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SUVs Ford Explorer Ford Explorer Maintenance and Repair
6241 messages, Last post on Nov 24, 2009 at 9:06 AM
You are in the Ford Explorer Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
I own a 97 ExplorerXL at 76,000 miles started having a noise like a diesel engine. Mechanic replaced plugs, wires, pcv valve, fuel filter, replace serpentive drive belt and tensioner, replace plenum gaskets and both timing chain tensioners, repaired wiring at downstream 02 sensors. All this recommended by Ford Company. The problem did not change anything. The Ford Co. still does not know what the problem is. Nothing shows on the scan EEC system. Recommended maybe a 3rd tensioner problem that will cost approx.  $2000. I understand this seems to be a problem with a lot of Explorers.
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| I have a 99 Explorer XLT AWD V8 with 21,000 miles on it. So far I think it's been a pretty decent vehicle. The engine and transmission are both smooth and responsive. I do find the leather interior a little hard. When on long road trips, they become very uncomfortable to sit in. I haven't had any major problems outside of the rear wiper motor needing replacement, twice, and the two recalls. However, I think improvements still could be made in build quality. My truck already has front doors that squeak and rattle, along with the dashboard. This has been "repaired" under warranty, but the problem persists. I also have an occasional chirp from the back of the truck, a whistle from the engine when cold, and brakes that occasionally like to force the truck to the left. Those are little problems, and I am not complaining. Like I said, I do like the truck. I just wish it had a little more refinement that was comparable to the Japanese brands. | |
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Help! I'm in immediate need of a vehicle and a '94 Explorer I've found meets the bill. It has had only 1 owner and has 90,000 miles on it. It is an XLT w/roof rack, a/c options. Body looks great, interior is clean. No record of accidents. The price is a fixed $8,000. I can get warranty coverage through Wynn for around $550 (12 month/12,000 miles) or $925 (24 month/ 24,000 miles). I will only use the car for about 8 months before returning overseas, so I want something I can sell easily. If you are knowledgeable about Explorers, I'd appreciate hearing from you ASAP whether this sounds like a good buy or not. Also your thoughts on whether the warranty is worthwhile (seems to cover just about everything major except seals & gaskets). Anything else I should consider before buying this car? Please reply to me directly at <BStoops pactec.org>. Thanks! |
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| I also have a 1997 "EXPLODER" XLT and have had the same deisel sound. I took it to the dealer and they could not find the problem at first. They then told me it was the timing belt cassette, which they replaced, and it did not fix the problem. I took it back and they said it was the timing belt tensioners, which they replaced and it still makes the noise on occasion. I have never owned an american made car so I purchased the extended warranty(best thing I ever purchased). This vehichle has been in the shop at least 15 times and I am taking it back today for the brakes, which were supposed to be fixed a few weeks ago. This vehichle is a piece of junk not to mention I have taken it to three dealerships and the service has been terrible. They try to make it sound like its my fault they have a crappy product. This will be my last FORD and probably my last american made car. I have a 1993 Toyota Camry, 177,500 miles, no problems. | |
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I own a 97 explorer xlt. Dealer has replaced the cassette, etc. but still have the noise. My question for this group is, " has anyone experienced engine damage yet as a result of this or is it merely an annoying noise?" If more serious problems have resulted, at how many miles has that happened? At 45K, no significant problem other that the ANNOYING RATTLE/PINGING noise. Anyone with similar experience? Have gone to three different dealer and all scratch their heads and do nothing. |
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The diesel sound started on my vehicle around 45,000 miles. I don't know of any further damage it may have caused, the service departments at Ford would not tell you if it had. This does not sound like an isolated incident. Ford has to know they have a serious problem but they won't address it. Hopefully I can get rid of the vehicle before any other damage occurs. I have written a letter to the corporate office about these service issues and have not received any reply. "Live and Learn, I Have Learned, Never Buy Another Ford" |
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| You know what - I was considering buying an Explorer but after reading these posts - no way. I don't think I have read such negativity on any vehicle in the Edmunds forum. Unbelievable engine and drivetrain problems for vehicles that are 2-3 yrs old. Considering how many of these vehicles Ford has made they should be the standard for all other SUV's - they obviously are not. Now if Nissan or Toyota would take the Xterra concept and pricing and expand it to the size of an Explorer - I would buy today! .Thanx to all who input their problems - it does make a difference - hope someone at Ford reads this - see ya! | |
| I have a 2000 Explorer and the engine developed the diesel sound at 3000! miles. I took it back to the dealer and they said they couldn't find the reason why it's doing it, but they are throwing a new engine in it. Hopefully, I'll have more luck with the new engine. I also told the dealer that the doors were not painted on the bottom and I found out that this was "normal" at Explorers. Well, if that is normal at Ford then it tells me something about Ford. The bottom line is: This is my last Ford. | |
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I had the same problem. It would not turn over after driving in traffic and trying to restart within an hour or so. I took it to the dealer the first time and he said it was loose cables! Obviously it wasn't that. Next time it happened we took it in (after being stranded miles from home) and the dealer actually replicated the problem. I told him it was probably the fuel pump (after reading of the problem here, thanks) and he ignored me. They replaced the EEC valve after replicating the problem, and obviously that was not it, because it happened again and left us stranded even farther from our house. This is all on a 1996 XLT with only 36,000 miles. Other problems: Broken passenger door latch Broken Odometer Broken hood handle Broken CD player Broken heat sensor ($$$) They obviously have no clue on this problem and can't even fix it after seeing the problem for themselves. Not like they tried that hard or even cared about customer service. Needless to say, this is the last Ford I will ever buy. |
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I have a 97 AWD XLT with 34k miles. I noticed that the driver front tire is wearing on the outsides. I have had the vehicle back to the dealer two time with no solution to my problem. The dealer blames the wear on low tire pressure. The tires are kept at 32psi. I do not want to purchase new tires until problem is corrected. Any suggestion? |
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