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Last post on May 05, 2013 at 7:47 AM
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#880 of 6385 problem starting
by laungst1
Aug 11, 2001 (4:16 pm)
I own a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT. I've had a problem where it will start fine in the morning but then I let it sit all day while at work. I go to start it after work and it will start but not hold the idle. It just automatically shuts off. The only way to get it home is to have my foot on the gas at all times even while braking. If I take my foot off the gas or ease up on it, it will just shut off. If I drive like this for about a half hour it will all of a sudden start working. It has been at the dealership for a week now. I had it there last week, they replaced the throttle body, worked for the week and then Monday after work, same problem. Any idea?? The dealership is not sure what the problem is...
#881 of 6385 overheating
by konghh
Aug 11, 2001 (6:18 pm)
Check your radiator cap. If it cannot hold down the pressure, the boiling point will be reduce causing engine overheat. A simple check.
#882 of 6385 2000 Explorer going into neutral
by kma7
Aug 12, 2001 (3:10 pm)
As I was doing 75 on the interstate in cruise control, passing a semi, my 2000 explorer went into neutral. I was able to back behind the truck and get off the highway. The gearshift would move between gears but wouldn't engage. Finally made an obnoxious grinding noise and went into gear. Took it to the dealer in a nearby small town and his diagnostics showed a problem with the GEM module. Have since drove 2000 miles without a problem but have had it at the ford service center now for 3 days and they can't find a problem and claim they've never seen this problem before. Has anybody else had this happen? I don't feel particularly safe driving it and ford is throwing its hands up in the air.
#883 of 6385 rotor removal
by raaizin
Aug 12, 2001 (5:14 pm)
How do you remove the front rotors on a 96 xlt 4X4. I removed calipers and the 2 washers holding the rotor in place but the rotors wouldnt budge. I didn't want to hit force them for fear of doing damage.
#884 of 6385 problem starting
by focustech
Aug 12, 2001 (5:31 pm)
As an upstate NY Ford tech, I've seen this before. It sounds as if the IAC (idle air control) sticks shut after it sits. Have seen several, part is about 80 bucks if you are out of warranty. The dealer may tell you that there are "no codes" in the system, thats when they need to be smarter than that. Carbon buildup causes this failure........not that common, but have seen several. Good luck and get that replaced.
Aug 12, 2001 (5:33 pm)
The only way to remove them is with a big hammer and alternate sides so no wheel bearing damage is caused. Never-sieze works well on the hub before the new rotor is installed.
Aug 12, 2001 (5:44 pm)
Unfortunately, being a Ford technician, my family takes full advantage of me. My brother just bought a 1997 explorer SOHC with 135,000 on it, drove it a week........heard a clatter and the truck died on the highway. He towed it to me from downstate, and I discovered that 3 cylinders were lacking compression, like none......zero. The truck had already had both tensioners done before by the look of things. What I found when I dropped the lower oil pan (2-pc.) made me vomit. The front cassette must have broke and the chain SNAPPED, destroying the front cover in the process. The cassette that was now plugging the oil pump screen had siezed the cam in the driver's side head, wham bam, thankyou maam!! He's out $6500 that he paid for the truck..........Has anyone had this happen to them?? The "owner notification program" only covers this to 100k. This should have been a mandatory recall! This was the first one that I have seen blown up like this in the 6 years that I have been with Ford. Any used engines out there??
#887 of 6385 Pathfinder '01 vs Explorer '02
by bdritter
Aug 13, 2001 (12:20 pm)
I currently own a '98 Ford Explorer XLT - I'm looking to purchase either a '01 Pathfinder LE or a '02 Explorer E.B. - the Pathfinder will be a little cheap (approx $800) and the options equivalent. Anyone out there been faced with a similar decision -- any opinions would be appreciated
#888 of 6385 problem starting
by tonkadave
Aug 13, 2001 (7:33 pm)
I have a 95 explorer with a similar stalling problem. Mine will only occur in very hot weather and I too have to drive two footed to get moving. Once the car cools off it starts and runs fine. I wonder if its the Idle Air problem Focustech spoke of, or the TFI Ignition Module problem that the center for Auto Safety has allerted the media about? http://autosafety.org/ActionAlerts/TFI-Intro.htm
Heres a link to the news article about it? Anyone have any ideas as to my problem. There are no "Codes" that the mechanic can find.
Aug 14, 2001 (5:54 am)
Interesting post.
In NY State, there are several laws which may also apply in your state that may allow your brother to get at least part of his money back from the seller... since he bought it a week before it died. I'd speak with an attorney.
I am not sure I understand that if the cam had seized, how could you check compression of the cylinders?
I have a 2000 Explorer that makes the dieseling sound only when I start up. After a few minutes, it quiets down. The vehicle was checked by my Ford dealer and they said it was not a problem and they did not need to do the cam tensioner upgrade yet... since it is a big job... but I guess you know that. Do you agree with their diagnosis?
Thanks