04 4.0 Explorer XLT. I take good care and keep it well maintained. Never lets me down. I feel two things are true; 1.) If you take care of something and replace things as necessary- you maximize its lifetime. 2.) You can say anything has common issues and obsessively focus on them, or just fix them- because nothing in life is a 100% guarantee.

Haha ”doesnt mean pull over and smoke a fat joint” your videos just keep getting better! Educational and fun at the same time. Keep it up Tim

I have a '04 Mountaineer and it had many of these problems after 130k miles. I will look into the other problems that you mentioned because I'm sure that they will be next. Thank you for the valuable info. Great post.

Great Video! I have a 2003 Ford Exploder 4x4 with 214,000 miles. You nailed most of the maintenance issues we have had with this vehicle. Although no engine or timing issues as yet we Replaced transmission at 194k miles. I would add a few...the extremely difficult diy parking brake assembly, the easy repair cruise control brake pressure sensor, lift gate cracks and hinge replacement, plastic vacuum hose assemblies under the hood which of course crack. Etc. etc.....HOWEVER, did I mention we have 214k miles. Likely near $50k to replace so I will keep saving a $600+ payment with my Ford Exploder!!

I just finished doing my own Chain/Guide installation on the 4.0L SOHC and have named my Explorer "The Car From Hell"!

My brother owned a 2001 Ford Explorer and he had terrible problems with overheating, slipping transmission and rattles, leaks...it was the worst vehicle he ever owned. Your doing a great service by pointing out some issues on that dude.

thank you! i have a 2008 merc mountaineer 4.0 that we purchased with 180k. it has 200k on it now and we're hoping for 300k. we get it serviced every 4k mi. so far it is running great. personally i hate the AWD because of the mpg and the road noise. so far it has been good and the maintenance has been less than a car payment. thanks again, this info is helpful for the maintenance plan.

Somewhere along the line, Ford replaced the plastic timing chain guides with metal, after so many complaints about plastic disintegrating and ending up in the engine. I have a 2010 4x4, which I was told has the metal guides. Mine was a company lease, with 200k mostly highway miles. It does run and shift great. Turned-in company leases can be a good value, as they have usually been well-maintained and haven't been subjected to the wear and tear of in-town driving. You're right about the thermostat housing. Mine is leaking a bit, so I need to get after it. Coolant sitting on top of the engine block is another sign of this issue. Easy fix. And you're right about the wheel bearings, too. You're also right about the shifter issue. I would just add that there is a pin in the mechanism that moves in and out, allowing the shifter to either move or lock in place...activated by the brake pedal solenoid. I assumed the little circuit board in the white plastic case was the cause of my problem, when it was actually the pin that had broken inside the shifter (it is attached to the actual lever). When it breaks at the attachment point it can work it's way out and won't retract...locking the shifter in park (and not allowing you to remove the key from the ignition..and draining your battery). I'm not aware of a good fix for this, short of replacing the entire shifter console unit. I pushed the pin back in, and for now it shifts fine. This won't last, but at least I know what the problem is when it happens again. With removal of 2 screws, one can lift the console cover enough to push the pin back in. Mine has been fine for several weeks now after doing this. I like my 2010. It's in great shape. It's quiet inside and runs smoothly... but there is some strange engineering going on with these Explorers. Lots of plastic in places where metal would have meant better reliability. I have a 1999 4Runner 4x4 with 338k on it. Runs like a Swiss watch and the build quality is far superior. I'd drive it to California tomorrow. I wouldn't feel so confident in my Explorer.

Thank you for the video. I think you covered everything I have ever had to fix/replace lol

My '02 explorer has the 4.6 V-8 which are famous for leaking oil around the oil filter adapter which bolts onto the side of the block. Being a 4x4 with power steering, there was no way to get at the bolts holding it on so i had to drop the front differential to change the leaky gasket. While it was out, i resealed the diff and replaced the U joints, tie rod ends, front struts, CV joints and stub axles, rotors, calipers and pads, sway bar bushings, and anything else which needed it. Once it was all back together, I did the rear axle including new clutches in the locking rear end. It's like a new vehicle again with 378k on the clock! Oh yeah, to replace the front driveshaft seal in the transfer case, I had to drop the transfer case and split it to get at the seal. It's a labor of love.

I have a 03, Explorer Sport, no major issues so far; running strong with 239k! :) thank you for the vid. Ill be on the lookout.

Great video. I own a 2003 4.0 Explorer with 285k, bought it brand new and right on the money I've experienced most of those issues. I am getting ready to replace timing chains for the 4th time, I'm on my 4th set of wheel bearings, 2nd transmission and 2nd catalytic converter

Thanks Tim, this should help a lot of people!

Tim, have to say, wow. Great style of videoing the variant of vehicles that covered the common problems that you working on. I like that a lot! Great coverage on the thermostat issues and other things as well. Now I'm aware of it :) great job, Tim! Many thumbs up from me, bud!

Very happy with my 09 4.6L. No issues other than the wheel bearings as mentioned.

The 5.0 litre V8 on the 2000 model has been really solid. Always runs, never had a check engine light. If you have a light foot you can get over 20 mpg. Step on it and you will get about 18.

We had problems with the Air Conditioner. When the vacuum lines get brittle and break it prevents airflow control for the main and lower vents keeping the air on the windshield only. Also, the EGR vacuum lines and A/C vacuum control lines are controlled by a check valve. If it fails it's an easy, inexpensive fix some mechanics won't tell you about.

Great information sir, helped me so much when deciding on a used 06 Explorer. Thanks for your superior video and help! Have subscribed for sure.

2006 233k miles , original motor , just recently replaced the transmission, I over hearted the motor like 2 x lol and still runs strong as shit with no leaks . Been driving it everyday since 2010 when I bought it

Hello, great info. What about an o8 mercury mountaineer w/ a 4.0 That info applies to these models as Well? And how difficult it is to replace the rack and pinion on my 08 mountaineer? Thank You. Hello from Sonora Mexico.

Thanks Doc! Very informative as always.

My 2004 Explorer has 130,000 miles on it currently. So far everything has been rock solid except for the front wheel bearings which are just starting to rumble. I ordered a set of Moog replacements and will replace them soon. Many of these problems are lack of maintenance related issues. I have no leaks or wet spots around the rear diff, actually no leaks anywhere at all. I did have to replace the thermostat housing around 100,000 miles. Super easy and open access. I change all of the fluids regularly. Engine oil, trans fluid, transfer case, rear diff, coolant, power steering and brake fluid. I usually chang the engine oil every 8k with 5-w30 mobile 1 synthetic or whatever synthetic is on sale. I always make sure to use an OEM Motorcraft oil filter. I do a transmission pan drop and fill with filter every 30,000 miles and only use OEM Motorcraft Mercon V trans fluid. For the front and rear diffs I use fully synthetic 80/140 gear oil and the transfer case gets Mercon trans fluid. Never use Mercon V in the transfer case. Oh yeah, original brake rotors all around and not warped. I'm easy on my brakes and use the O/D overdrive off for engine braking whenever I'm going down a steep hill to conserve the brake pads. Especially when towing.

I got an 06 about two years ago and it’s been the best vehicle/suv I’ve ever owned and it’s about to hit 200k miles and I’ve had any problems with it yet so it’s been a good one

I have two Explorers and an Aviator, 2003 Explorer awd 4.0 190,000 have owned this 5 years and 50,000 miles have replaced brakes only and one front axle. Plus regular maintenance, oil changes transmission fluid. Currently needs axle seal replaced and upper control arms front due to rust, but all joints are solid. 2004 Explorer 4wd 4.0 has 309,000 has been well maintained bought used recently. have all maintenance records. plus what I have done 4 wheel bearings were replaced brakes all around 3 times. 8 sets of tires. Rear differential has been resealed two times. It is getting timing chain slap now, probably needs engine pulled out and timing done. burns no oil shifts great. Transfer case shift motor has failed two times. fuel pressure monitoring sensor failed before. All electrical switches in both Explorers work windows work never had the doors apart. no issues. all options work as designed The 2003 aviator 2wd 4.6 v8 181,000 has had a bad water pump in the past needs a wheel bearing runs and drives great. power steering pump is noisy. annoyingly the paint has worn off lots of buttons inside and some switches need replaced. door ajar switch failed on driver door needs replaced.

Thanks Tim. We have the same one as the gray one. We had to have the rear end replaced under warranty and again later because according to Ford, if all four tires are not EXACTLY the same circumference, it will destroy the rear end. It apparently locks both wheels together because it thinks you need better traction. This is a problem when you are trying to back out of a parking space. It can also try to force it in to four wheel drive a 65 Miles per hour. BTW, we also experienced most of the other things you talked about. On the other hand it now has 290 K miles on it.

One great review ! Thanks pops.

Hello, in my 2010 explorer 4.6 it is loud when I turn on 4x4 hi and when it is on a 4x4 auto you can hear a slight noise when driving slowly in front of the vehicle. Does anyone know what the problem may be? Maybe a differential problem? Thank you

great show easy to listen too. did my bearings after humming.

Had to think about the P0420 line - LOL good one!

mr tim I did some trading on a 2003 mountaineer 4.6l rear freeze plug gone one rubber quickie on left side that I saw that I can see from under the bottom on the good lift like you got your the reason I bout another eagle four post lift 12k this time but but they robed the starter going to put the starter on first if car runs shut it down remove transmission install freeze plugs do think they over heated the engine or just mixing the wrong antifreeze back in the day the rear freeze plug bore is as clean as you took it out weird no rust west tn the engine is super clean the rad is clean how did the freeze plug fall out you thoughts

Thanks for the video. Definitely scratched a used Explorer off my list of used SUV's to buy. Man, what was thinking?

Ive had to do the hubs and thermostat housing also the vacuum lines going to the egr. Not major repairs, I was able to do them myself without a lot of headache. Overall good car no major issues

407,000ish kms on my 4.6 2002 explorer here east coast Nova Scotia. Happy Sunday.

Welcome back!

Great video, just bought one of these heaps from the Auction for $600.00 bucks, pretty car, Not a scratch on it, so I wondered what was wrong, seems fine, but computer was reset, clearing codes, and emissions which still has not completed, an ominous sign.

Very informative I have a 2006 Explorer xlte,, mine will start and idle fine and shift into gear but when I push on the gas petal, there's nothing,, any ideas

I'll put this on do not buy list, thanks for the info.

2004 4.0 here. I have 200k+ miles. Issues I have had is the thermostat housing twice, trailing arms twice, EGR valve, front & rear wheel bearings, muffler+rear tailpipe above rear end+ clamp before muffler rusted in pieces. Just did intake gasket, valve cover gaskets, EGR valve, coilpack, wires & plugs. Improved performance now but problem that I still have is rough idle. I am guessing probably a vacuum leak somewhere. I know idler pulley is making noise. Oh and another thing is charging system light flickers on & off & beeping over & over again driving you nuts going down the road. I just seen people talk about the plug on the alternator doesn't make the best of connection so you have to tweak the prongs a lil. I will do that tomorrow. But as for a vacuum leaks have you seen any common issues that I may want to look at for the rough idle?

I have an 03 XLT with the 4.0 and 158k miles, it has every single problem you mentioned except for the timing chain (fingers crossed) but it refuses to die!

Always pick the 4.6L V8! At least if something fails you can actually fix it without removing the entire engine! Unfortunately most explorers came with the 4.0L V6.

Could you tell me more about the key failure along with the module or what makes the car shut off while you driving down the road seems to reset with the alarm almost like a starter solenoid problem

My defrost is not working well anymore it still heats up buy doesnt defrost well and I have noticed I had to add engine coolant ? Any suggestions

He cracked me up with the #420 code!!!

My car is having the front coolant leaking issue, is this video also pertain to the 2006 Mercury Mariner 3.0 ??

Spot on Doctor! My 04 at 163,000 had most of these problems. I have been babying the tranny for 3 years now. Not to mention the chipped paint and rust on the roof and the ominous crack below the rear wiper! But dammit, I love her.

LOL I have Two 2006 explorer EddieB in my driveway, One is always running :) one has 206k and the other has 223k, I love this truck and the gas mileage for a 5000lbs solid truck I get 22+MPG on both with nothing aftermarket added! I just had an issue Cyl 3 misfire it turned out to be the Coil Pack

Thanks Car Doctor 🤙

Thanks for your helpful video. I've thought about getting a 2003 - 2005 Ford Explorer, but maybe not, since I did more research.

My 06 Mountaineer has so far been working great ...the only issue is that my speedometer was working at times...now it just stopped working. Is it most likely my speed sensor?

Do you have any videos on the 2015 Ford escape transmission problem thank you very much you can Alyssa really help

Hi Doc , thank you for sharing the video🙌🏻really enjoy it 🙌🏻I have a Mountaineer 2009 model alarming check brake system always appeared goes out goes in ?

Love your videos Tim me and the guys at the shop are still laughing when you say Ford exploder😂👍 greetings from Milwaukee Wisconsin God bless you❤

I got a code PO461 for 2002 mercury mountaineer but need some guidance on repairing it. Is there a video that can help with that?

What do you know about the 10mm bolt on top of the rear diff?

I have a 2004 Explorer xlt and when I go into reverse I doesnt kick into reverse immediately it is as though it sits in neutral, and I dont have reverse lights. I was just wondering if you happen to know?

My 02 mountaineer AWD has a popping/binding sound when turning forward and Back. Was told Viscous Coupling but no luck with new T-case. I put new shock assembly and upper cont. arm. Still have the problem. It pretty much went away when i took of the front drive line . Any recommendations. Thank you.

My 4.0 has 220k runs great its all about taking care of your stuff my olds bervada 4.3l blew up at 150k

I own a 2004 Explore watching your video is déjà vu everything that you discussed in your video I've already had a problem with I replaced on my vehicle. The thermostat housing leaked on vacation we barely made it to the repair shop, matter fact we had it towed did not want to overheat the engine. The transmission has been rebuilt, the differential has been rebuilt, all for struts replaced. And here's one for the books, the harmonic balance blew a part, lucky the fan belt could ride on the metal part just enough to safely get us to a shop. Also upper control arm bushings wore out, Ford only supplies it with a new control arm. I got 119,000 miles, and my mechanic says you know after hundred thousand miles you start having trouble, I told him no problem. All these problems I have with my car all happened between 30 and 80,000 miles.

My 2003 ford f150 4.6 has a #2 cylinder misfire how should I go about it diagnose and fix I hear so many different things I trust u and your advice thank u in advance

It can happen to any vehicle ,it is part of life. My 02 ford explorer 4.0 has 168,000 on it and runs great.

I have a 2008 Explorer 4.0 four wheel drive with 130,000. Just about every weak point you have mentioned has failed including the transmission. Which I was told by a Ford mechanic that the transmission Is from a Mustang because it shifts smoother. About the timing chain guides If I change the tensioners will that prevent the guides from failing? If so at what mileage should I replace the tensioners? If not at what mileage should I replace the guides and about how much dose that cost? Thanks.

Explosion 💥 funny 😆 Thank you for sharing your knowledge

Thanks for the info .question my friend has a mercury mountanier 06 hass isues starting .it will take about a few times turning the key start n the radiator watter evaporates oris leaking somewhere cant find the leak .good videos

I did a regular oil change on my 2005 Ford explorer an now it cranks but wont start I can hear the starter turning any idea what I could be

Everything you listed I’ve replaced on my 03 lol even the transmission. But one thing that’s also very common is the A/C actuator door assembly, when faulty you can’t change the temperature of your A/C

Thanks I'll do that after I change out chain guilds. Sport trac only has 83k miles

Ok I have an 07 explorer IRONMAN edition. I also have a constant 0420 issue hahaha. Any suggestions on what sounds like wheel bearing noise on front driverside but only makes noise when you start to accelerate soon as you let up a lil it goes away. Awesome channle

Hey I have a 08 mountaineer. With codes p0171 and p0174. Bank 1 and 2 are lean I suspect a vacuum leak. And I found a very corroded hose to the right of the throttle body going into the manifold do you know what that is called?

I have an intermittent rough grinding noise in my 02 ford explorer I can't tell if it's the wheel bearings or drive shaft bearings

Hey do u have a video on a no crank no start on a 2006 ford explorer Eddie edition 4.6l

Hi Tim, Good video. I have a misfiring issue with Ford explorer 2010 4 ltr and the engine specially under idle condition vibrates. I have had plugs and its wires changed with Oxygen sensors but the problem still exists. could it be vacuum hoses problem?

Wow... other than the dozens of common problems you mentioned it looks like the Exploder is a superbly engineered machine! Ford.. you have done it again, and your reputation for "fix or repair daily" stands firm.

Hi. I hear there is another common issue I would like to see a vid on. My 09 explorer had a rear door glass ajar even though it was closed and the interior light would not go out. I was forced to pull a fuse from under the dash to turn it off. It would be great if you could post a vid covering the diagnosis and repair of this issue.

Great clip!!! I've seen the first two issues happening on the same explorer (simultaneously). It runs nice though (before the issues and after repaired) I own a 92 f150, runs good but its issues are rediculous sometimes ( worn out plastic parts , etc)

2010 mountaineer, premier.4.0 a/c starts real Cold then will warm up for a while, then get cold again. Also, if ac is on and cold, I have to turn the temperature dial up to almost 80 degrees before it starts warming up the air. Any suggestions?

In a awd if awd goes out an you only have rear wheel drive will it affect the way it shifts

What would cause a 4th gen v6. From stop to 45mph a slight jerk that slowly pulsates then its fine?

Thank you soo much my friend ilake your video to watch

How about the alternator shutting down and arcing where goes through the engine and pulling down the battery also what's your theory on that and what's the what's the solution for a long time getting rid of this problem on a specially in 07 explore 4.0

Great video Tim. When I first met my old lady, she had an 02. I can’t lie, it was almost a dealbreaker on a second date. Fortunately, her cooking skills made up for her poor vehicle choice. 😂

Hello from California. I enjoyed your video. Thanks for uploading it. I bought a 2006 Mercury Mountaineer almost 3 mos. ago and was wondering if you could advise what common problems a 2006 Mountaineer has. Also, would you recommend an inspection by a mechanic to check everything like you did in your video to that Explorer? Thanks again.

Had a 02 😆 what hunk of junk had everything you mentioned in this video happen to it lol and I had the timing chain rattle on start up

what steps do I need to take to replace my crankshaft sensor on my 5.0 v8 in my 99 mercury mountaineer

Thanks ☺

My 2006 mountaineer was amazing until about 120,000 miles. Front bearings and rack and pinion went. But other than that, I loved that thing!

I just bought a 2001 mecury mountianer yesterday. I was under the impression that it is basicly a ford explorer. It has a 5.0 v-8 and all wheel drive with an automatic transmission. Any information would be great

Do you know why transmission clunks and sometimes makes a squeaky noise and also sometimes when in reverse makes weird clunk sound and sometimes have the car just shut off it drives but electrical system cuts out could you help please

I LIKE WATCHING THIS GUY BECAUSE I WORK ON CARS ALOS AND SEE THE SAME THING

what about the 2005 ford explorer 4.0 front differential 3.55 8.8 problems along with the passanger side cv axle problems? please show a video with these issues?

Got one 255k engine strong. Sure bearings ball joints, struts She still rocking

Question, 03 Ford Explorer XLT C1175, C1960, B1342, B1676 Codes. Instinct says a left rear wheel ABS sensor. Did some digging though and see various ABS types so now need to figure out why. Owner thinks it's the wheel bearings. I don't think it's the bearings based on the codes. Any recommendations? Can you tell me if this is the 3 wheel sensor (2 front, 1 rear) or a 4wd system? 3FA6P0H70DR286662 is the VIN# if anyone can give any better clarification on the type of antilock brake system. Thanks ahead of time!!!!

I have a 2002 Mercury mountaineer my overdrive I feel like it's stuck or something's wrong with it cuz I feel like I'm on four wheel drive my tires for spin and when I turn to the right or left it makes like a like a Browning a grounding noise from from the tires up front whichever way I'm turning and it spins freely in the back so can you please help me and let me know what you think it what it is please thank you

We need more people like you in mew hampshire

I have a 2002 mountaineer and the ignition went bad.i put a new ignition on with coded keys.mow they say I have to tow it to a dealership to get it programmed to the car .I don't want to do that.id there a way to have it programmed where it sits? Please help Tim

My 2004 Mountaineer Premier V8 literally started falling apart at 70k miles. It was 2011 and I took very good care of it. This happened just after the extended warranty ran out. I had the front end parts replaced with a different style, per dealer. Two months later it was in a grapefruit sized hailstorm. It should have been totalled. Not worked correctly after the extensive repairs.

I had a lot of problems with warped rotors in the front, but after putting on those High Performance Slotted Rotor that resolved those problems. I do get a noise from the left front wheel when turning it sharply to the left in residential intersections. It might be from rubbing the engine splash pads. I don't know.

2002 ford explorer 325,000 miles..change oil, transmission fluid,battery brake fluid, power steering fluid...it will last...

Thank u 4 the info I just bought a ford explorer lol and thier is a leak in antifreeze in the front of the engine?? I thought it may be the water pump but then seen your vedio I start with the thermostat assembly then work my way from thier

Was the plastic cover still on the battery post?

👍 SWEET VID 🚹, THANKS