu. Also I would like to try something different.
I think I like Explorer and according to EDMUNDS it’s holding first place among mid class SUV now.
Is anyone leasing Explorer? It is interesting to know 36 month x $$$.
Probably we are looking into 400$ + a month?
If so, can you convince me that I still should go toward it.
I think I can get PATHFINDER for about 350$ a month,
4 runner for about 386$,
400$ + ---this is already numbers for RX 300 or MDX.
Any input greatly appreciated.
I'm considering an '02 Explorer XLT 4x4, with the 3rd row seat. Few of the models I've seen locally have the aux.climate system for the rear passengers as an option. Do any of you have the 3rd row seat regret not getting the aux.climate system. I'm trying to decide if this is an option I need to hold out for.
Also, I'm interested in real world mileage people are getting with the v8, 4x4, with the tow package (all the v8's around here have the tow package on them).
Finally, what is everyone's opinion on the need for the v6 vs. the v8. All the reviews seem to indicate the v6 is rough and lacks sufficient power on the highway, etc.
Thanks to all you 02 Explorer owners for your help in my purchase decision.
Thanks.
23 Telluride SX-P X-Line, 23 Camry XSE
I don't have the third row air, but we don't use that seat much. If the seat will be used in summer, you should probably get it.
As for the V6 vs. V8 issue, I think it's $800 well spent for the V8. The mileage penalty is not a big deal, and the V8 has a good history versus the shaky past of this 6 cylinder. If you're not aware, the 6 cylinder started life as a pushrod engine and was converted to OHC without major block work. The result is that the design is not optimal for the application. It's had a history of breakdowns related to cam chain tensioners. Ford is still paying to fix many of the older ones.
Getting the V8 was a no-brainer for me and I don't regret it.
When I ordered my Mountaineer you could not get the rear climate system with the sun roof option. The interior is large and in the summer with 6 or 7 people aboard it would take extra cooling to make everyone happy. If it was available I would have taken it, but since I had to choose between the rear a/c and sunroof, the sunroof won.