2002 Ford Explorer Problem

I purchased a used 2002 XLT Explorer off ebay and it had the whining sounds when I received it. Otherwise the car was excellent. I had a 30 day warranty from the dealer I purchased it from and collected. The sound came from two sources. One was a bad right front wheel bearing and the other from bad rear differential bearings. I found a local shop that specialized in differential and driveline repair. They had a perfect rating with the BBB and had been in business since the 70s. They repaired both for under $900 and were obviously competent and skilled as the noise is gone. The work is guaranteed for a year. I was quite certain that the local Lincoln Mercury Dealer wasn't nearly as competent or skilled. They couldn't even diagnose the problem. I had to tell them what was broken, and then they offered to repair the rear differential for $1,200 but could not guarantee the repair would work as they said the differential noise might just keep coming back. They were certain the front bearings were good and told me the brakes pads were at 80%. Well, the front bearing was bad and the brakes were almost metal on metal. The only local Ford Dealer wouldn't see me or schedule work for a month because of their backlog. It is to bad that Ford can't handle service needs proficiently or timely.

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Originally Posted by mnelson

I have a 2002 Eddie Bauer V8 and it's recently started "whining" in the front end. It seems to be triggered when I turn the wheel 45-90 degrees in either direction. I can feel some friction while I'm turning, then the whine kicks in. After reading these posts, and learning about the problems with this car's drivetrain, I'm getting concerned although there are obvious differences between my problem and others reported.

Anyone have any similar issue with their Explorer? Thanks in advance.

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I have humming noises coming from rear end . I brought to local body shop he told me my rear end was going . I called ford service and they said well he is not a ford dealer his opion don't count. i brought to ford dealer they told me my rear end is going, its leaking fluid, it don't even have 50,000 miles on it i bought brand new. i will never buy another ford unless they make good on this.i don't know why they don't have a recall on this because there are alot of people having problems with the 2002 ford explorer. Also ford would not give me a extended warranty on my vehicle because they knew i had this problem and i refuse to pay for this i was told it could cost up to 2,500 depends on how bad it is.

FORD YOU BETTER DO A RECALL ON THIS , :mad:

I have a 2002 Eddie Bauer Explorer that has the same problems described. It has just over 60,000 and the dealer informed us yesterday that it needs a new transmission and differential. $4000, and its out of warrantee. So far Ford isn't taking care of it, but I have only been dealing with the dealer service manager (and we didn't buy the car there, so...). Has anybody had any luck in getting Ford to do anything about this if the car is out of warrantee? If they want to avoid a recall, I would think they'd want to take care of people to shut them up about it. Its only a matter of time until someone takes this to the media if this problem is as wide spread as it seems. I can tell you, if they make me eat 4 grand on a 3 year old car with only 60k miles, I'm gonna be telling as many people as will listen.

We found this web site where you can register a complaing with the National Highway Traffic Saftety Administration. This is the first step towards forcing Ford to do a recall. Here's the link:

http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/index.cfm

At this point I am resigned to having to pay for this mess, but I'm picking the car up from the dealer and taking it elsewhere. Unless Ford takes care of this, they will never see another dime from my family.
:mad:

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Originally Posted by BP123

I'm looking for help from someone who might know about a problem i'm having. My 2002 explorer is making a humming noise from the rear-end berween 55-70 mph. When I let off the gas it goes away, but as soon as I step on the gas it comes back. Been to the dealer twice. First time they stated Ford knows about the problem and they are working on it. Second time they stated Ford said to lower the fluid in the rear-end, but that didn't work. Any information would be great.

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I have had this same problem which began at the 20,000 mile point. ford gave the same replay and after a lot of preasure on my part and the dealer they changed the rear pinion and barring. the noise went away for about 10,000 miles and then it returned to that same gear humming. My dealer again got after Ford about the problem and after 6 mo. they agreed to again change the pinion and pinion gear. This was good for about 20,000 miles before I returned to the same noise problem, which is slowly getting louder as time passes. An indepentant grage mech. told me that the problem was most likely an allignmemt problem in the manufacture of the rearend housing which has the pinion gear off angle to the crown gear by a few degrees. I have written Ford but I think they jest hope that we problem owners will jest go away. If there are a number of us out there we may have a chance to get Ford's attention as a group.

Im an original owner of a 2002 Explorer Eddie Baur. I only have 25k and im having problems with my OD shifting into 5th. And sometimes I get long and hard shift points from 2 to 3rd.

No diff problems yet but I am very concerned. It seems to those who dont have an extended warranty like me, are paying way to much money to get a rebuild crappy tranny that will fail again and again. I am buying a 2001 4R70 AOD tranny brand spankin new for $1,300 and a stand alone computer with a full harness for $425. This tranny is 10 times better and can handle up to 500hp all day long. The ticket is to buy a 98 and up 4R70 tranny and be done with it. The stand alone computer can be hooked up to a laptop and you just program your shift points via a VERY user friendly program.

I just built a 430hp motor thats going in my Explorer. A big bore 305 with fully PNP heads, cams, oversized vlaves, comp cams and a 9psi supercharger.

Due to this im also buying an ATLAS manual tranfer case that can handle baja 1000 race trucks.... that tranfer case is $2,145 brand new. Then I will just get a new front drive shaft for $219.

Im glad I found these posts because I had NO IDEA about the diff problem. What I will try to do is ill talk to a drive line shop and tell them of the potential mis alligned rear drive shaft and see what we can come up to fix this problem, rather than ford installing new pinions and re-accuring again and again. The problem needs to be fixed and not patched. I have already filed a complaint to the website someone posted a few posts behind. This is a serious issue that needs to be addressed and a recall must happen. The 2006 Explorers will now have 6speed auto tranny from the Navigators... very durable.

If anyone is interested in the tranny upgrade drop me an email and I can give you information to help and give you numbers and websites to the shops that are helping me.

I will also be getting a new rear drive shaft, I might as well redue and fix the rear end problem while im at it. My last step will to get beefed up half shafts. Then I will have a bullet proof drive train.

If anyone knows the exact problem of the diff please let me know so I can see on what it takes to get it fixed correctly.

I will make some calls tomorrow like to Ford Racing to see if anyone can pinpoint the diff problem so I can take the proper steps to correct it.

I will keep everyone posted on my development.

My email is blueripps@hotmail.com

well its pretty disapointing that the F@CKIN dealerships wont give me any info. Two dealerships told me that unless I bring it in they cant disclose any info... I explained that I live in Cancun Mexico and that the dealer here is to incompitent to even understand what the heck im talking about... Im pretty upset....

I spoke to a reputable drive shaft shop and from the symptons I see here they think it could be that the driveshaft is not agled correct. The slope from the diff to the tranfer case or tranny need to be the same... if the tranny is at 4degrees than the diff also needs to be at 4degrees for instance.... if anyone has checked this angle or have any info on this please share... mean while ill measure my angles and try to figure out the problem.

:o
I have been having problems with my Exp. about 3 months after I got it, but I considered it a fluke. Then something esle, then something else, and again...and again.....I ignored the rumors. Thinking it was dumb luck on someone elses part. Well, now it is on me.
First, the Transmission. Figured maybe my Explorer was built n a Monday Morning after a party weekend! LOL
Then they had to do it AGAIN! They rebuilt it, then they had to get a new one.
When I heard a thump in my vehicle they tried to have me buy 2000 in tires. No way I said.
My vehicle has less than 40,000 no way do I need new tires!!!!!!!
Lessee....So far, engine cooling system, starter, alternator, solonoid, several gaskets..too many to name. ABS has been TOTALLY replaced and sensor too. The water pump, the thermostat, external one too. Just recently the fuel pump and the fuel sensor and vapor valve and guage assy. I have previous records of the air bag light coming on for no reason. the wiring pretensioner kit under one of the seats being replaced etc.
Last week upon turning my vehicle I heard high squeeling noise...any ideas? It happened twice.
They have never discovered what the thump noise is.
Sometimes I drive and it feels like I am driving on a rough road like my car is bing sucked down into the road...does that make any sense?
I am upset b/c the person who has sold us all our vehicles is the one who sold us this one.
I think he has been as fooled as us.
Maybe not.
But since he is a long time friend of my dh my dh is trying to be all nice about it! I told him at this point it is not possible!
Statutes on Lemons declenes after you have had the vehicle a year!
Well, it will be a year in October!
I have a disabled 3 year old with brittle bone disease and I can't feel good thinking I could take that hour drive to the hospital she goes to in an emergency and have a back end drop out or have my vehicle catch on fire or who knows what else will happen next with these new versions of the Pinto's.
I am not Anti Ford. I have Owned MANY reliable Ford's and have seen all types of makes and Models have problems, I am now however anti Explorer.
My dh was mad b/c my friend who has 5 kids 2 teens one pre-t and just bought a 2002 E and I gave her the reports. I said if she knew and didn't tell me I would be VERY upset. My kids are precious cargo. I told her she may have a good one, BUT if thing go wrong to keep these things on hand for future reference.
Well, sorry for the novel.
God Bless the Oppressed of Katrina.
DockedSunshine

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Originally Posted by BP123

I'm looking for help from someone who might know about a problem i'm having. My 2002 explorer is making a humming noise from the rear-end berween 55-70 mph. When I let off the gas it goes away, but as soon as I step on the gas it comes back. Been to the dealer twice. First time they stated Ford knows about the problem and they are working on it. Second time they stated Ford said to lower the fluid in the rear-end, but that didn't work. Any information would be great.

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Bought an 02 in Feb. w/45000 mi. After 5000 mi. the differntial started whinning between 50 and 70 under any load at all (would quit when coasting). Had to wait 3 weeks for the parts because I was told by dealer, "Ford couldn't get the parts made fast enough". Yeah, Ford knows about the problem alright, an upgrade has been supplied but we pay it if vehicle is out of warrenty. Expect to pay around $1700.00 :mad: undefined

This might be an answer to a problem you are having....the light for the airbag is also a seatbelt sensor just under the driver seat....mine started lighting up December 05 and I finally got it fixed June-ish 05. It just so happens that since I'm 5'1" and during the Christmas season my husband was driving my car (moving the seat back and forth). To make a long story short over July 4th, 2 weeks after the dealership "fixed" the problem....2 days later (I moved my seat forward) and the light came back on....needless to say I requested it be replaced and it fixed the problem (the seat hasn't been moved since..so we'll see if this fixes it!)

Unfortunately this isn't the only problem I've had...I'll save the rest for another day.

Lemon law...we had a Oldsmobile Alero that the front brakes locked up on....took us almost 1 year we started with the dealership att 10,000 miles and finally turned it in under the lemon law at 30,000 but with lots of dealership follow-up calls...they must look at the same problem 3-4 times before it's called a "lemon". We hired a lemon law attorney online...in Farmington Hills, Michigan and he took it from there he works with GM ALL THE TIME (imagine that!), his payment and the amount to turn in the vehicle and payoff our loan was all taken care of by GM. Then we bought a 2002 Ford Explorer......

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Originally Posted by DockedSunshine

:o
I have been having problems with my Exp. about 3 months after I got it, but I considered it a fluke. Then something esle, then something else, and again...and again.....I ignored the rumors. Thinking it was dumb luck on someone elses part. Well, now it is on me.
First, the Transmission. Figured maybe my Explorer was built n a Monday Morning after a party weekend! LOL
Then they had to do it AGAIN! They rebuilt it, then they had to get a new one.
When I heard a thump in my vehicle they tried to have me buy 2000 in tires. No way I said.
My vehicle has less than 40,000 no way do I need new tires!!!!!!!
Lessee....So far, engine cooling system, starter, alternator, solonoid, several gaskets..too many to name. ABS has been TOTALLY replaced and sensor too. The water pump, the thermostat, external one too. Just recently the fuel pump and the fuel sensor and vapor valve and guage assy. I have previous records of the air bag light coming on for no reason. the wiring pretensioner kit under one of the seats being replaced etc.
Last week upon turning my vehicle I heard high squeeling noise...any ideas? It happened twice.
They have never discovered what the thump noise is.
Sometimes I drive and it feels like I am driving on a rough road like my car is bing sucked down into the road...does that make any sense?
I am upset b/c the person who has sold us all our vehicles is the one who sold us this one.
I think he has been as fooled as us.
Maybe not.
But since he is a long time friend of my dh my dh is trying to be all nice about it! I told him at this point it is not possible!
Statutes on Lemons declenes after you have had the vehicle a year!
Well, it will be a year in October!
I have a disabled 3 year old with brittle bone disease and I can't feel good thinking I could take that hour drive to the hospital she goes to in an emergency and have a back end drop out or have my vehicle catch on fire or who knows what else will happen next with these new versions of the Pinto's.
I am not Anti Ford. I have Owned MANY reliable Ford's and have seen all types of makes and Models have problems, I am now however anti Explorer.
My dh was mad b/c my friend who has 5 kids 2 teens one pre-t and just bought a 2002 E and I gave her the reports. I said if she knew and didn't tell me I would be VERY upset. My kids are precious cargo. I told her she may have a good one, BUT if thing go wrong to keep these things on hand for future reference.
Well, sorry for the novel.
God Bless the Oppressed of Katrina.
DockedSunshine

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My rear end is getting noisy so instead of driving my NICE looking 2002 Eddie Bauer XLT Explorer(death trap) I am driving my 1998 Green Windstar (the Beast) but much smoother & quieter! The heater casing is cracked that is why we got the Explorer so we await our trade which is hopefully happening soon.
The assy under that seat has ben replaced 2 times.(re: air bag light)
This is crazy. :eek:
Such a beautiful vehicle and so many problems! :confused: :mad:
If I have anymore trouble i will get an attorney.
Since the guy who sold the Exp. to us is my sons God father, Graduated with my DH, and has been a family friend forever we will try for 6 more weeks.
For now the Exp is parked under a shade tree til it is traded. :cool:
Thanks Mary. :)

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Originally Posted by DockedSunshine

My rear end is getting noisy so instead of driving my NICE looking 2002 Eddie Bauer XLT Explorer(death trap) I am driving my 1998 Green Windstar (the Beast) but much smoother & quieter! The heater casing is cracked that is why we got the Explorer so we await our trade which is hopefully happening soon.
The assy under that seat has ben replaced 2 times.(re: air bag light)
This is crazy. :eek:
Such a beautiful vehicle and so many problems! :confused: :mad:
If I have anymore trouble i will get an attorney.
Since the guy who sold the Exp. to us is my sons God father, Graduated with my DH, and has been a family friend forever we will try for 6 more weeks.
For now the Exp is parked under a shade tree til it is traded. :cool:
Thanks Mary. :)

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After 1 replacement and 2 trips to the dealers shop, Ford has given up and will do nothing more to fix this differrential whine/noise. I am so mad!

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Originally Posted by markcombs

After 1 replacement and 2 trips to the dealers shop, Ford has given up and will do nothing more to fix this differrential whine/noise. I am so mad!

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I seem to have the same problem with my 2003 Explorer Eddie Bauer, bought with 24000 miles in June 2005 now has 28000 mi.
It has been in the shop once already for drivetrain clunk. Dealer replaced
rear axle clutch packs, which did not help original problem. Now I am getting drivetrain whining sound when lifting off throttle
at 60-75 mph. Also when slowing (without braking) on smooth surface, drivetrain makes repetitive thumping noise as vehicle slows, sounds like vehicle is passing over expansion strips on road. Other problems replaced under warranty: Cruise control switch, drivers power seat track repair, leaky taililight assembly. Now dealer is going to replace entire rear differential. Hope this fixes it. Getting tired of having my vehicle in the shop & known by all my dealers service advisors.

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Originally Posted by rgeaste

My 02 Explorer's transmission has just gone out at 55,000 miles. Is this problem widespread and has Ford addressed it? My current warranty status is unclear, so I need to decide whether to have it fixed.

Thanks.

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I think you handeled the situations correctly, YOU should stand fast when a mfger expected you to do His Research & Development for them.

I must provide a lettle light in favor of FORD EXPLORER 2002 (Later model).
I purchased the above vehicle with 14.,000 miles from Enterprise Rental, by way of AAA Auto Club of So. California www.link.

I was surprised then as I am now at the quality of this vehicle, especially after all the negative press they received on the early explorer, tires and etc.

I call the phone # from AAA search to a Bakersfield, California out of the rental co., 30 minutes later I was looking over the vehicle,NICE. Sales lady insisted I drive, liked it very much, signed doc within an hour and was driving away in my near new Explorer + $10k savings in my pocket.. Now here I go 2+ years later, 130,000 mile on the baby, regular oil changes, tiles, wipers and lots of car washs.

Can you all believe that, now the 5 speed elect transmission acts up on shifting. Checked with dealer & shops but they were too busy and I wanted to tinker with an elect-transmission anyway, so I called Mike (out of the bus. transmission mechanic) his first question was how often have you serviced the tranny? Huh, never, probably about time I responded, Yaa by now you should have done-so THREE- TIMES. Since you asked, get filter etc and get under it.

A phone call produced filters (early & later), auto supply accross the hwy provided Micron-V trans-fluid. Air jack provided lift to rear, card-board mat'l over dirt provided creeper ease access beneath the vehicle, my wifes steam-table liner caught the old blackened tranny fluid in the amout of 6 1/2 quarts.

After a through wiping / patting the innered (the like I never saw in my youth as a transmission remover in Phoenix's Ideal Garage, on Grand Avenue sirca 1958), WHAT is this German-Bouch computer looking device doing in-here(?). Oh!! now I see there are several (5) or so solenoids peaking out from under the plastic bottom cover. Nearby is the filter, remover 2 screws, out it came with little ado, not much foreign material in the filter or the valve-body from where it came. I plugged the hole with heel / palms, proceede to suck & blow on the suction side of filter, no problem here plenty of passage of air either way (not much to be said about the flavoring of Micron-V tranny fluid after 130K mile).

Cleaning of the oil-pan by wiping with dry cottom rags + 1/2 cup of solvent, gave us the go sign and up went the filter, sizzezzy went the screws (with the help of my new electric inpact tool as a bonus for purchasing $600.00 duffel-bag of DeWalt tool-set), A-Ha not leaky air hoses or electrical cord about to make a nuesance for wood-be mechanics. Added three quarts of Micron-V fluid to oil-pan, lifted it into place, again sizzezzy went the screws, checked the bottom-end out to my satisfaction.

NOW came the additional fluid but without a dipstick / filler-tube (what the hell is this?), NOW comes the www.whereisthefillerpipe?.com., THAT is how I came to be on this page tonight. With a little research it became apparent the little plug with-in the center of the tranny drain was for issuing fluid into the pan. After MUCH-A-DO my nephew with drew a catsup / mustard plunger + small hose + small threaded adapter = tranny-filler. Two and a half quarts later we determined that a suffient amout of fluid was within.

Jack down, running engine, put the shift lever through the gear positions to NO ONES SATISFACTION, the vehicle SAT there not moving an inch.

Again AAA club service hauled my Explorer to Gil's Transmission for a look-see, which was, Yes Dave your correct it will not move, He removed tranny next day and is inspecting the interals as we write this................TO BE CONTINUED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
:confused:

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Originally Posted by kathylaz

Hi,
I just had my overdrive light flash, and my car wouldn't shift. It was my transmission.
It is costing $2600.00 to fix. It is a 2002 Explorer XLT with 55,000 miles on it. The transmission place said it was electrical and my pressure dropped and I don't have a 3rd gear. Keep in mind, this is an automatic. I have never heard of a transmission going out at 55,000 before. I bought the truck brand new.
Seems like we both have the same problem. I am totally out of warranty and Ford didn't seem to care.

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I too had the same thing go out on my 2002 Explorer the transmission people said this is a common . WE Need to stick together they need to pay for there mistake ! thanks Ron

All our tranny problems are over. Get this and they will disapear.

Call:

http://levelten.com/

Ask about the new built 55R5W tranny. Can handle 800rwhp and all the jacked internal parts that cause the problems we have a fixed. $3,800 with core exchange.

Alex

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Originally Posted by rollin59

I seem to have the same problem with my 2003 Explorer Eddie Bauer, bought with 24000 miles in June 2005 now has 28000 mi.
It has been in the shop once already for drivetrain clunk. Dealer replaced
rear axle clutch packs, which did not help original problem. Now I am getting drivetrain whining sound when lifting off throttle
at 60-75 mph. Also when slowing (without braking) on smooth surface, drivetrain makes repetitive thumping noise as vehicle slows, sounds like vehicle is passing over expansion strips on road. Other problems replaced under warranty: Cruise control switch, drivers power seat track repair, leaky taililight assembly. Now dealer is going to replace entire rear differential. Hope this fixes it. Getting tired of having my vehicle in the shop & known by all my dealers service advisors.

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Update: Still getting resonance from drivetrain at highway speeds, after rear diff and ring/pinion gears and shims replaced. Now dealer says Ford has an updated drive shaft. Well, let's try that one. Also had 30K service done. 6,000 miles to go on warranty, hope this fixes it! rollin59

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Originally Posted by carproblems

did you ever get an answer to ur question, my explorer just hit 65000, and O/D light flashed a bit yesterday & today it wouldn't shift gears. So much for indicator lights. 2002's have no way of checking fluid levels, like the old days, from what service told me. Everytime I had my vehicle serviced, I would check invoice for the trans fluid level, it always said full. Jiffy Lube said there computer just defaults to full, but that in a sealed system, you would never lose fluid. If problem is electrical, why did it cost so much?

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I too just had the same thing happen to me. My explorer overdrive light kept blinking on and off and now my transmission is cooked. I just took it in for it's 60,000 mile service and they supposedly changed the transmission fluid this past March at 61,774 miles and now I have 68,093 miles on it. What's going on???? It had fluid but it was black. I think the transmission have problems and should be recalled.
Myra :mad:

I have an '02 Explorer XLT with 85K on it. After googling for transmission problems, I am now sorry I have one. :( My differential has been whining for the past 30k miles, and the transmission started hesitating and clunking about 15k ago. The Ford garage here is not interested in fixing it, they want mucho $ to "look into the problem". They say there are no service bulletins on the tranny problem (won't move very well when cold, hesitates to move after fast stops, and shudders when pulling hills).
After reading this forum and two others, I find that it seems to be a comman problem, and the Ford dealers (for the most part) have went about solving it the same way (pay mucho bucks and we will give you a fix for a few thousand more miles). :mad:
I have had the tranny flushed and the differential seals replaced. The whine is still there and will probably remain there until I can trade this thing off. After fooling with Ford for 30 years, I'm tired of their attitude. I want to stay american, but GM is not much better. I have worked as a contractor at both companies plants in Michigan, and am less than impressed (really mad) about the attitude and work ethic of a lot of the folks up there (not all, but a lot). There are a lot of newspapers read, computers being web surfed, and tv's being watched on and around the lines. Downtime is not one of the high priorities. I am not one bit surprised that both Ford and GM are in financial trouble, and have been telling whoever would listen that they will both go donw the tubes within the next 6 to 8 years.

I'll get off my box, I'm just aggravated with this Explorer. I use my car extensively for travel to do my job (Reliability Engineer), and I really can't afford to car shop again this soon. Still owe $12K on the thing, and probably won't get that out of a trade.
Toyota (You should compare the work ethic and attitude of these folks) is looking better and better.

Shoot.

Dave

My transmission on my Ford Explorer went out @ 79,000 miles. Actually, it started given me problems way before the mark. When I took it in to Ford, they told me my trani didn't need replacement oil. So I ignored the signs. I wish I had sold the damn car when it was 55,000 miles. Well, don't like my Ford Dealer either so I took it to a Local repair shop that is trust worthy. He said it would cost me $2,700 for a brand new trani w/ 3 Yrs Warr or 32K miles (which ever comes 1st). What can I do? Ford will not listen to my complaints either. Since the warranty has expired, they don't care about you. All the Service people do is make you spend more needless repairs. And the Ford price to repair my trani would have been doubled what the Local repair shop is doing for me. I just hope nothing else goes wrong. As soon as this car is repaired, I'm selling it! Any buyers interested?

The transmission in my 2002 Explorer went out at 54,000. After reading all these posts about similar problems I called my Ford dealer and asked if there was a recall in it's future. I was given the Ford Customer Relationship phone number. They recorded my Explorer's vin number and said it was to keep track of problems for recall purposes. My only question was, if people don't know to call in, how is there going to be a recall? I suggest anyone who has a problem with their Explorer's transmission call this number. Maybe we can get the problem recalled. The number is 1-800-392-3673 option #4.

i have a 2002 ford explorer i purchased in october of 2004. 64,000 miles later and the transmission goes out. i have called ford, they said to take it to a dealer then call back and they will talk to me about possible financial assistance. i call BS. there are far too many problems here people. what can we do to make this issue known? anyway, i will update when i know anything, i am keeping my fingers crossed. i have been a LOYAL ford owner forever, as is my family.( this is my 2nd. ford vehicle with tranny issues) those imports, as sad as it may seem, are looking better by the minute.

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Originally Posted by ijoey1017i

Word to the wise!
FORD dealers are evil peopel and they all suck I have brought my 1997 Explorer to 3 Different dealers in 2 states and lets just say I have paid $1200 for nohtign my O/D light still flashes!

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My 2002 was doing the same thing as yours...It is your celenoid pack, in the transmission, I took it to a local tranny shop. It cost me 400.00. The part alone is 200.00 from the Ford dealer. The shop owner said they know there is a problem,thats why they have them in stock !!!! Ford sucks, I'll never buy another one !!!!!!!!!

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Originally Posted by Sverk

I too just had the same thing happen to me. My explorer overdrive light kept blinking on and off and now my transmission is cooked. I just took it in for it's 60,000 mile service and they supposedly changed the transmission fluid this past March at 61,774 miles and now I have 68,093 miles on it. What's going on???? It had fluid but it was black. I think the transmission have problems and should be recalled.
Myra :mad:

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It's the celenoid pack in the Tranny, as soon as you see the overdrive lite flashing, get it to the shop !! or you'll burn up your tranny !! That was what was wrong with mine.

Here's my story - yours sounded familiar.
A whinning noise in the rear end - well that's too familiar. My '02 Explorer went in today (Jan. 9th) for its 4th rear end. The symptom: low whinning that increases with acceleration and decreases as car speed drops. I know it all to well - it would appear from reading message boards that some '04's are having rear end problems as well. I can tell you - this will be the last FORD I ever own!!! I purchased an extended warranty which covered the first two - the first replacement needing another replacement due to a lack of replacing defective parts when installed in my vehicle. They give you a 12000 mi. warranty on the replacement, however, everytime - you hear the whinning at between 15,000 - 18,000 miles. This last time - I heard a low whinning noise at 9000 plus miles. They told me it was a wheel bearing. After having the car checked no wheel bearing problems could be found while the noise, with continued use, grew louder. After 3 replacements - I know the sound WELL!!!!

[QUOTE=fid76]Here's another one... I just had my 2002 explorer in for the same rear end noise. All four bearings on the transmission were replaced - 2 were bad, and the others "could be damaged by metal flakes". Then the mechanic noticed the right rear wheel bearing was a little rough, so it was replaced. This is all at 49,000 miles with no warranty left. Now I'm just waiting to see if there will be a recall so I can get some reimbursement.

The first time (now on the 4th brand new) they replaced my rear end - this is exactly what I was told caused my rear end to go bad. Everyone said it made no sense!!![B]

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Originally Posted by goldfinger

My '02, with 38K miles, is about to get its second new rear differential. They are covering under the certified used car warranty ($100 deductable). The first time it was leaking and howling at 20K and now it is just howling. They claim to have a fix for it so we will see.

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I would love to know what the fix is, as I am about to have my 4th rear end installation today.
Thanks for the help! Has anyone considered pulling together for a "class action suit". Maybe that will help ford realize that they should have better response to their customers. As a note: I sell real estate so rack up miles a little quicker than your average person. My woes started with the rear end problems when my car was just under 2 years old (July '02 purchase date), which brings me to today, Jan. 9th, 2006 - getting ready for my 4th rear end!!!!

I purchased my Explorer in June 2004 and have had the same front squeak problem off and on since then. They've tried lubricating the bushings and even replaced the Right and Left Lower Control arms at a wopping $780 (luckily I had an extended warranty) and it still persists. The transmission went out in Feb 2005 with the same problem previously mentioned by others (3rd gear went out). I need a suggestion on what to do to get this squeaking problem fixed. I made the mistake of buying my Ford from a Nissan dealer so they're clueless on how to fix it. Ford's telling them that the noise is normal. Any suggestions?undefined

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Originally Posted by fid76

You may have noticed in my previous post that I had the squeak problem, too. It was noticeable on driveway bumps and holes, and just bouncing down the street. Some days it was worse than others. It was fixed by replacing the front sway bar bushings for only $90.
The rear bearing replacements that I also mentioned earlier, lasted for about 100 miles, but then a bearing gasket blew out on the differential. It was replaced for free, since it was part of the original repair. Everything seems to be OK after another 600 miles. I'm not sure how long we put up with the whining noise, but it sure is quiet now.

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How quick do you need to fix this? I just got told by the dealer mine is leaking.

Thanks in advance!

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Originally Posted by mnelson

I have a 2002 Eddie Bauer V8 and it's recently started "whining" in the front end. It seems to be triggered when I turn the wheel 45-90 degrees in either direction. I can feel some friction while I'm turning, then the whine kicks in. After reading these posts, and learning about the problems with this car's drivetrain, I'm getting concerned although there are obvious differences between my problem and others reported.

Anyone have any similar issue with their Explorer? Thanks in advance.

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My explorer was making a whining noise coming from the engine. It turned out to be the idler pulley (really easy to replace...about 40 bucks for the part). If this doesn't solve the problem, there is probably air in the power steering fluid.

I purchased a 2002 Ford Explorer in April 05, with only 20,000 miles on it in excellent shape. This purchase was from a Ford dealership and now I have 39,000 miles.
I noticed one day without prior indication that my tansmission was not running right.
The automatic transmission was not shifting correctly and my O/D light was blinking and my service engine light was on. I took it immediately to a transmission shop and they put the truck on a machine, which indicated there was a internal problem with the transmission. As most of you know the fluid in the transmission should be red, but mine was the color of beer and had a burnt smell. So the tranny guy said there is a serious problem that would cost a minimum of $2,200, maximum $2,700. The tranny guy could not believe my car had only 39,000 miles on it. I should not have to pay for a new tranny when I don't even have hardly any miles on it. One thing I did learn is that this tranny needs to be serviced every 20-30,000 miles and go to a tranny specialist to have it done.
My dealer failed to mention this and also give me a owners manual, which I had asked for numerous times. This leaves me to think it was never serviced when sold to me. :mad:

Help:

This is my first time at this but I was looking for info on rear axle noise. I had it in my 1998 Ford Explorer and put 163000 miles on it. Replaced the Transmission at 113000 miles. I put on 3 sets of tires after the originals trying to achieve a quieter ride which I thought must have been tire noise. My last set was Michelins and I was assured they were the quietest tires made available at the time. After 10000 miles they were as noisey as the last set. I gave up. Then I got a 2003 in 2003 and have 60000 miles. At 55000 I put on another set of tires that are so far very quiet and a very comfortable ride and they are not Michelins. Michelins wear forever but they are noisy. Having replaced the tires and improved the comfort of driving I still have the whine in the rear end. I had the differential serviced at 60000 miles with new fluid and guess what it still whines. Is there any product or additive that contains something to quiet it down. It is very distracting while driving and with other people in the car. Makes the car sound cheap. It is a great car and much improved over earlier models. Mileage 17 in town and that's okay. durban

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Originally Posted by Slanter

It's hard to be sure, but my gut feeling is it's most likely a worn ring and pinion gear. Thicker gear oil may quiet it down, but if that doesn't work it is likely someone will have to take the axle apart and have a look at the gears.

Incedently, Ford hasn't issued any technical service bulletins to their dealers telling them to reduce the fluid level in the rear axle that I have been able to confirm. On the other hand, there is a TSB out (number 01-22-3) about a buzzing sound from the transmission. Sometimes it's hard to tell exactly where a noise is coming from and there is a chance you may have that problem instead. Here's a list of what service bulletins Ford actually has sent out to their dealers about the 2002 Explorer:

http://www.alldata.com/TSB/20/022015C0.html

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When you're talking about a "humming" noise do you mean that when you open your window it almost sounds like a helicopter is following you? Because that's what I experience in addition to squeaking when I drive (slowly) over speed bumps. :confused:

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Originally Posted by BP123

I'm looking for help from someone who might know about a problem i'm having. My 2002 explorer is making a humming noise from the rear-end berween 55-70 mph. When I let off the gas it goes away, but as soon as I step on the gas it comes back. Been to the dealer twice. First time they stated Ford knows about the problem and they are working on it. Second time they stated Ford said to lower the fluid in the rear-end, but that didn't work. Any information would be great.

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I found this quote on the site tonight.
I found out my explorer has the same trouble. The local mechanic refers the problem to rear end shudder noise. He said there is no recall yet but that I should call Ford Service Relations to inquire about getting it fixed. They have a service alert bullention that has numerous complaints with the same problem
My question to everyone is( has anyone had any luck getting this fixed free from the dealer ?) As luck would have it my warranty has expired.
Any feedback would be appreciated.

This weekend I traded in my wife's '02 XLT, with only 50,000 miles in which she had been treated like a baby with all servicing right on schedule. That POS had a whining differential since it had 25,000 miles, had to have both rear axle bearings replaced, differential resealed because it was leaking, and less than a month later, had to have the transmission repaired cuz it went out after blinking the O/D light. $2,000 in repairs and $2,700 in trade in value vs loan cancellation, but she'll hopefully have peace and security on her brand new '06 Pathfinder SE. A shame, considering it is a comfortable and otherwise well designed vehicle. So much for the good ole Made in the USA, pffffffffffft!!!!!!

We have owned Honda and Toyota for ~10 years(no major problems). My wife likes all the buttons , so the market is used. Anyway for the same year with the same items the Ford is on avg 4 k cheaper. I have owned ford trucks and never had a problem with them, so I buy a 2002 ford exployer with 48k on it. 1 k later the rearend starts leaking/whining. I take it to the dealer under the used car warranty and pull the maintenance records. Guess what! the ring and pinion have been replace at 24k. The tranny adjusted at 15k. Well I have *****ed and complained and the repairs are free, but what the heck is ford thinking. This truck now has had 3 ring and pinions? How is this possible? Well if it keeps up Becky O at fox 4 will need to do some investigation.

P.S - I am upset with ford engineers, not the dealer. The dealer so far is working with us to resolve this issue. We will see. :eek:

I have a 2002 Explorer Eddie Bauer 4x4. I experienced the same problems. I had an alignment done, I replaced tires, finally another dealership told me that there was a problem with the rear end assembly on the 2002's and they replaced my rear end. Some design flaw that caused a vibration and humming noise at those speeds you mentioned. Ford replaced rear end and mounting brackets and I no longer have this noise. If the dealership will not honor it, I would recommend contacting Ford HQ's and complain. It took me some time but this is the number I used:

313-845-5903 Karen Jones, Ford Executive Offices

I hope this helps.

[QUOTE=BP123]Thanks for the info. Just wondering if it is a worn ring and pinion would there be metal flakes in the fluid. The dealer told me that they checked it but didn't see any metal flakes so they ruled that out.

Thanks.

I posted comment on this but thought I would try to reply direct. I had similar problem with my 02 Eddie Bauer 4x4. After new tires, alignment, etc. I took it to different dealership. The tech there told me that Ford had been experiencing problems with the rear end on some of their 02s. It ended up being a design problem when they went to the new body style in 02. They replaced my entire rear end and mount in Jun 04 at no cost to me. They said not all the 02's experienced this problem but enough that changed some things on the 03 model. Here is a point of contact if your dealership does nothing:

313-845-5903 Karen Jones, Ford Executive Offices

It took me a while to find this person but she works up in the headquarters.

Thanks for the information. Now that the ring and pinion has been replaced for the 3rd time the whining has stopped. I really do not have a good feeling about this repair. I had to take back a week later for the rear end leaking. I asked the service manager how is it possible to replace 3 ring and pinions? He did not know. Simple trouble shooting allows one to conclude that the gears are not the problem. I will talk to the service manager again and see if he will fix it right?

:mad:

OK so me and my wife bought our 2002 exlporer XLT in the summer of 2004 and for the past year we have noticed the loud humming and winding type sound as described by everyone else here. and it has been going on for the last year now recently i had just replaced the front right wheel bearing hub assembly luckily having past mechanic experience i was able to complete the job with a little hard muscle work wich only cost $200 for the wheel hub assembly kit from ford dealer. now 2 weeks later today the rear passenger side bearing went bad. which we hope was the culprit to the humming noise so i wont find out till its changed this week and unfortunatly i wont be able to replace it myself due to needing the bearing pressed on etc.. so i just searched online about our problems and have noticed we are not the only people having the problem as i thought we were. so now has anyone found and info or proof that there is a recal for the humming noises? this humming is very agrivated and like someone else said when u have passengers in the car you feel like your driving a peice of crap. but it is such a nice truck. minus the humming.
Regards
Ken