Automobile / Ford / Explorer-1 / Explorer-2 / Explorer-3

MORE: Ford Explorer Repair Questions

Question: 2002 Ford Explorer XLT Mileage: 31,000.  I recently began to hear a "whining" or "howling" noise coming from the rear of the car at 65 miles per hour. It seemed to become louder when you tried to accelerate to maintain your speed. The noise was considerably less if you took your foot completely off the accelerator. I took it to a local dealer expecting to find a differential problem (pinion gear or something). They replaced the drive shaft and the noise at 65 mph went away. However, I still hear a minor howling at around 55 mph. It doesn't seem to change if you accelerate or let off the pedal. It really doesn't sound like singing tires. It may just be paranoia since I only have about five thousand miles left on the warranty. Do you have any suggestions on how I can see if this is normal or if I could have early signs of a differential problem? Thanks.

Answer:  You may have an axle bearing or possible bearing in the differential that is starting to fail.

Question: 2003 Ford Explorer 4WD mileage: 34,000.  I have a problem with my transmission. I usually put about two quarts a week in the truck just to keep it running. However, I think that the transmission fluid is getting mixed with the oil because after about two weeks of doing this my oil is overfilled and has a red tint. I think it has something to do with the vacuum tubes on the top of the engine. They all blew off during a backfire one time and I just stuck them back on where ever they would fit. That's when the transmission fluid problem started. I have looked at my Ford book but it doesn't give a diagram to describe which hose connects to which port on the vacuum. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!

Answer: There should be a hose routing diagram located under the hood in the engine compartment. If not, locate a similar car  a neighbor or one on a car lot for sale and take a look under the hood.

Question:  1999 Ford Explorer 4WD mileage: 105,000.  When I last took in my explorer to have the suspension checked out, I was told that I needed new shocks and something had to be done to the lower ball joints.  Would you please enlighten me as to what this might be, and why it needs to be done?

Answer:  With the amount of mileage on your car, it is expected that some parts will have wear.  It is not surprising that the shocks and ball joints may need replacing.

Question:  2002 Ford Explorer  mileage: 54,000.   I recently started the car and shut it off.  A few seconds later when attempting to start the car all I got was a click, click sound coming from the relay (mounted next to the battery).  I have replaced the relay, starter, and battery and still only get the click click.  I tested the starter by jumping from the new battery directly to the relay and still nothing happens.  I am now going to replace both battery cables.  Anything else I am missing and or should do?  Thank you!

Answer:  Your entire starting system may by fine and the engine may be frozen.  If the engine cannot be rotated by hand, it is frozen and it will have to be taken apart to find out why.

MORE: Ford Explorer Repair Questions

Question:  1999 Ford Explorer mileage: 83,000.  My husband has been trying to change brake pads, calipers, shoes, etc. and when he bled the brakes, he found no fluid coming out of the rear brakes.  The lines appear dry.  What could cause this?  He thought the rear ABS valve might need to be replaced, though no one has heard of this part needing to be replaced.  Our local dealer and others in town want big bucks for this.  Please help with any suggestions.

Answer:  Your problem is probably not caused by the rear ABS valve.  What you should check for is brake fluid at the master cylinder.  Loosen each of the lines one turn, press on the brake pedal and look to see if brake fluid is coming out of both lines.  If fluid does not come out of both lines, either the master cylinder is out of fluid or you have a faulty master cylinder.

Question:  2001 Ford Explorer mileage: 98,800.  I have noticed that the when slowing down, vehicle (not the brake pedal) surges a bit, rhythmically, until I come to a complete stop.  This is a subtle surge that feels like the brakes are engaging and disengaging while coming to a moderate stop.  I recently replaced all four brake pads but the problem still continues.  I also have a vibration through the entire vehicle when traveling above 65 mph. I've had the front end aligned twice and rotated the tires but the vibration continues.  Are these two related?

Answer:  Your surging while applying the brakes is probably due to warped brake rotors.  Remachining the rotors true, should fix that problem.  A vibration at 65 mph is normally due to tire balance. You mentioned that you had the front-end aligned twice.  This is not the same as balancing the tires.

Question:  2002 Ford Explorer 4x4 mileage: 50,000.  For the past year or so I have be plagued with rapid front disc pad wear.  This week I replaced the front calipers and pads, also replaced the rear wheel cylinders and did a complete brake fluid bleed.  I notice when driving that the front brakes are getting "smoking hot" while the rear drums can be touched and barely feel warm.  I adjusted the rear shoes correctly, but still the front pads are getting "very" hot.  Where should I be looking next?  Is there something that is not allowing the rear brakes to do their share of the work?  Help!

Answer:  Your brake problem is probably caused by a rear anti-lock brake valve, which is not working properly and holding back the pressure.

Question:  2001 Ford Explorer mileage: 85,000.  I have had trouble with my battery; it was a very strong factory battery, never had any problems until the other day, it does not turn over unless jumped.  The battery is not dead  I can use the radio and the automatic locking system and lights all work.  But, it won’t turn over unless jumped.  When the hood was up I noticed rat poop all over the battery and scattered around the engine. Still the truck started and drove fine once jumped; there were no noises or signs of trouble.  I even turned the car off and on a couple of times and had no trouble.  Have any idea what could be going on, I have a suspicion it has something to do with the rats.

Answer: The rats probably will not hurt the battery but they can do damage to rubber hoses and wiring.  As to your no start problem, have the battery load tested, it maybe “over the hill.”

MORE: Ford Explorer Repair Questions

Question:  1998 Ford Explorer mileage: 74,000.  Coming home from a long trip, I checked my oil and I needed to add about a quart.  I also noticed a small oil leak so I added an additive that claims it can seal small leaks.  I think by adding the additive after the oil I had too much oil.  On the drive home the car became sluggish and was driving rough. Can that be caused by too much oil and if so how much damage could I have done to my car?

Answer:   Over filling the engine with oil may be causing the sluggish performance.  Try changing the oil and adding the correct amount and test drive.  It may take several miles to “clear up.”

Question:  2004 Ford Explorer 22,000 miles.  My boat and trailer weight 1,950 pounds.  When I got home and unhook the boat form the truck, my engine is idling rough.  Later after, it cools down its normal.  What is causing it to do that?

Answer: A partially plugged radiator may be causing your problem. You may want to consider a brand new radiator.

Question:  1999 Ford Explorer  mileage: 114,000.  What is the correct Chilton's Guide Hours needed to fully replace the rear differential & rear differential including rear axel?

Answer:   The flat rate to replace the ring and pinion gears on your explorer is 4.0 hours.

Question:  1991 Ford Explorer XLT.  Where is my power steering fluid leaking if it only leaks at the upper part of the reservoir and then stops leaking?  This leak will make the steering "sing" so I added fluid but it only takes about two ounces to fill it back up to the fill line.  Because it takes so little to fill it up and it doesn't leak out completely. I feel the leak must be up high on the power steering fluid reservoir.  This has been going on for about two weeks.  It takes about a week before I have to refill it.  Can you tell me where you think it is leaking?

Answer: Without seeing the car it is difficult to tell where the leak is. Try cleaning the oil off the power steering pump and hoses and check for fresh oil.

Question:  1994 Ford Explorer mileage: 120,000.  I have recently had both front and rear brakes done.  I notice however a squeaking which occurs until I step on the brake which stops the squeak immediately.  What do you think could be causing this? There is also a grinding sound, which occurs just before the car comes to a stop.  The third issue which I have noticed is a thud, which occurs sometimes when the car comes to a stop, or when the vehicle first accelerates from a stop.  A local mechanic suggested it is probably the bushings, which need replacement at a cost of about $500 for both.  Might this also be a loose motor mount, which would be considerably less expensive to fix?  Thanks for your help.

Answer: Have the brakes rechecked to find the grinding noise. New brakes should not do that. We suspect the “thud.”  Inspect suspension bushing front and rear, and motor mounts.

Question:  1997 Ford Explorer mileage: 42,000.  On the way taking my girls to school, my check engine light came on, what could the problem be. I have all routine maintenance done. Is it safe to drive around, until the shop can fit me in?

Answer:  The “check engine” light will “light” when there is a malfunction in the engine management system.  The fault code is then stored in the computer.  The computer must be scanned to retrieve these stored faults to pinpoint the malfunctioning component.   Because the check engine light indicates something is wrong, a trip to you neighborhood automobile service center sooner rather than later is recommended. 

Question:  1998 Ford Explorer mileage: 90,000.  I have had this vehicle since 35,000 miles. It has always been slow about going into reverse, sometimes takes maybe fifteen or twenty seconds. Seems to work fine otherwise. Thanks.

Answer: Try having the transmission serviced. Replacing the filter and fluid may cure your problem.

Question:  I have a 2001 Ford Explorer with mileage: 63,000.  It has a bad ping and the check engine light comes on a lot. I had it checked on a computer and it said the oxygen sensor was bad. I replaced the oxygen sensor but it is still doing it. It also is starting to feel like it isn't getting the right fuel or the throttle position sensor is messed up because it revs to high when you put it in park and also lacks power sometimes. What I am wondering is could this all possibly be from a clogged fuel filter? I am having my suspicions on this and just would like a second opinion. Thanks!

Answer:  Your car may be ready for a major tune-up including spark plugs, plug wires, fuel filter and air filter. Also, perform a fuel pump pressure test. Clean fuel injection system including throttle bore, idle speed control motor and passages. If problem still exists, re-scan computer for trouble codes.

MORE: Ford Explorer Repair Questions

Automobile / Ford / Explorer-1 / Explorer-2 / Explorer-3

Look up more Ford Explorer Questions in our Car Repair forum section.

Try looking up your problem in our auto repair topics section

Got Explorer Repair Questions? We will answer it for free.