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Comments
was a fix available from reading on these posts , the local dealer located a computer fix. I have had no problems since. Our car only has 50,000 miles on it and was a pain from day one. But is now good.
D. Wood
PPI for the purpose of "predicting" automatic tranny failure is useless. Those clutch frictional surfaces work virtually 100% right up until they don't.
Thanks
Also, between the Explorer or Mountaineer, which would be the better buy used? I had heard that the Mountaineer gets worse gas mileage because of the v8 and AWD. Any advice there? We really liked our '99 Explorer and want to get something similar but would like side airbags and less miles than what we had.
Is the Explorer 4wd better than the Mountaineer AWD for winter driving?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!
Shannon
Provided you know when to put it to use, or maybe more importantly.......when to NOT put it to use, the Explorer (Part-Time) 4WD system will be much more functional for winter driving conditions than ANY AWD system.
There is alays an inherent risk in buying any used vehicle, but when buying a used 4WD, Part-Time 4WD, vehicle there are additional issues, other than factory "as-built" reliability that should be considered.
The problem with buying a used 4WD is that the majority of the buying public does not understand the limitations of actual PART-TIME 4WD or 4X4 vehicles. They CAN NOT be left in 4WD mode (4X4 WORSE) except on consistently slippery roadbed surfaces without damage to the drive line components.
The commonplace availability of F/awd or R/awd systems that do not require driver interaction nor knowledge has muddied the water substandially.
Inadvertent or inappropriete use of these Part-Time 4WD mode can result in quick failure in <50 miles, or failures many miles down the road, 2nd or 3rd owner.
Other than the SH-AWD system I know of no AWD, F/awd or R/awd, system that isn't REACTIVE, after the fact, no action until wheelspin/slip is already present. This is especially hazardous for FWD and/or F/awd systems since wheelspin/slip ALWAYS means simultaneous loss of directional control.
The clear and certain threat of loss of directional control in this instance is why with FWD or F/awd systems you will also get simultaneous engine dethrottling.
Anyway there is NO AWD system, f/awd or R/awd, that is functionality capable of equality with ANY (TRUE) 4WD system. If you truly need 4WD functionality I would look first to the Toyota 4runner.
Bel Air Car Guy
Problems began at 65,000 miles.
Hard shift from Park to Reverse - Sometimes.
Grinding action from 2nd to 3rd upshift - Always.
Hard Thump from 2nd to 1st downshift - Always.
Ford/Mercuriy Dealer
Said didn't know but could update software for $100. Went with it but did not work.
Multistate Transmission
Said to rebuild it.
AAMCO - Free diagnostic check, said they needed to do more and would cost about $200. Said could be external, solenoid pac possibly.
Local Transmission Shop
Test Drove and diagnostics; Said to rebuild. Also said Transfer Case is cracked.
I read and watched videos, trying to convince myself there must be something that can be done. So, I tried the fluid flush and even the shop that performed the jobs said I'd be rolling the dice, they said they have only know fluid flushes to solve these probelems very rarely. But, I went for it because I had to. They added Shutter Guard treatment. Still same issues. $180
We will never own another Ford product ever. Nor will anyone in my family and I will do my best to inform others to never consider Ford products when purchasing.
This is how you kill a brand. Not by the hard work of the many who build it, those on the factory floor or assembly line. Doesnt matter where its built either, its the corporate attitude and negligence at the top of the company structure. Look, it hasn't been about the vehicle in a long, long time at Ford. Its just something to sell for profit. Nothing more. They should get into the toilet paper business because all they produce is pure crap.
Fix Or Repair Daily
Found On Road Dead
No prior problems now this. No warranty.
Went back to Frank Boucher Janesville, Wi.....not helpful. Thanks, Ann.
Does anyone know what causes this?
Thanks
A service may help, but when you have reboot issues (restarting the car makes it ok), you likely have an electrical or brain issue rather than a mechanical problem.
Sadly, you are right - the 04 Explorers had transmission issues. It's a long story why, but many of them were bad due to sabotage at the factory.
Bel Air Car Guy
I have a 02 Explorer XLT V8 (late production 6/01). Can not find Transmission Harness any where. Called Ford and was told item is discontinued. Can not locate in junkyard or aftermarket company. NEED HELP!!!!!