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Ford Explorer Maintenance and Repair

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

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What is this discussion about? Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer

    

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Messages Page 403 of 639

#4020 of 6385 Re:2003 Ford Explorer Sport by wischuck1

Jul 12, 2005 (5:58 am)

I recently purchased a 2003 Explorer Sport with 8,000 miles on it I now have 20,000 miles. Had a problem with the front passenger tire - acted like a broken belt, so I took it to my local dealership and the service manager told me there is a problem with the front wear patter on the tires. He said the 2-door sports have a tendency to wear the tread on the outside of the front tires, so I should rotate my tires with every oil change which is 3000 miles (come on thats ridiculous), and the best solution to the problem is to replace the tires but for now they will put them on the back and the realligned the front. Is he pulling my leg and not wanting to get involved in a warranty issue (ford told me if it was a broken or shifted belt it is covered under warranty) Has anyone else seen this problem?

#4021 of 6385 Lights Spontaneously Flashing and Draining Battery by vicmedici

Jul 12, 2005 (7:44 am)

I have a Ford Explorer Sport 1999 with 120,000 km. Last week I discovered that the parking lights turn on by themselves for short periods during the night. This happens when the vehicle is parked and the keys are not in. I suspect some sort of shortcut. The result is, some mornings I have to get a battery boost from someone else because the lights have drained the power.
I talked to a few mechanics and no one seems to know where the problem is. Any sort of help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.
Victor

#4022 of 6385 plug fouling by ogbonna

Jul 12, 2005 (8:52 am)

I have a 1998 Explore 4x4 6 cyl. My number 3 plug fouls often (these are platinum plugs)...... any ideas out there?

#4023 of 6385 Re: 2003 4X4 Explorer with Grinding Noise When Accelerating [jsomma] by newxplrerowner

Jul 12, 2005 (3:28 pm)

Replying to: jsomma (Jul 10, 2005 9:13 pm)
I have a 2002 4x4 explorer and i am hearing some grinding noises when i excellerate too. I am really nervous cuz I just baught it and dont have the money to fix something huge yet. If anyone has the answers i would really appreciate it!

#4024 of 6385 Re: plug fouling [ogbonna] by exploded99

Jul 12, 2005 (3:37 pm)

Replying to: ogbonna (Jul 12, 2005 8:52 am)
Describe what your fouled plug looks like. Black, gray, oily, dry, etc.

#4025 of 6385 Re: plug fouling [ogbonna] by electricdesign

Jul 13, 2005 (4:33 am)

Replying to: ogbonna (Jul 12, 2005 8:52 am)
How long does it take for the plug to foul when a new one is put in? Is the color dry black (too rich), or wet black (oil) or other? Do a compression test on the engine and compare compression between cylinders, there should be no more that 20% variation. Low compression could indicate a problem in the rings, head gasket, head or valves.
Let us know what you find out.
Good Luck,
E.D.

#4026 of 6385 I NEED HELP RE: CLUTCHES by hiskris

Jul 13, 2005 (11:03 am)

Hi.. 3 days ago my son purchased a 1992 ford explorer (stick). He had 3 driving lessons in it totalling a little over 2 hours worth... I drove it the remaining times. The clutch went on the 3rd day. mechanic says the clutch was new... put in two years ago to this day... and a little over 20,000 miles put on it.... my question is this... could we possibly have destroyed a clutch in less than 3 days of driving around town? He seems to be blaming this problem on my son not knowing how to properly drive a stick... but i was with him each of the 3 times he was out learning and KNOW he didn't ruin the clutch....(and i KNOW i didn't either) .... any one have any ideas???? think it's going to be a battle trying to get the $1,700 back that we paid for it... everyone i've talked to says there's no WAY he could have destroyed a clutch in such little time... anyone have this problem???

#4027 of 6385 I NEED HELP RE: CLUTCHES by hiskris by lateralg

Jul 13, 2005 (12:08 pm)

It depends on how the clutch failed.
 
If the friction material or pressure plate has been scattered, this can occur easily by selecting too low a gear when downshifting. Clutch doesn't even have to be engaged. If first gear is engaged in the transmission when fourth was intended, the clutch will over-rev & possibly self-destruct.
 
If the friction material is worn out or burned up, that's another story. I can destroy a clutch in less than an hour. But, it sounds like you were with the vehicle all the time & didn't observe excessive clutch slipping.
 
So, if you're sure neither of the above circumstances occurred, you're probably right. However, even the auto manufacturers cinsider the clutch a wear item with a wear rate much dependent on driver habits. After 2 years & 20,000 miles, I doubt that there's a service shop on the planet that would give you a free replacement.
 
I suspect that the clutch was on its last legs when you bought the vehicle. A more thorough inspection & evaluation might have saved you a lot of grief & $$.
FWIW, I think the mechanic is way off base trying to blame your son.

#4028 of 6385 Re: Rear Door Hatch Hinges [shan4] by keithsmaxx

Jul 13, 2005 (4:21 pm)

Replying to: shan4 (Jul 06, 2005 3:29 pm)
I have a similar problem with a 1998. I just doesn't close well. eventually it got so bad that It wouldn't close at all. Had the hinges replaced and reinforced, but the problem is coming back. I would be interested to hear if you find out anything.

#4029 of 6385 Re: I NEED HELP RE: CLUTCHES [hiskris] by explorerx4

Jul 13, 2005 (7:08 pm)

Replying to: hiskris (Jul 13, 2005 11:03 am)
my wife had a '91 explorer with a manual transmission. she had it for 83k. it still had the original clutch. i would agree that it would be difficult to destroy a clutch in so few miles. another thing that comes to mind is that one time i pulled a friends astro minvan and their 19 foot boat up a boat steep ramp after they couldn' get up out of the water. the clutch smelled really bad for a few minutes, but we drove it for several years after that with no problem.

Messages Page 403 of 639

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