2003 Ford Explorer NEED HELP Heater's on High but nothing c

The vent doors that direct air flow are actuated by vacuum. Check for vacuum leaks under the dash. Also, make sure the linkage to the vent door on the passanger side is connected.

Let me know what you find.
Joe

It is under the dash on the passanger side. As far as the oil, check if there is a leak from the valve covers. It can leak down onto the exhaust manifold and burn. Also, how high is the oil pressure?

First, thanks for the positive feed back. It's appreciated. As far as the oil pressure, it sounds good. I would check the valve covers to make sure that isn't where it is leaking. If you smell it, chances are it is running down to the exhaust manifold and burning off there.

Let me know if you have other questions.

Joe

First, the sludge isn't a great thing, but is common on many cars. Since you just got the vehicle, I recommend (since there is sludge) drive the car about 1000 miles and check the oil to see if it is really dirty. If it is, have it changed again. If you do that a couple times, it should clean up. Don't be overly concerned about it.

As far as the PCV, that stands for positive crankcase ventilation. Inside the engine (crankcase) pressure and unburned fumes build up. The PCV valve is attached to the intake manifold which has vacuum when the engine is running. It sucks the unburned fumes from the crankcase and recirculated them through the engine to reburn them. It also helps keep moisture from building up in the engine.

It is easy to check. You will see it located on the top of the valve cover. It is pushed into a rubber grommit. Just pull it out. Inside of it is a ball valve. If you shake it and can hear it move around inside, the valve is good. If it is stuck and you hear nothing moving, replace it. It is a very cheap part, under 10 dollars, and you can replace it yourself in about 5 minutes.

If you have other questions, let me know.

Joe

The vent doors are actuated by vacuum. Check under the dash for vacuum leaks. If there is one, the system can't work. As a result, the direction of air flow is limited.

With the car in neutral, parking brake on so the vehicle can't move, grab on to the rear of the drive shaft to see if there is any play in the (pinion bearing) which goes into the differential. When you accellerate the torque twist one way, and then the opposite way when you let off. If that bearing is bad, you will hear it.

Let me know.
Joe

It could be either of them. If the tires are cupped or an agressive tread, they can make noise. However, the wrong gear oil can cause it to make noise too. As far as a wheel bearing, it could be that. However, the noise would change when making turns. Does that happen?

Honestly, I have driven, worked on, and owned Explorers and a grinding noise when letting off the gas is not normal. I'm not there to hear it so I have to imagine what you hear. To me it sounds like the back lash in the differential wasn't properly adjusted.

In this case, I would recommend having another mechanic test drive the vehicle with you and listen to it to see if he feels it is normal.

That is only my opinion, but I am sure a grinding is not normal

Let me know what you decide.

Joe