Ford Explorer

Ford Explorer questions and answers

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Q: Ford Explorer?
I am thinking about purchasing a 98 Ford Explorer Sport with 129000 miles on it. I have read reviews and out the 68, only 3 were bad and 1 was about average. I not familiar with Fords so I need to know if they are dependable, safe, and reliable vehicles.

A: I have a 97 4.0 ohc with 166k miles and they only thing I don't like is the cam tensioners, they rattle and it will cost a bundle to get them fixed, so I just keep driving it :(

Q: Can a ford Explorer pull a horse trailer?
I have '91 Ford Explorer, can it comfortably tow a two horse bummer pull trailer? Will it make a difference since it is 17 years old? Still runs pretty good.

A: There shouldn't be a problem if the vehicle has been service regularly.

Q: Why does my Ford Explorer Blow only cold air from the rear vents?
Ok, so i have a 95' Ford explorer, eddy bouer edition, and my heaters only blow cold air from the rear vent, and the front vent's floor vent's or defroster's dont even turn on. What could be wrong with it and how could i fix it?

A: You need to take it to a shop, not the dealer (they will charge you out the rear-end). Sounds like you have a bad switch.

Q: What type of freon does a 1994 Ford Explorer Sport 4WD take and how much does it cost?
My boyfriend needs to get an idea of how much it cost to replace the freon in his 1994 Ford Explorer Sport 4WD. What type does it need and how much does it cost to replace? Also is there a website I can go to to look at for info on this?

A: It doesn't take Freon (which was the trade name for R-12) it takes Suva (which is the trade name for R-134a). It usually costs about $7-$10 for 12oz. Your car probably holds 34oz. total (2.2 lbs). To have a shop recharge the system will be anywhere from $100-$250 depending on the shop and time of year.

Q: What size battery cables on a 1992 Ford Explorer?
I have a 1992 Ford Explorer 4WD Eddie Bauer edition. I need to replace the battery cables. I went to buy some and there were a lot of different lengths. What size do I need? Is this a hard thing to replace?

A: Red positive to the starter can fight.go to a automotive parts supplier ,Car-quest/Napa. They will place in your hand just the ones you need for your ford. "Not autozone/checker"don't forget the anti-corrision rings for the post and battery post sealer spray,fords tend to be bad about corrision.And the black ground also has a small wire grounded to the fender on this one.I think,disconnect black first reconnect last always. make sure starter lead is not touching/rubbing sharp or hot parts.YOU CAN DO IT !!!

Q: 1999 Ford Explorer - why is there a small plume of smoke coming from the steering column?
Yet another Explorer question. Please note: this has only happened twice. It only happens upon inserting the key into the ignition w/o cranking. It has happened before and after the cruise control recall. The smoke comes out of the hazard lights button (surrounding hole) and the cruise control stick (surrounding hole). HELP!!!!! Akins Ford in Winder, GA says it's unrelated to the recall. I've heard it's the multifunction switch. Thoughts? I already know there's a colony of evil micro-gnomes living under the steering wheel and that they are plotting the downfall of my truck, so please don't use that as an answer. I want a mechanical answer. :-) Mr. KnowItAll, did you know that you are absolutely no help whatsoever? Bet you didn't. AH HA! Relinquish your title immediately.

A: Sounds like you have a bad multi-function switch. This one switch controls the hazard lights, wipers, headlamps etc. Get it replaced before it catches fire. Check the wiring too, it may be melted.

Q: My husband disabled our Ford Explorer so it will not turn over. Any ideas what he did?
When my husband gets mad at me he does something to our 2004 Ford Explorer so It will not start. The problem is that it will not turn over. I think that he does something to the fuses. I am stuck home right now trying to fix it. Please help!

A: Could be the neutral safety switch, the starter soleniod or a missing fuse. I would first check for missing fuses. Then check under the hood for wires pulled off the starter solenoid. Check the battery is hooked up.

Q: How to Change windshield wipers on 2005 Ford Explorer ?
I have a 2005 Ford Explorer and am having trouble changing the wiper blades. I can't seem to figure out how to remove the old ones- they are factory original and now 3 years old and worn down. I am replacing them with a good set from Carquest that fits my car. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Happy Holidays to all !

A: most have a tab you need to push in on the inside of the hook you may need a small flat screw driver.

Q: With the engine running My Ford Explorer will no longer accelerate. What could the problem be?
2004 Ford Explorer with V6. This truck has no accelerator cable. It is electronic. The accelerator stopped working while driving. The engine stayed idling after pulling off the road. When i turned the engine off it would not start.

A: soundfs like computer problems

Q: How do you change a 1996 ford explorer exterior door handle?
I have a 1996 ford explorer sport and the exterior door handle quit working. My boyfriend is going to change it, and he's got it loose. The only thing holding the handle in now is the clip. He can't figure out how to get that out. He said the rod is in the way. ANY HELP IS GREATLY APPRECIATED!

A: alih1221; The clip is plastic. Have him look for the OPEN end on the rod. the rod will release when unlocked from the rod shaft. Once the clip swings free, the rod will come out of the metal hole. Use a straight screwdriver to push the clip from the rod. If the door handle is broken, it is held on by rivets. They will need to be drilled and re-riveted. Takes a special rivet gun & rivets.

Q: How much is a replacement keyless entry thing for my ford explorer?
Ours went splat-in other words-lots of pieces! So I guess I should go to a ford dealership to get one. But how much am I going to spend? It's a 97 explorer.

A: Around $75.00 plus programming. Some dealers will do this for no charge but most will charge (about 40-60 bucks I would think).

Q: How do you remove a factory stereo from a 2002 Ford Explorer?
I was wanting to know how do you remove a stock factory stereo from a 2002 Ford Explorer. It does not have any holes for a removal key.. Thanks I cannot find the four clips that take the panel off where are they?

A: You cannot see the retaining clips, they are made into the back of the plastic trim panel. You'll need to insert something thin along the side of the panel and pry it off. Take care not to damage the dash. You can see the instructions here. http://documents.victorytechnologies.com//documents/product/9523.pdf

Q: Does the ford explorer and ford explorer sport trac have the same exterior parts?
Does the ford explorer and ford explorer sport trac have the same exterior parts? like headlights/taillights? what about body lifts or suspensions?

A: Above is correct, some body panels are interchangeable some aren't...Headlights, front fenders, hood yes. Doors unsure, bed and back no (obviously). The underpinnings (suspension) are similar, but not exact...and depending on the year, the Explorer went to independent rear suspension, while the sport trac kept the solid axle differential.

Q: How to do an oil change and maintenance a 2003 Ford Explorer yourself?
Looking for a guide on how to do maintenance on a 2003 Ford Explorer V6. I searched for it online and couldn't find one. My vehicle needs a tune up and want to do it myself.

A: its very simple but if you want to know how to do maintenance on it, then you should get the book at autozone for $20 it will show you step by step how to do everything, change heads, oil, pumps, take the radiator out. breaks everything down for you so its simple. to change oil get an oil pan jack some oil flush, oil, oil filter, then drive home put the motor flush in your oil, run it for five minutes, it will remove all the gunk and build of in the oil (dont drive around with motor flush in your oil!) jack it up, let it cool down for a little bit or the oil will burn you, take the plug out of the oil pan, drain it, take off the oil filter, then replace, put the plug back in fill the oil back up and your done. for other maintenance just buy the book its easier to understand then on here, and there are detailed pictures on whats what.

Q: What services do I need on my Ford Explorer to make it run like new? And how much will it all cost?
I own a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT and I'd really like to have it serviced and make it run like new. Here are the issues I'm having (I'm not very informed about automobiles, so bear with me please): - When I turn on the truck, in takes about 3-5 seconds. It sounds like it is stuggling a lot to turn on. Also, it squeaks when it finally turns on. - When I begin to accelerate, the squeaking starts again, and the battery gauge lowers. However, when I turn off my A/C the squeaking stops and the battery gauge rises back to normal. - When I accelerate, I hear a clanking sound. - Acceleration sucks. - It's getting about 10-11 miles to the gallon. - Every pothole feels like I just crashed. I can feel every single bump on the road. It's a rough ride these days. - My door (driver's) doesn't lock anymore. The other doors lock, but mine just goes down and stays unlocked. In other words, it looks as if it's locked, but it isn't. - It's really wasting a lot of gas.

A: You have quite a list here. The only thing I can tell you is that it will cost a lot of dollars. It is hard to know exactly without going over the truck. The suspension needs to be looked at, plus there may be some problem with the AC compressor. I am sure it needs all the filters replaced, fluids replaced, and a tune up. If it means that much to you. Then start on it, one thing at a time. good luck.