Ford Explorer Maintenance and Repair

6386 messages,  Last post on May 27, 2013 at 6:07 PM

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

#3861 of 6386 Re: 1996 Explorer Exhaust Manifold leak [elpcgringo] by chuck1

Jun 22, 2005 (4:43 pm)

Replying to: elpcgringo (Jun 22, 2005 3:06 pm)
Any recommendations: Toyota Sequoia or Ford Expedition?
 
Don't know if your looking to buy new or not....but here in Los Angeles, Eddie Bauers (Expeditions) can be had for 29,000.00 (List 41,000.00) If your looking to buy used-there are a TON of '02's out there due to the fact that the redesign was in '03 that gave the Expedition the same things as the Explorer (i.e. lower the floor and independent rear suspension). The '02's were a good vehicle. I would stay away from the '03's and look at the 04's if the budget calls for it.
Let us know!

#3862 of 6386 Re: 1996 Explorer Exhaust Manifold leak [elpcgringo] by nvbanker

Jun 22, 2005 (8:21 pm)

Replying to: elpcgringo (Jun 22, 2005 3:06 pm)
Both are great trucks, IMO. The Expedition is larger, more powerful, and has a lot of features the Sequoia doesn't have, such as the fold flat 3rd row seats, independent rear suspension, 5.4L 3V 300hp engine. Personally, I like the looks of the Ford much much better, but that's all in what you like - I've never gotten excited over Toyota truck design.
 
The Sequoia has that Toyota thing going for it, although the early ones had their share of issues with air conditioning, brakes, and 4wd issues, I think they have them pretty well perfected now, you may have fewer problems with it than the Ford, but you should be happy with either. It comes down to the one that fits your needs, and likes the best.
 
I would stay away from the Nissan Armada though. Everyone I know who has one, has had horrible issues repeatedly with them.
 
Then, of course, there's GM. Ancient technology that works pretty well because, well, there's not much new there to go wrong with 'em. If you don't mind very plain interiors and don't ever look under the hood, you'll probably never notice you're driving a 20 year old design.

#3863 of 6386 Re: 1996 Explorer Exhaust Manifold leak [elpcgringo] by electricdesign

Jun 22, 2005 (8:58 pm)

Replying to: elpcgringo (Jun 22, 2005 3:06 pm)
You originally said: "I have about 150K miles on my Explorer and it is constantly giving a Cylinder 4 misfire code when the mechanic checks the check engine light. He has recently done a major tuneup and replaced all plugs, cables etc. What happens, is that during acceleration it will hesitate and seem like it has no power, as well as backfire/popping sound from engine. He noticed a white/gray powder near the exhaust manifold on the drivers side."
 
It is strange how a misfire turns into an engine needing a rebuild, especially after your mechanic did a major tune up on it. The compression should have been checked then, when the plugs where changed, especially with that many miles on the engine. If oil was leaking past your pistons, there would be signs of this, such as smoking out the exhaust pipe, excessive oil consumption, and low compression. It sounds to me like you have an incompentent mechanic or else he is taking you for all that he can. You better get a second and third opinon on this. You never mentioned any smoking or excessive oil consumption in your original post. Have you noticed any?
E.D.

#3865 of 6386 Re: ABS Braking cutting when not required [janeblackler] by exploded99

Jun 22, 2005 (11:53 pm)

Replying to: janeblackler (Jun 22, 2005 10:54 am)
I am assuming that your ABS check light goes on when you start the car, and then shortly thereafter goes off. Make sure it lights when you start the car, so you know it is working. Then, if the ABS check light turns off, the ABS thinks it is ok.
 
First, if you do not find the problem, I would pull the ABS fuse or relay (under the hood). Your manual should tell you the location. Your ABS would be disconnected, but your brakes will stop normally otherwise - just like a regular vehicle with no ABS. I don't believe the ABS module is intended to be used at every stop, and it is a very expensive part (1,500 U.S.). This way you don't ruin that before you get things fixed.
 
Now, to the ABS:
 
It sounds as if your ABS is operating normally as far as stopping, but activating at the wrong time. That is probably a sensor problem. Here, the dealers use a "new generation STAR" tester to read the ABS fault codes and do various operating tests. Apparently your dealer does not have this, but I would ask. If they do not, they are limited as to the operating testing they can do, and that usually means they put in new parts till it works.
 
There are two front wheel sensors, and a rear sensor on the rear differential. The front sensors can be removed and replaced relatively cheaply - it might be smart to do this to rule out front sensors.
 
The rear sensor can be replaced easily as well, but there is a magnetized ring with teeth on it inside the differential. As each tooth passes the sensor, it creates the speed signal that the ABS monitors (using magnetic inductance). Many times the ring is the problem, and you must disassemble the rear differential to replace it, which is expensive.
 
You can replace the sensors (all three) for far less than L1,000 (we don't have the right key for pounds over here) you were quoted. If that fails, then pull the fuse and go without!
 
I would think there would be a Ford dealer in the U.K. that works on U.S. vehicles, perhaps London? You might call Ford U.K. and ask them to recommend a dealer with the equipment to work on your vehicle. I am sure they have a customer service number for the U.K.
 
Hope that helps somewhat!

#3866 of 6386 Ford Explorer 2005 noise by silverford

Jun 23, 2005 (3:36 am)

I have a Ford explorer 2005 , only 10,000 Km , I hear sudden noise from the rear that lasts for 1 or 2 seconds. I cannot say when it occurs , it is a strange sound from the rear and it happens once or twice a day. Any known problem similar to this ? I heard that there is a known problem in the differential system , what are the symptoms for it?

#3867 of 6386 Re: Ford Explorer 2005 noise [silverford] by electricdesign

Jun 23, 2005 (4:29 am)

Replying to: silverford (Jun 23, 2005 3:36 am)
Describe the sound in detail, a whine, a scape, a knock, a tick, a rumble, a squeak, a howl, ect. When does this happen and under what conditions, accelerating, braking, cruising, while moving or stopped, does sound seem related to vehicle speed, etc.
E.D.

#3868 of 6386 2005 explorer 4.0 V6 by fordexp1

Jun 23, 2005 (8:02 am)

anyone know of any recalls or problems ford has been having with the 2005 V6 explorer.

#3869 of 6386 1996 Explorer OBD Question? by jmbil

Jun 24, 2005 (9:11 am)

Can't pass DMV Inspection due to emissions. OBD monitor is not ready to make a determination. We have followed OBD/Readiness Driving Procedures twice. We also put 200 miles on since DMV failure. The OBD Monitor registers ready for everything except the Catalyst however the Oxygen sensor & Cat are all ok.
 
I've been told this is one of those things with this make! Any suggestions?
 
thanks!

#3870 of 6386 why would the Explorer Tranmission fluid overflowed by sbexplorer

Jun 24, 2005 (1:36 pm)

My 95 Explorer V6 blew transmission fluid out the bottom while towing a light boat(under 2000 lbs) for the first time. Was driving for 3 hours The transmission is rebuilt and under warranty. I put more fluid after it cooled and there are no leaks but I havent towed since. I was towing up a single lane hill and the temp was 85 degrees. I will be taking it in to see whats wrong but was curious what could be the reason. Is this type of explorer not able to tow or do I need a transmission cooler and how much does that cost to install. Car has 135k.
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