Ford Explorer Maintenance and Repair

6385 messages,  Last post on May 05, 2013 at 7:47 AM

You are in the Ford Explorer Forum.

What is this discussion about? Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer

    

Go to NHTSA to file a safety complaint.

Or call Monday-Friday (8 am to 8 pm ET) (888) 327-4236 TTY: (800)424-9153

#244 of 6385 1999 Ford Explorer suspension problems by amatola

Oct 20, 2000 (12:34 am)

Help can anybody help us with our exploder,it wanders all over the road nearly had an accident last weekend because of it. It has been to dealer many times and they say they cannot fix it say its a normal explorer characteristic. Well if this is normal then Ford is selling death traps and I dont think the firestone tires are the only problems. Dealer offered to get us into new Expedition at a 12000 dollar loss to us are they crazy. Well we are going to try the dipute board anyone had any experience with them. Or is it just another hoax to cover up Fords mistakes.

#245 of 6385 Suspension Problems by smily1

Oct 20, 2000 (5:47 pm)

I own a 1998 Exploder (lol) V8 AWD. It handles great and I have had no problems until I had the tires replaced with Bridgestone Dueler APT II's. I then noticed it wants to wander a bit on the freeway, but not to the point that I am afraid I might get into an accident, but just enough to buy Michelins next time. It sounds like you may have an allignment problem. If it is out of allignment then you will be able to see some unusual tire wear after a few thousand miles. What did the dealership check? Have you changed the tires due to the recal? I must say that I have been very happy with my Exploder (lol) overall but extremely unhappy with Ford Service and Ford as a company. I found that fixing the rattles and creaks in my Explorer myself (fifteen minutes) is less of a hassle than the three days it takes Ford to fix under warrenty and still not get it right. Good luck with the dispute board.

#246 of 6385 suspension problems by amatola

Oct 22, 2000 (12:12 am)

Thanks for the input smily1.My exploder did have the Firestone recall tires and were replaced with Uniroyal nailguards. My wondering problem actually is worse with the new tires because they give a better ride than the Firestones which were very bumpy.The dealer has checked the wheel alignment and says it is to specs, my husband still says the camber is off, and I think the shocks are a problem as well. The dealer still has not found the squeek in the back suspension, and I still have ratttles inside the car.Boy to try and get a response from Ford assistance is unbelievable. They promised to have a senior rep call us within 24hrs, well that was two days ago and when we called back the excuse was they didnt have any record of my previous message. Man I cannot believe a company would treat its customers like this. So much for their CEO`s speech " I want all of our owners to know that there are two things we never take lightly :YOUR SAFETY AND YOUR TRUST " What a load of hogwash.
Anyway thanks for letting me vent and to anyone out there who is considering buying a Explorer DONT !!!!

#247 of 6385 Rattles and bumps by masonmi

Oct 22, 2000 (3:38 am)



I had my ratttles cured actually one of them was annoying which came from the rear side door i had to spend $70 bucks at the dealership for them to fix it, it sounded like loose parts rattling everytime i went over bumps.
i'm going to try the Michelin LTX, the firestones seem to give a bumpy or vibration in the ride.


#248 of 6385 Cooling Problems by mannino44

Oct 23, 2000 (1:19 am)

I own a 1993 Explorer that has been great. Never had a any major problems, but one minor one that has me puzzled. The temp gauge never reaches normal. It only moves about 1/4 from start. The heater does put out some heat, but no wear as hot as my 1999 F150. I have replaced the thermostat 3 different times with a 195 Degree. I found the lower radiator hose collapsed after sitting overnight. Replaced the hose but it still sucks the hose in when it cools off. Could the radiator cap be bad? I have lived with this problem but it sure would be nice to have some hot heat with the cold winters in Michigan. Can anyone help me out.

#249 of 6385 mannino44 by mazman1

Oct 23, 2000 (1:37 am)

I'd check the radiator cap, and also the upper hoses going to the heater core. They may be clogged up. In a 7 year old vehicle, the hoses rot from the inside, and sometimes you dont see the problem until it is too late. Have you changed the fluids regularly, and you should be on your 3rd set of hoses.


Just as an FYI, since 1998, Ford vehicles have come with larger heater cores, so that they put out a lot more heat, because of customer complaints.

#250 of 6385 mannino44: 93 heater problem by twalke01

Oct 23, 2000 (1:39 pm)

Have you always had this lack-of-heat problem or has it crept in over the years?


I suspect the water pump and would replace it...it's about time anyway! I wouldn't be surprised to find the vanes worn down especially if you haven't been changing out the coolant every year. The collapsed hose may be due to worn out radiator cap. When the engine cools down, the system creates a vacuum usually relieved by the cap. Consider the brand of parts you are using. Cheaper isn't always a good idea. To change the coolant, I drain the system down as far as it will go via the stopcock valve then top it off with a 50/50 mix of quality antifreeze and distilled water. On another subject, does your vehicle have increasing steering sensitivity proportionate to increasing speed? My 96 sure as heck does and it will keep you very alert. Good luck and please let me know what you find out. Ted.

#251 of 6385 mannino44: 93 heater problem by mazman1

Oct 23, 2000 (4:28 pm)

Before changing the water pump, I'd make sure the one you have is ok first. A water pump is a simple device. It either works or it doesnt. If it doesnt, you will overheat...its that simple. Unfortunately its not that simple to replace it.. its rather a major pain in the a## !!!


Id' do the simple stuff first, change the fluid, cap, hoses. If that doesnt do it, then look to the heater core or water pump.

#252 of 6385 Engine #3 2000 Explorer by bri66

Oct 25, 2000 (10:28 am)

I have a 2000 Explorer that has a V6 4.0 liter engine. The first engine was replaced shortly after purchase for the coolant leaking into the oil. A remanufactured engine was put in and now a few months later again the coolant is leaking into the oil. Am I just lucky or are there more Explorer owners that are having this same problem? The Ford dealer wants to discuss with Ford what should be done. Less than a year old and it needs it's third engine. Anyone else know of this same problem?


Thanks

#253 of 6385 anti-lock brakes by mking10

Oct 25, 2000 (1:28 pm)

Has anyone had problems with the anti-lock brakes. My dash light stays on and I am trying to figure out what may be causing the problem in my 91 Explorer.
To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement