- #1999 of 3320
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Re: New Explorer owner [1ruoregon]
by chuck1
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Sep 27, 2004 (8:54 pm)
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Replying to: 1ruoregon (Sep 27, 2004 7:14 pm)
Congratulations on your purchase. I have an '02 with 29K on it. It is standard powertrain, not 4WD or advance track. The V6 is a good motor but it makes alot of noise, especially when cold. Problems to expect; the first thing is a rear end whine which is a wide-spread problem and Ford does not have a fix for. The rear end will start to whine between 25K and 30K at speeds between 50 and 65mph. Another thing is that the transmission seems to loose it's "crispness" at shifting after a period of time. Some on this board have changed the transmission fluid at 30K, even though Ford says it can go much longer between changes. The fluid needs to be changed either by a dealer or independent who is familiar with these since there is not a dipstick to use. Other than the above that's pretty much it. As far as I am concerned the Explorers are still the best "bang for your buck!"
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- #2000 of 3320
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by nvbanker
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Sep 29, 2004 (7:06 pm)
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I've not experienced either of the two problems mentioned above, in fact, I've experience no problems with my Explorer/Mountaineers of any import. I think they're awesome vehicles.
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- #2001 of 3320
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The "Crispness" loss is normal.
by mschmal
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Oct 01, 2004 (11:30 am)
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With th 5-speed automatic transmission,the automatic transmission electronically controls the shift feel by using an adaptive learning strategy.It is normal for a new transmission to shift firmly. This operation is considered normal and will not affect the function durability of the transmission. Once the vehicle is at operating temperature it may take several shifts at the same operating condition for the transmission to properly adapt. Over time the adaptive learning process will fully update transmission operation. The more varied the driving habits, speed and torque, the longer it may take to adapt but the more complete the process will be
Mark
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- #2002 of 3320
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2006 Explorer
by roger341
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Oct 10, 2004 (11:41 am)
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I'm trying to decide on getting the 05 or waiting for the 06.
I've heard that the 06 will have lots of improvements including a bigger engine.
Anyone have advice on this? I currently have an 02 Ltd V8 with only 30,000 miles and am happy with it, but I don't have the auxiliary AC unit and wish now I had gotten it.
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- #2003 of 3320
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Nope...Mark afriad it's not "normal"..................
by chuck1
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Oct 10, 2004 (5:08 pm)
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Replying to: mschmal (Oct 01, 2004 11:30 am)
I just put my '02 XLT w/4.0 SOHC 2WD in for the 30K service. I had a list that included eight items. Two of these items are on-going issues with the Explorers. The first is the "loss of crispness" shifting of the 5 speed auto tranny. I was told even though I know better that it was due for a transmission fluid change. I know how these things work, you have to give a little to take a little. Well, after they flushed and filled the transmission, they told me the "shift soldnoid" was bad. I was told they had so many of these complaints they now stock the parts in question. The next is the rear-end whine. I was told by the service writer that they did indeed hear it, but wasn't sure what it was. I was told they have replaced bearings and rear-ends to quiet this noise. Well, I called and was going to pick the SUV up and I asked about the "rear end noise" and they had wrote on the service receipt that "the sound was normal." Now in a all fairness my service writer was not working on Friday, so I yelled and asked how do we go from "it's a noise" we hear it to "normal". Needless to say I left it at the service department and will have a talk with the service writer Monday morning. I will not sign a receipt that says it's "normal" when I know it isn't. This does not protect me as it gets worse down the road!
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- #2004 of 3320
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considering '05 Explorer
by keeferb
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Oct 11, 2004 (11:43 am)
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After 2 consecutive Nissan Pathfinder leases, we're considering the 05 Explorer as our next SUV. Does anyone know if the rear-end whine that seems to be so common is fixed for '05? Is it just the V6 that has this problem, or is it also the V8? It worries me when I read that dealers are saying "it's normal" or "we don't know what's wrong". I've had very few problems with my 2 Pathfinders, so as you might guess I'm a little leery about making the switch.
Thanks in advance for any info!
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- #2005 of 3320
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2002 mercury mountaineer v-8
by rbudn83510
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Oct 11, 2004 (12:11 pm)
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hi, my rear passenger window just stopped working. I'm assuming it is the window motor. I have 2 questions....first...is there any other part that could of failed that would not let the window work and secondly, does anyone have any detailed instructions in removing the rear door covering so i can get to the motor?? thank you
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- #2006 of 3320
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by ANT14
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Oct 11, 2004 (1:20 pm)
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KEEFER,
Could you possibly wait till next year for your Explorer purchase? It gets a mild re-design with a more power V8 engine.
RBUNDN,
There's a site that you might be able to find accurate information on fixing that on your own, from Ford's personal techs. Do a websearch for FlatRateTech and they should be able to help you there.
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- #2007 of 3320
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Re: 2002 mercury mountaineer v-8 [rbudn83510]
by chuck1
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Oct 11, 2004 (2:48 pm)
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Replying to: rbudn83510 (Oct 11, 2004 12:11 pm)
This is yet another common occurrence. I have an '02 (see previous post) and have had to have this part replaced as well. At the time my motor for the window failed, it was under a "national back order." I assume yours is out of warranty, since you want to try to do it yourself. However, since this is a known problem, if you are on good terms with your dealer they may be able to make a "good will adjustment".
Good luck!
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- #2008 of 3320
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by nvbanker
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Oct 11, 2004 (9:01 pm)
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Replying to: keeferb (Oct 11, 2004 11:43 am)
I've had 5 Explorers/Mountaineers since 94. Still own 2. I've never had a bad one. No whines, none of the common problems noted here. I have to conclude that these issues are exceptional, not universal. I still maintain that the Explorer is the best SUV for the money on the planet. No, I am not Bill Ford!
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