Ask the Car People.SM


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

Messages Page 506 of 639

#5051 of 6385 Heater problem by 4x4jon

Jun 05, 2006 (7:07 am)

Hi there from Sunny (YAY!) UK !
 
I have recently purchased a 1998 Ford Explorer 4 litre 67,000 miles on the clock....
It has suddenly developed a problem with the internal heater in that you can turn the dial from cold to hot and only really really hot air comes through the vents not variation in temperature at all - just HOT. Air con works perfectly and there's no indication of the engine temperature getting above normal.
 
Any idea guys ? always willing to have a go at these jobs prior to paying big bucks to the Ford dealer so any help appreciated in advance !
 
Cheers guys, and brilliant info on this forum - really chuffed to find it
 
Jon

#5052 of 6385 Re: 2002 Explorer - Grinding Tires [kiawah] by allisonmi

Jun 05, 2006 (7:42 am)

Replying to: kiawah (Jun 05, 2006 6:01 am)
I will look into it. I have a warranty on my tires, so there wouldn't be a cost for it. That would be great if that's all that it is.

#5053 of 6385 '98 Explorer Coolant Problem by dodgekbad

Jun 05, 2006 (1:52 pm)

Hello!
 
I have the V6 sohc engine with 106k miles. It look like it's leaking from the rubber gasket on this black box looking thing that has a big hose running from top of it, to what looks like the reserve tank. It also has a big hose running from below the black box thing to what appears to be the radiator. The black box thing is underneath the black plastic shield guard that says 4.0l. Is this the thermostat housing?
 
I put stop leak in the coolant when I first bought the car, in the radiator and then in the reserve tank like a fool. I shortly drained the radiator coolant, but left the reserve tank stop-leak-junk in there. The coolant is the reserve was brown in color for a year. It finally used this stuff up in the reserve, and I've been adding coolant and smelling coolant ever since. thanks

#5054 of 6385 Re: '98 Explorer Coolant Problem [dodgekbad] by electricdesign

Jun 05, 2006 (7:51 pm)

Replying to: dodgekbad (Jun 05, 2006 1:52 pm)
First thing to do is fix the leaks, and it sounds like you know where one of them is. If the gasket is leaking, replace it. If you're not mechanically inclined, you will have to take it to take to a shop to have it leak tested and repaired. The brown coolant in the reserve tank could have been flushed out by sticking a garden hose in it and running the water until it was clear, then siphon most of the water back out with the hose, then pouring some new coolant into the reserve tank. All the coolant in the entire system needs to be clean and fresh. The system will need to be flushed, because the system needs to be clean and leak free. The gasket repair is likey minor, and the system needs to be looked at as a whole, as it can easily spring another leak somewhere else. That's why you need to have the leak test done, to find any other weak spots that are about to leak. This type of maintenance is normal and to be expected on a high mileage vehicle, you have to expect and budget for repairs. Just for general information, I've never had a car yet that went over 150,000 miles without needing a new radiator, hoses, belt, maybe a fan clutch. Same thing goes for the air conditioning system, they all take parts, labor and money to go the long haul, 150K to 200K miles. Same as tires, I figure on getting a new set about every 3 years. Brakes about every 3 years. I have 2000 XLT V8 with 115K miles, and I currently budget $80/mo or $960/yr for parts, I do all the labor. My wife drives a 97 XLT V8 with 150K miles, and I budget the same for it. They both look and run like Brand New. And as a bonus, I've accumulated over $10K of tools over my lifetime.
Note: One good thing about the Explorers that I have had, not one of them ever needed a water pump, the first two went over 165K miles, and now I'm on the second two Explorers. The Chevys that I owned before always needed a water pump, usually about every 60 to 70K miles.
Good luck with your repairs.
E.D. ISF

#5055 of 6385 Re: '98 Explorer Coolant Problem [electricdesign] by dodgekbad

Jun 06, 2006 (10:31 am)

Replying to: electricdesign (Jun 05, 2006 7:51 pm)
What about using Prestone Stop Leak? What do I have to lose at this point?
 
The first time I used it, was a year ago but I shortly drained the coolant afterwards and put in new -- but like I said just in the radiator not the reserve. Getting to the leak is going to be tough, you have to remove all kinds of stuff.

#5056 of 6385 Re: Transmission failure. [mcook30512] by dtownfb

Jun 06, 2006 (11:02 am)

Replying to: mcook30512 (Jun 02, 2006 4:40 am)
you are out of warranty and it sounds like the service manager is just charging you for labor or for parts. Either way, a good deal based on what I have heard. I would take them up on their offer since Ford is under no obligation to pay for the repair. Even if later Ford does issue a recall down the road, you should be able to get reimbursed for this repair. it sounds like a good will offer.

#5057 of 6385 2005 Explorer Cargo Cover by teddyjackson

Jun 06, 2006 (3:40 pm)

I'm trying to buy a retractable cargo cover for an '05 Explorer. Ford wants about $150 to buy it. I've searched online but have not found any sites that sell them. Does anyone know of any sites that would sell this item?

#5058 of 6385 Re: '98 Explorer Coolant Problem [dodgekbad] by electricdesign

Jun 06, 2006 (7:34 pm)

Replying to: dodgekbad (Jun 06, 2006 10:31 am)
You can use the Stop Leak if you want, but it is really only a temporary repair, not permanent. I recommend to stay away from Stop Leaks, because they can clog the radiator in the long run. They are however, very good for temporary repairs, especially emergency repairs. I always keep a container of Aluma Seal in the glove box of each vehicle that I own, just in case. But if you use the Stop Leak, I recommend that you eventually get it repaired properly an flushed out. If money is tight, or the repair job is tough to do, the Stop Leak could get you by for a while, just don't be surprised if it leaks again later on, or overheats.
It's just up to you. I give you the best advice I can, but it's your car and your money.
Good Luck,
E.D. ISF

#5059 of 6385 Re: 2005 Explorer Cargo Cover [teddyjackson] by electricdesign

Jun 06, 2006 (7:40 pm)

Replying to: teddyjackson (Jun 06, 2006 3:40 pm)
I don't use those things, the retractable covers for both of my Explorers are out in the garage. Seems like you could find those at e-bay or maybe a flea market, or yard sale, or junk yard, or one of those local flyers that people put all kinds of items up for sale. You could post a wanted ad in one of those flyers. I have a gray one and a tan one, I'd be glad to sell you either one for a hundred bucks!
Good Luck,
E.D. ISF

Messages Page 506 of 639

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