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But if you have a good dealer, you have a much better experience/feeling about the vehicle. The trouble is that most dealers (and this includes GM and Chrysler) dont care about doing a good job in service... and wont work with the customer to get the problem resolved. Part of that is that they employ a strategy of "the more times they come back for service, the better" and the other idea is that they dont care. The mechanics that work at my dealership, although ASE certified are mostly all on their first job right out of school.
ACE, I feel your pain and am sorry about your issues. I think your best course of action is to speak with an attorney and decide on a plan. Keep in mind that some explorers are made in Canada, Mexico, and the USA and "quality" may vary from plant to plant and some people may actually have a good experience with their vehicle... although happy customers are typically not as vocal as those with problems.
I hope you can find peace in another ride, and hopefully soon...life is too short to be irritated to the point that it affects your wellbeing and health.
Spark plug change got rid of CE light, but a few days later the O/D off light began flashing. I have read some posts that have also been through this. Fluid was ok and Haynes said take it in. Took it to different dealership, friend is asst. mngr. of service dept. to have it checked out. My problem was shift solenoid which they replaced for $600. I apparently got a deal $54/hr rather than $68/hr.
Now my check engine light is on again. I am thinking that my problem is throttle control sensor because engine surges rythmically. That may have caused trans. sol. problem. Error code says that EGR valve opening not detected.
Did anyone have engine sensor problems proir to O/D off light flashing?
I would like to hear more about problems "95 owners have or are having since we seem to have same truck with similar history.
Other problems I have.
-Dome light will not shut off after ignition.
-Top brake light gives initial flash then nothing.
I like my Explorer, and want to keep my friend, so I am trying to avoid bringing it back in.
If anyone else has suggestions let me have em.
Thanks...
-Why didn't the computer diagnostics done 3 weeks prior to the o/d light flashing indicate that there was some problem with the transmission? Aren't some kind of codes supposed to show up or do they specifically have to be looking for some problem in the transmission vs. the electrical system? The car was taken in b/c it wouldn't start, not specifically for an electrical prob.
-Is it reasonable for a transmission to fail at 95K miles? Is this reasonable wear and tear? We have kept up with the scheduled maint.(60k)
-My check engine light has been on for about 16 months, paid $400 dollars in late '99 to have repair done to correct it. When it came back on, was told it was a sensor problem and just tighten the gas cap. Could this have been indicating some prob. w/the transmission that we just ignored?
I took my car to a transmission shop for a 2nd est. and the need for a new transmission was concurred. Sorry so long, but now I'm totally frustrated, going to be out $2300 and wondering if there was anything that could have been done to prevent this problem! Any advice(or support) would be appreciated. Thanks!
I would like to trade me other vehicle for a 2002 Expl. but I'm too scared to try another Ford right now..Good Luck
ace
Take a look at pages 30 and 31 of Consumer Reports annual auto issue and review Ford results and tell me that all SUVs have serious problems.
Thanks
Tom
SOHC V6 or the OHC V6?
By the way, a note to ENGINE: I had the OHV V6 and that engine was probably the only part of the vehicle I never had problems with.
From your description it sounds like the tires didn't hit anything right before the roll (like a curb)? Glad to hear that you're ok. Tough way to justify getting a new rig....
Steve
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There are greese fittings and these should be lubed every 2 years... so your 2000 may be due soon.
We've fixed the following (all needed fixing anyways):
radial arm bushings
front and rear bearings
u-joints
balanced the drive shaft (axle?)
tires all ok & balanced
new shocks
The vibration was horrible starting at about 60mph. After the above repairs it's minimal, but still there. We've called Ford and they don't have a TSB for vibrations at the higher speeds and don't know what to suggest since we've repaired/replaced all that they would have.
Funny thing is...the day after we bought this (a few weeks ago) the fuel pump went out and we just happened to 'die' in front of the Ford dealership. There was no vibration until after we picked it up after they replaced the pump. I'm not saying there's a connection...it's just REALLY aggravating!!
The guy at the tire shop said the vibration started in the rear left when he put the hub back on (no tire).
Any ideas other than just living with it??
Thanks,
Antonia
I got rid of my Exploder and will never own another Ford product, as long as I live.
What a pile of junk!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
They may be OK in 2002, just a window falling out once in a while. That's not a big thing to the
"Blind leading the blind," as they walk into a dealership and see the sales staff salavating at the hunk a dough you will spend for the "Pile."
news sources are reporting that ford is going to make good on the firestone tire debacle.
to this incredibly unsatisfied exploder owner, this would represent a pretty healthy step towards righting the incredible harm done to owners.
we happened to have had the non-recalled at's. replaced them with michelin ltx ms' at our own expense.
good job ford.
ace
http://dailynews.yahoo.com/fc/Business/Firestone_Tire_Recall/
I think its a pretty bold move for Firestone to pull away from Ford--Ford is always looking to pin its Explorer safety problems on others . . . they must feel that the American public has a sheep mentality-- we'll just believe what they tell us and go along with the herd--
Our 1993 XLT is now pushing 180K. It has been mostly kind to us. When it goes, so will we-- goodbye Ford!
Personally, I think we have to give Ford credit for doing the right thing on this recall. Firestone has strenuously resisted all recalls because they don't care about safety, just profits. Ford has already spent $500 million to recall Firestone's crappy tires.
As for me, I am going to exchange my Wilderness tires for some new Michelins, which I understand provide better gas mileage and a smoother highway ride.
Ford has a list of acceptable reimbursable tires and dealers(unfortunately they are only reimbursing $110 per 15" and 16" tire)... and the Michelins will run you about $125-$145 each. Also they will not reimburse for Michelin Crossterrains in the 255/70 R16 size, just the Michelin LTX MS. I bought crossterrains last year and they are great, but expensive $145 each.
I need to make a quick decision on either the Cross Terrains or LTX M/S. Could you give me you impressions on the Cross Terrains (noise, ride, wet traction, snow traction, cornering, perceived treadlife) and the differences between the 2 models? I've had the Wilderness ATs so obviously anything will be an improvement but it strikes me that the Cross Terrains are extremely expensive, so i want to make sure that its worth it. If you live in such a climate, I'd be interested in your thoughts on the traction in snow. Some winters I regularly drive in 6-18 inches of unplowed snow although I never take the explorer off road. I especially appreciate your input as I can't seem to find any reviews on the Cross Terrains on the internet.
Thank you.
Jeff
I think that you might want to consider the LTX AT, which has a but more aggressive tread than both the LTX MS (cost $125 each) and the Cross terrain. Both the CTX and LTX MS are for people who mostly drive on paved roads and do only some driving in light snow (1"-5").. For deeper snow or off road, you might want to look at a more aggressive tread. I think Michelin LTX AT might be there for you. Check out michelin's website www.michelin.com.
GoodYear also makes a very good Wrangler AT tire.
I looked really hard as to what type of tire to get. I do virtually no offroading, but we do get some heavy weather here from time to time. The LTX ATs were described to me by some dealers as offering no difference in ride quality or mileage as compared to the Wilderness ATs, just some better handling. The LTX M/S are a good tire for the occasional off roader or for someone who lives where there are frequent, heavy snow use. Their qualities are lie somewhere between the Cross Terrain and the AT, but offering far superior traction to an all season radial.
My Cross Terrains have served me well. Road noise is nearly gone, the highway ride is improved, better wet traction than the Wilderness AT (in my opinion I thought I always hydroplaned on those tires), and slight improvement in mileage.
Ford is only reimbursing those who replaced their tires before May 22, 2001. After the 22nd, the tires must be done at a Ford dealer. Ford is apparently sending letters to all owners with a "certificate" of sorts indicating you are eligible for replacement tires. Or so, that is what I have heard...
with the hooey that gravestone started slinging Thursday about testing with two Explorers, one Jeep, and one Blazer showing the Explorers supposedly roll over when you whistle and beg for a bone, perhaps we ought to change our sly puns on their brand name. The old logo for Bridgestone used to be the outline of a keystone, like on the top of an arch, with the BS letters inside. perhaps BullStone is more appropriate than Gravestone??
Good Luck...
Best thing to do is check the oil and antifreeze every time you fill up. Never had to do this with my BMWs, guess it's just Ford quality.
Good luck!