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Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer 2005 and earlier
3348 messages, Last post on Oct 31, 2011 at 3:14 PM
You are in the Ford Explorer Forum.What is this discussion about? Ford Explorer, Mercury Mountaineer, SUV
#898 of 3348 re: FOR WHAT ITS WORTH by rec3
Jul 28, 2002 (9:11 am)
I have a friend who expressed interest in a Honda Pilot so I spent some time looking into the Pilot and Acura MDX Town Hall discussions. These people are on waiting lists to buy these vehicles for $1K to $3K OVER MSRP! I think most would not consider an Explorer or a Mountaineer because of the perceived superiority of the Hondas.My experience with a 1995 Explorer XLT was great with one oxygen sensor, rear brake pads, and one set of Michelins in 130,000 miles of comfortable driving.
Mr. HOST, your remarks about patriotism were off-base. The point is that the bias away from Ford and GM is unwarranted by the facts. This should be a forum that can point out shortsightedness from any direction.
#899 of 3348 re: for what it's worth by tidester
Jul 28, 2002 (2:38 pm)
Mr. HOST, your remarks about patriotism were off-base.My remarks were precisely on target. Everyone here is entitled to their opinion without having to pass any kind of litmus test for patriotism. We are discussing vehicles and not infectious diseases.
My error, if any, was in not summarily removing the post to which I replied and which, apparently, you did not read. But I let it stand.
tidester
Host
SUVs; Aftermarket & Accessories
#900 of 3348 2002 V8 Explorer Oil by tulsahog
Jul 28, 2002 (4:59 pm)
The owner's manual specifies a super premium5w-20 motor oil per a Ford spec.
The only Motorcraft oil I have found at parts stores and Wal-Mart is 5w-20 Premium Synthetic Blend and it meets the Ford spec.
Does anyone know if this is the correct oil? The manual does not say to use a "Synthetic Blend"
#901 of 3348 Oil by joeadp
Jul 28, 2002 (6:20 pm)
From what I have read 5w 20 is a synthetic oil blend. It is used in Hondas and Fords to achieve better gas mileage. Lighter weight less friction and you get a shade better MPG.I used Quaker State 5w 20. I was considering Mobile one but am staying the course with the recommended oil.
#903 of 3348 My post by icefan1
Jul 28, 2002 (10:56 pm)
Tidester, thanks for not erasing my post "For what it is worth." Just trying to stir the pot a bit, not trying to call anyone's patriotism into question. Maybe I should post it over on a Pilot or MDX board! Of course all Pilot's and MDX's are made in the USA by American workers who hopefully promptly go out and spend their wages on an Explorer!#904 of 3348 Mountianeer AWD Shifting Concerns by zderf
Jul 29, 2002 (9:32 am)
Since new, my 2002 V8 AWD has had strange shift characteristics (I was used to the new 4.0 V6 with 5 speed auto in a Sport Trac.. a wonderful set up). It would clunk into the next higher gear if shifting under light load or deceleration. It was a nuisance, but not particularly offensive. At the 5,000 mile service, I mentioned this to the servicing dealer. They seemed aware of the phenomena and worked to a TSB from FoMoCo by updating the PCM with 162A12A650 SB.Now, the characteristics have changed. The shift into 4th or overdrive is noticeable with a shudder..almost like driving over a defect in the road surface (that is what I first thought it was). This past weekend, I was towing my 2000# pop-up camper up an incline at about 60mph. It downshifted to maintain speed, and then upshifted back to 4th (not OD) with a horrifying chatter-type clunk. It lasted for a good 1 second. WOW!! I was then very cautious from then on to avoid that circumstance.
I may have the only such situation, but I am suspicious this AWD system may have some issues. I can't find any way to seek technical info from FoMoCo directly (no contacts on web site)and before I go back to the dealership (OK, recreate the problem for us scenario), does anyone have any experience on this?
Thanks for your favorable consideration.
Zderf, Seattle
#905 of 3348 various thoughts... by kheintzelman
Jul 30, 2002 (5:23 pm)
I have a 2002 V8 4WD XLT w/ towing package (class-III/IV hitch), Michelin Cross Terrains, and ~19,000 miles logged. So far, my truck has been a jewel-- no problems with tranny, wind noise, vibrations, etc. That said, I offer a few thoughts: 1) Before I accepted my new truck, I had the dealer swap the running BOARDS for a pair of Ford's TUBULAR running bars, since I feel the latter look nicer, and unlike the running boards (which create a closed space between the lower sides of the truck and the medial aspect of the boards), snow and mud are less likely to collect and cake on and around the tubular bars, and if it does, it's a simple matter to just kick the tubes in order to dislodge it. But perhaps more significantly, I wonder if those running BOARDS (which are surely comprised of a metal frame with overlaying plastic sheeting) might be a potential source of wind noise at higher speeds, possibly due to turbulence as well as (possibly) a "reed" effect? Many are reporting that the wind noise seems to be coming from the right rear door area, but don't forget that the actual location of many car noises can be notoriously difficult for the driver to isolate, and automotive noises can be very deceptive with regard to actual source and locations; 2) Along the same lines, I had front and rear Husky mud flaps installed on my truck almost immediately after buying it, and I wonder if these flaps may help to break-up or favorably modify wind currents that might otherwise occur around the lower doors (?). 3) Regarding the often mentioned noise coming from the left A-pillar, I've noticed that the height- adjustable shoulder harness mechanism may emit a very soft chatter at times. In addition, in my truck there seems to be an occasional, brief creaking sound when the body shell flexes during lateral, rolling forces. 4) I've also found other putativel sources of subtle noises appearing to come from the left rear cabin, including a slight rattle from the removeable cargo cover, as well as the plastic coverings found on the front and rear seat anchors (to the floor)-- check these covers to be sure they are snapped tightly in place, and if necessary, try adding a little foam tape to the inside of these plastic covers if they tend to briefly "buzz" when you tap on them while they're in place; 5) Regarding the issue of rough shifting, I've not encountered this with my truck, but I will say that these tranny's (and brakes) are said to undergo an electronic "learning and adjusting" to the driver's habits, and during this "learning" period, occasional less-than-smooth shifts may occur, and I've noticed that if the battery cables are disconnected (such as when installing an aftermarket audio power amp), the vehicle will then "drive" differently for a time, since this "learning" sequence starts over again due to the interruption in battery power and memory.#906 of 3348 Mileage going up. by tvbrain
Aug 05, 2002 (3:36 pm)
I'm over the 22K mile mark on my 2002 XLT V6 and my mileage is improving. Once between 16-17 MPG I now seem to be getting between 18-19 MPG. Most of the miles are on the freeway. My commute is about 55 miles round trip. I've also lowered my average speed since getting nabbed for doing 80 in a 65.Only problem seems to be occasional rough idling upon starting. I noticed one wiper blade needs to be replaced too.
I'm bummed to see that the seats have been re-designed. This truck could be more comfortable.
#907 of 3348 RE: Is This A Good Deal ? by csuraci
Aug 06, 2002 (10:14 pm)
Just wondering how did you get that $500 email rebate from Ford? Thanks!To POST a message, please
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