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Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer 2005 and earlier

3348 messages,  Last post on Oct 31, 2011 at 3:14 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, SUV

Messages Page 238 of 335

#2369 of 3348 Re: Looking to buy [momx3] by electricdesign

Mar 13, 2005 (11:38 am)

I bought a 1997 Ford Explorer 5.0 V8 in 2002. It is mechanically very similar or the same as the MM. It is a superb vehicle, reliable and a joy to drive! If you do your research carefully, you will find out the V6 engine and the 5 Speed Automatic transmission are just asking for trouble. The V6 has a rediculous timing chain design, with one in the front of the engine and one in the back of the engine, and they cause noise and problems. To replace the rear timing chain, the engine has to be pulled out. Very Expensive if you have to pay for it out of your pocket. The 5 speed transmission is no better. Hopefully they will discontinue the V6 and the 5 speed transmission behind it soon.
The 5.0 L V8 Engine however, is a very reliable, time proven, race proven engine that has been around for a long time. It is the old pushrod design, not quite as powerful as the newer 4.6L OHC V8, but still very reliable and trouble free. The 4R70W 4 speed overdrive transmission behind it is equally as competent, a very reliable, time proven, race proven transmission. GO with the reliable V8 and you get the strong reliable transmission with it.
I just bought a 2000 Ford Explorer with 5.0 V8 and the 4R70W transmission, and it is wonderful!
These vehicles will easily run way past 200,000 miles with good care. Recommend using nothing but Full Synthetic motor oil and Synthetic Oil Filter on the engine, changing Synthetic oil and Synthetic filter every 7,000 to 7,500 miles. Use Full Synthetic Rear axle lube. Use Full Synthetic Chasis Grease. Keep all suspension bushings, door hinges, and window channels lubed with spray lube WD40 and Spray White Grease (very light on the grease around the windows, do not make a mess).
Good Luck
E.D.

#2370 of 3348 Re: 2002 gas mileage and other stuff [merc2002] by elevatorguy

Mar 13, 2005 (4:11 pm)

Replying to: merc2002 (Mar 13, 2005 12:46 am)
Merc2002.
That's good mileage. What are the details of your truck (model, engine, 4WD, etc.)?
 
Thanks

#2371 of 3348 Re: Rough shifting 04 Mountaineer by garym

Mar 13, 2005 (6:26 pm)

Replying to: 1stmountie (Nov 29, 2004 8:35 am)
Steve, I am bringing my 04 Mountaineer (20,000mi)to the dealership tomorrow for the same problems you describe above. I experience the rough engagement to reverse even when going from "Park" to reverse. It has to be at running temperature as well. My Mountaineer is a V6 with AWD that Ford issued a service bulletin recall for a few months back (after I had started experiencing the BOOM engagement to reverse and jerky shifting from 1st to 2nd gears) in which all they did was pour an additive into the transmission fluid. My problem did not get better at all, matter of fact, I think it got worse. I would like the article you refer to above if possible as I don't think my dealership wants to do anything which will cost much money before they exhaust the cheap fix methods. Sounds like I need to ask for a new shift solenoid. I am slightly suspect of the original transmission fluid as well given the additive they put in. Perhaps I should ask for a fresh fill of whatever Ford is using today in their new units as I am told it is in fact different.

#2373 of 3348 Re: 2002 gas mileage and other stuff [elevatorguy] by merc2002

Mar 13, 2005 (8:51 pm)

Replying to: elevatorguy (Mar 13, 2005 4:11 pm)
thanks..i like this merc definetly...its a 2002 4.6L AWD Premier model... doesn't have the tow package so i have a smaller gear for better mileage...pulls like a bear when i carry 4 adults..just switched to mobil 1 but i want to change all the fluids to synthetic also....makes a difference in my pickup by 2mpg...interior wise it has backup sensor,adjustable foot pedals,electrochromatic mirror,heated outside mirrors,two tone leather ,dual heated front seats ,dual power seats,digital climate control,audio and heating and cruise on steering wheel with cd/cassette player,universal homelink thing and powered moonroof.
ps..the 1 thing i absolutely love is the fact the 2nd row windows go fully down..not like my safety windows in my Taurus

#2374 of 3348 Re: Rough shifting 04 Mountaineer [garym] by merc2002

Mar 13, 2005 (9:01 pm)

Replying to: garym (Mar 13, 2005 6:26 pm)
is it the same AWD tranny thats in a 4.6L?if it is they might be able to do a reprogram...i got mine done after noticing a lag in the shift points...not much but they were there..now they are fixed and it shifts like a different vehicle

#2375 of 3348 Re: just bought a 2001 mountaineer by bdinfluance

Mar 16, 2005 (6:10 pm)

Replying to: grepa (Mar 08, 2005 6:30 pm)
i recently bought a 2001 mountaineer, (couldnt pass up the deal).. my question... is there third row seating, after-market or OEM, available for this truck? if so, where do i find it? i love the truck, but want the extra seating. Can someone help? thanks

#2376 of 3348 Re: just bought a 2001 mountaineer [bdinfluance] by chuck1

Mar 16, 2005 (6:22 pm)

Replying to: bdinfluance (Mar 16, 2005 6:10 pm)
They redesigned the Explorer for 02-"dropped the floor" and added a 3rd row seat as a option. Why in the world did you buy an '01 if you needed a 3rd row?

#2377 of 3348 Re: just bought a 2001 mountaineer [bdinfluance] by nvbanker

Mar 16, 2005 (11:47 pm)

Replying to: bdinfluance (Mar 16, 2005 6:10 pm)
Yes, the 01 is a great truck - but will only seat 5 - forever - I'm afraid.

#2378 of 3348 Required Maintenance for 1997 Mountaineer by grepa

Mar 19, 2005 (8:00 pm)

I have a 1997 Mountaineer, 5L V8, AWD that has recently tuned 103,000 miles. The vehicle has run great, and I've been delighted with it.
 
My question is: is it time for me to change all of the fluids (differentials and transfer cases) and the spark plugs?
 
I've gotten widely different opinions. The Ford dealer says to do so, and quoted a rather high dollar amount. The Lincoln/Mercury dealer said neither was necessary to do, unless I was having problems or the engine was starting to miss.
 
What is your advice? The transmission fluids have been recently changed, by the way.

Messages Page 238 of 335

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