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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 46 of 639

#451 of 6385 Drive train problems by rcopeland

Jan 19, 2001 (11:26 am)

I purchased my Explorer XLT new in 1998. Immediately after purchase the transmission dumped its fluid out. The dealer repaired it and the following day it did it again. They finally repaired it correctly. Now with 70,000 miles on it the front axle seals started a high pitch squeal from 0-30 mph. There was a TSB concerning this problem so apparently I am not the only one having trouble. I had this repaired and while they were changing the seals they noticed that both front and rear differential seals were leaking. (I have never owned a car that had a differential leak) now I have paid for two to be replaced. Another problem is that if you park with the engine downhill with 1/4 tank of gas or less it will not start. You first have to get it level.(there is a TSB concerning this problem also) I emailed Ford concerning these problems and they were very sorry that I was having problems but could only offer directions to a dealer and emotional support as the car was out of warranty. Today I received a letter from ford stating that they had extended the warranty for the timing chain and lower intake gasket to 72,000 miles. Mine has 73,000 I wonder if I can make it to the Isuzu dealer to trade it on a Trooper before it breaks?

#452 of 6385 rcopeland by mazman1

Jan 19, 2001 (2:46 pm)

Part of the regular 4x4 maintenance is to have the hub seals and wheel cylinders repacked at 48,000 miles....check the service schedule.
 
The gastank issue is a known bug in the fuel pump design since 1991. Even the owners manual says not to let the tank go below 1/4 full...because the engine may not start in the nose down position.

#453 of 6385 Timing chain tensioner by rcopeland

Jan 22, 2001 (8:33 am)

How do I know if my timing chain tensioner is going bad?

#454 of 6385 rcopeland by mazman1

Jan 22, 2001 (9:20 am)

It doesnt "go bad".. it either works, or it breaks off and the chain rattles in place, creating a loud diesel noise in the engine and a slight loss in accelleration.
 
Be advised that the V6 SOHC has 4 (!!!) timing chains that can have problems in this regard.

#455 of 6385 Where is everybody? by njdevilsrn

Jan 25, 2001 (10:04 pm)

I guess everyone got tired of ranting about the Firestone and cam tensioner issues.
 
Ah, I am a content Explorer owner (so far with this one, that is.)

#456 of 6385 content......so far by smily1

Jan 25, 2001 (11:54 pm)

I am also a very content explorer owner. I have had no major problems with my XLT V8 AWD with 38k. I have taken the thing into soft sand and deep snow and have never been stuck. Did have to help a Toy 4x4 at one time on a snowy trail. I have had problems with idiots at Ford Dealerships though.

#457 of 6385 smily1 and njdevilsrn by mazman1

Jan 26, 2001 (9:25 am)

You know, you probably just jinxed yourselves by stating that. Might have to wear garlic neckace for 7 days to reverse the bad carma...

#458 of 6385 to mazman1 by smily1

Jan 26, 2001 (10:48 am)

Im not superstitious but,if you must, my necklace of luck is in the form of an extended warranty. Njdevilsrn, what year and other info is your explorer and how long have you had it?

#459 of 6385 Level playing field! by rwiedner

Jan 26, 2001 (8:59 pm)

I've had my '93 Explorier 4X4 since new. It currently has 136,000 miles on it. Only major
repairs (if you want to call it that) was replace water pump at 89,000 and a new lower intake
manifold gasket at 83,000. Only other repairs were normal fluids changes and wear and tear
items (brakes, tires, shocks), The original tires lasted 83,000 miles. Transmission has only had
fluid and filter changes every 20,000 miles. I'm sure that helps. At one time I was putting
6 to 7 hundred miles per week on it. Never failed me. Never let me down. Maybe I'm just lucky.
Plan on purchasing another when this one wears out.

#460 of 6385 To Smily by njdevilsrn

Jan 26, 2001 (10:20 pm)

I have owned 3 different Explorers over the past 4 years. The first was a 1997 Explorer XLT. For some reason, I replaced it in the Spring of 1999 with a 1999 XLT. At the age of 26, I can say that was the worst mistake of my young life. The 1997 was problem free, the '99 was anything but. I have listed the problems on here before (a quick list...3 sets of pinion seals, ball joint in left front end, horn, windshield, brake rotors, rear suspension link assembly, leaking rear hatch all within 14000 miles).
 
After a lot of argument with Dayton Ford and the regional "customer service" rep, I got helped on a trade this summer. Unfortunately, I was not in the best financial situation at the time, and the dealer said I could only pick from what he had on the lot. I walked out onto the lot and had my eye on a blue 2000 XLS. Got in it to test drive, the thing was dead. So I now own a 2000 XLS - Red. Got it in July, had the serpentine belt and steering pump replaced (were bad from Day 1) and so far so good since. Also have replaced the stock radio with an Alpine system (head unit and 4 speakers) and replaced the tires with Michelin Cross Terrain tires. I highly recommend these tires, they are smooth, and traction in the snow and ice we had last weekend was no different than the Wilderness ATs.

Messages Page 46 of 639

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