• 02-05-2004, 19:50
    BP123
    2002 Ford Explorer Problem
    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.
  • 02-06-2004, 16:41
    rccars411
    If he claimed that FORD is working on the problem... generally that means that THEY (the dealer you spoke to) doesn't know. Is it coming just from a certain tire or is it the whole rear axel? It could be a simple issue or as complicated as a shoddy diff.
  • 02-06-2004, 18:46
    Slanter
    Differential wear?
    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
  • 02-09-2004, 13:35
    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.
  • 02-10-2004, 16:24
    Slanter
    It is certainly likely for ring and pinion wear to result in metal flakes in the fluid, but it doesn't happen all the time. Metal parts can sometimes wear without leaving flakes. Other things I can think of are the bearings that support the pinion gear - or possibly tire noise, but that doesn't sound likely since that is less likely to be changed by throttle position.
  • 03-07-2004, 19:01
    Long Distance Voyager
    Drive train noise
    [FONT=Arial][SIZE=7][COLOR=Indigo]
    Quote:

    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.

    I own a 2002 Ford Explorer that was purchased in July 2001. It now has over 100K miles on it. Since July '03, this vehicle has been in the shop at least 8 times, mostly for the differential. I"t started as a noise, and over time, became increasingly more noticable. It was the pinion bearing. After it was replaced, it took the dealer 2 tries to get the pinion seal to seat. Within 2 months, it was back in the shop for the pinion bearing a second time, and again it took the dealership 2 times to get the seal to seat. I fortunately, purchashed the extended 100K mile warranty, so it was corrected by Ford.

    At no time was there any mention or reference to the fluid level as being a contributing factor or solution.

    In all probability, your problem is the pinion bearing.

    I have a friend who bought an '04 Explorer, has less than 20 K and just had the pinion bearing replaced in his.

    I hope this helps.
  • 03-12-2004, 13:31
    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!
  • 03-18-2004, 16:44
    Darz
    2002 Ford Explorer Junk!!!! 02 Explorer Ford
    Quote:

    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!

    I have a 02 FORD EXPLORER 2002 Ford Explorer ( wifes ride ), and what a pile of dung!!! The dealer wont cover the rusting 400.00 running boards, the 1200.00 wheels that are losing the clear coat!! This is a vehicle that is maticulously wasshed & waxed!!! And it has the great vibration that is a so called " tire out of balance". Im done with Fords after 17 years!!! No more. I was going to buy a new F350 diesel for myself, not now. I will look into GMC or Dodge. I was going to keep it and buy their extended warranty ( resale value is higher ) NOT NOW!!!! Im trading asap.
  • 04-16-2004, 11:12
    bktstrong
    heres your answer
    I am the original owner of a 2002 Exploder. I have had my Exploder into the service department for the last 2 years regarding the noise from the differential area. Now the differential is leaking(great). After a trip to Ford today, it was recovered that Ford has issued a SSM 17560 that Ford Engineers are working on the problem. Heres what SSM 17560 reads "Some 2002-2004 Explorer 4dr/moutaineer and 2003-2004 Aviator vehicles with a 3.73 axle ratio may exhibit an axle gear whine that is above nomal noise level at cruise or during acceleration/deceleration. To service, perform normal diagnostics. If a specific root cause is not identified, be aware that engineering is currently investigating this condition via the quicker service fix process. A service procedure will be published as soon as it becomes available."

    Now the problem, i'm 4,000 until my warranty runs out. I took this problem to the Service Manager here in Reno and showed him the SSM 17560 and he extended my warranty out another 3 years and 50,000 more miles only on this specific problem. So if and when Ford discovers the problem, it will be covered under warranty

    I hope this helps. :)


    .E=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.[/QUOTE]
  • 04-20-2004, 12:02
    Explorer2003
    BornToRide
    :rolleyes: I bought a used 2003 Ford explorer recently 18K (V8 3.73axle) and brought it in for service due to the rear end noise referred to in this article. I was given the same response that SSM17560 has been issued for this problem and the Service Dept would like to fix the problem properly once the proper fix is out.... Meanwhile I have to live with the howl between 80 to 95kmph. (noise is louder when pulling our trailer). I was told the fix should be in by June 2004 and to check back with the service manager at that time..... Only time will tell if this will hold true :confused:

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by bktstrong
    I am the original owner of a 2002 Exploder. I have had my Exploder into the service department for the last 2 years regarding the noise from the differential area. Now the differential is leaking(great). After a trip to Ford today, it was recovered that Ford has issued a SSM 17560 that Ford Engineers are working on the problem. Heres what SSM 17560 reads "Some 2002-2004 Explorer 4dr/moutaineer and 2003-2004 Aviator vehicles with a 3.73 axle ratio may exhibit an axle gear whine that is above nomal noise level at cruise or during acceleration/deceleration. To service, perform normal diagnostics. If a specific root cause is not identified, be aware that engineering is currently investigating this condition via the quicker service fix process. A service procedure will be published as soon as it becomes available."

    Now the problem, i'm 4,000 until my warranty runs out. I took this problem to the Service Manager here in Reno and showed him the SSM 17560 and he extended my warranty out another 3 years and 50,000 more miles only on this specific problem. So if and when Ford discovers the problem, it will be covered under warranty

    I hope this helps. :)


    .E=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.

    [/QUOTE]
  • 04-23-2004, 06:06
    BP123
    Update
    Just wanted to thank everyone for the advice that I received on this site. I took my 2002 Explorer to a different dealer and explained the problem with the rear-end noise. They drove it and told me that there was probably some wear in the rear axle. They didn't have the parts in stock but ordered a rear axle differential assembly. Maybe some others can tell their dealers to do the same. My dealer didn't even call Ford.

    Hope this helps and I will let everyone know if this fix takes care of the problem.
  • 05-09-2004, 19:52
    BP123
    Problem Fixed
    In reference to the original problem with the noise in the rear end, its been fixed. If you didn't read the post before i had to take my 2002 Explorer to a different dealer to get fixed. They replaced the rear differentil assembly part number V651-H. This took care of the noise that I was getting between 55mph - 70mph. This was all done under warranty. So if the rest of you are still having this problem I would talk to your dealer see if they can do the same.

    I would also like to thank everyone agian for the help i received from this site.
  • 05-27-2004, 19:46
    tevans
    2002 explorer rear end
    I have a 02 Explorer also with 93000 miles on it. I have had 2 rear end rebuilds and 1 replaced rear end on tis car. I also have had the Transmision replaced at 49000 and 91000. That is not all, I also had a new drive shaft put on at 63000 miles.
    But now there is no more noise. You need to be forcefull with the Dealer and Ford, they do not want a massive recall like the old style Explorer.
  • 06-07-2004, 12:53
    fid76
    2002 Explorer
    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 mechanic said the lightweight alluminum transmission/differential is just a bad design. I also had the front sway bar bushings replaced, because they squeeked. At least it's quiet again.
  • 06-17-2004, 08:39
    arrows3
    rear end noise and transmission shift
    I have had rear end noise on my 2002 ford explorer since 26000 miles.
    When driving in town, at speeds between 30-35 the transmission shifts up then down and back up with a vibration and sometimes a bang or thump. At highway speeds, the shifting is remarkably noticeable and sometimes I wonder if the transmission is overheating.
    today at the ford dealers in san diego, the told me they were ordering me a new rear end.
    I think it is time for a trade in.
    :confused:
  • 07-06-2004, 05:46
    Buford30518
    2002 Explorer front bearings bad
    I'm looking for some advice. I took my car into a shop I trust. I was noticing a squeak noise from the front end, but it did not appear to be related to braking. My friend is the shop manager. He put it up on the rack and looked at brakes and etc.. He stated that the problem was that the front bearings were dry. He stated that this model vehicle is supposed to have some sort of factory sealed bearings that are good for 100k or more. My Explorer has 44k. He greased the bearings and said that they will need to get replaced sometime soon if the squeaking did not stop. It has not. The Ford dealer stated this would cost $1200 to replace both bearings on each front wheel. Does this seem reasonable? Is there a warranty that I missed?
  • 07-06-2004, 06:33
    kendel72
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by 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 mechanic said the lightweight alluminum transmission/differential is just a bad design. I also had the front sway bar bushings replaced, because they squeeked. At least it's quiet again.

    I have a 2003 eddie bauer explorer and i just took it into the dealership because it has a vibration in the rear end when you take off, they ordered a new rear end from ford and said this would take care of it, we will see.
  • 07-06-2004, 08:09
    fid76
    Front squeak
    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.
  • 07-08-2004, 13:27
    Tim01
    '02 Explorer 4x4 front-end noise
    I am a first time '02 Explorer owner. When I make sharp turns while on 4X4 auto mode, I hear loud popping and whining noises comming from front-end. Two separate dealers told me that this a normal transfer case noise while the vehicle is in 4X4 mode. I got 30k miles, if this IS A PROBLEM I just want to make sure I get the problem corrected before warranty runs out. I WELCOME YOUR COMMENTS.... :confused:

    By the way, like most of you out there, I got my noisy rear differential replaced last month. :)
  • 07-28-2004, 17:29
    spencer
    Quote:

    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.

    My ford 2002 exployer is doing the same thing your exployer is doing.humming in the rear,55-70,let off the gas humming noise gos away.today I left my exployer with the ford dealer.my exployer was put on a dianoistic machine and I was told to correct my problem with my exployer they would have to replace the rear end at a cost of $1,200.00 dollars.I have only own this exployer less than two years,it had thirty thousand miles on it when I bought it,I now have a little over sixty thousand miles on my exployer.so this tells me I have put around thirty thousand miles on my exployer and now need a new rear end,and have no waranty. not knowing what I was going to do,I walk into the managers office and introduced myself,I then explained the situation with my exployer,and at the same time he was looking at my work order and cost of the new rear end. I ask if there were any recalls concerning the rear ends of the 2002 ford exployers,and was told no. I then ask under these conditions could you help me or give any consideration in this matter? his reply was yes I will cut this bill in half and I also will talk to our ford rep, and try to get a little more off the bill. the manager also said if he gets a ford recall on the rear ends on the exployer,he will see that I get all the money Ihave put out. I just had to share this story,and hope all of you will have a little luck to
  • 08-04-2004, 09:03
    goldfinger
    Quote:

    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.

    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.
  • 08-25-2004, 22:41
    Explorer2003
    Rear End differential whine or howl
    [QUOTE=Explorer2003]:rolleyes: I bought a used 2003 Ford explorer recently 18K (V8 3.73axle) and brought it in for service due to the rear end noise referred to in this article. I was given the same response that SSM17560 has been issued for this problem and the Service Dept would like to fix the problem properly once the proper fix is out.... Meanwhile I have to live with the howl between 80 to 95kmph. (noise is louder when pulling our trailer). I was told the fix should be in by June 2004 and to check back with the service manager at that time..... Only time will tell if this will hold true :confused:

    Well it took till August and SSM17560 has mysteriously disappeared from the books. However my dealer did fix the problem by replacing the rear end with p/n V*652*G axle assembly. It would be interesting to know what p/n axle others of you have had put in as replacements. I know from another post V651-H was used but it wasn't clear which rear end ratio was used... Note that mine is the 3.73 axle assembly number.
  • 08-27-2004, 06:35
    captain00
    [QUOTE=Explorer2003]
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by Explorer2003
    :rolleyes: I bought a used 2003 Ford explorer recently 18K (V8 3.73axle) and brought it in for service due to the rear end noise referred to in this article. I was given the same response that SSM17560 has been issued for this problem and the Service Dept would like to fix the problem properly once the proper fix is out.... Meanwhile I have to live with the howl between 80 to 95kmph. (noise is louder when pulling our trailer). I was told the fix should be in by June 2004 and to check back with the service manager at that time..... Only time will tell if this will hold true :confused:

    Well it took till August and SSM17560 has mysteriously disappeared from the books. However my dealer did fix the problem by replacing the rear end with p/n V*652*G axle assembly. It would be interesting to know what p/n axle others of you have had put in as replacements. I know from another post V651-H was used but it wasn't clear which rear end ratio was used... Note that mine is the 3.73 axle assembly number.

    Explorer2003,

    Are you in Canada? I am trying to purchase a 2002 Explorer XLT V8 (barely still in warranty) that seems to have the same problem, and I want the dealership to do the work before I buy (I know, good luck to me!). Did they give you any trouble over doing the work, or was it easy to get done?

    Thanks,

    captain00
  • 11-01-2004, 16:42
    Kristi8898
    2003 ford explorer rear axle replacement
    For the record we had our rear axle "replaced" in January due to the whining noise at 50 mph + and the car broke down last Tuesday (10/26/04) and the "whole" rear axle is being replaced again (23,080 K miles). Makes you wonder if they really fix the problem!
  • 11-23-2004, 06:15
    DRD217
    place to complain about 2002 Explorer with a ROAR in the rear axle
    we too have a 2002 Explorer with a ROAR in the rear axle. It is out of warranty but thru research haave found this website to complain: http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/complain/
    It took only 20 complaints to this website to get Ford to look into 2004 Explorer transmission problem - Lets see if we can get Ford to investigate this problem-

    Scott
  • 11-23-2004, 07:50
    DRD217
    where did you find the SSM 17560?
    where did you find the
    SSM 17560?


    .E=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.[/QUOTE][/QUOTE]
  • 11-23-2004, 22:28
    Blastbox
    My neighber has an Explorer... and I must say... they seem to be having more truble with it than me with my 1977 Jeep lol. Must be a 95-2000 not sure... they got it used though. :(
  • 12-15-2004, 08:48
    rgeaste
    transmission woes
    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.

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tevans
    I have a 02 Explorer also with 93000 miles on it. I have had 2 rear end rebuilds and 1 replaced rear end on tis car. I also have had the Transmision replaced at 49000 and 91000. That is not all, I also had a new drive shaft put on at 63000 miles.
    But now there is no more noise. You need to be forcefull with the Dealer and Ford, they do not want a massive recall like the old style Explorer.

  • 12-27-2004, 16:02
    kathylaz
    2002 Ford Explorer Transmission bad @ 55,000
    Quote:

    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.

    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.
  • 01-27-2005, 15:32
    carproblems
    2002 explorer
    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?
  • 02-11-2005, 15:33
    TxPrincess
    I had a 2002 Explorer XLS and my transmission went out at 47,000. The third gear band broke. My warranty had just ran out. Looking back on this problem, I believe I had warning signs long before the third gear band broke. When driving in slower traffic, my transmission would shift rather rough into 3rd gear and sometimes it would make a noise as it shifted. The dealership fixed my transmission and charged me $1500. The shifting problems continued and I reluctantly had to trade it in. It was a shame because I really liked that car. :(


    Quote:

    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.

  • 02-15-2005, 12:31
    anhudgins
    2001 Explorer
    Well I have a 2001 Explorer - less than 35,000 miles and the transmission now has to be reworked. I'm looking at anything from $700-$3400. The warranty has expired and no one at Ford cares. Same situation - the OverDrive light started blinking and took it in. This seems to be a pattern - how do we get Ford to do anything?
  • 02-20-2005, 17:51
    burnz44
    Known Transmission Problem by Ford
    Ford has a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) to all its dealers about this KNOWN issue:

    03-25-4 DEC 03 A/T - 5R55W No 3rd Gear/Slipping 2-3 Shift/DTC's Set
  • 03-22-2005, 20:10
    wrightjt
    2002 Explorer XLT 4x4 Transmission trouble
    38 months & 34,500 miles, and a small amount of fluid on the driveway. I take it to the dealer, and they diagnosis it as the transmission overheating. To make a long story shorter, they took too long, so I brought it to AAMCO (my extended warranty service happens to have a corporate agreement with AAMCO.)

    Several days later, I have a rebuilt transmission. The torque converter was getting chewed up; there was a lot of loose metal hanging onto the magnet in the pan.

    I hope this is unusual; on the bright side, my extended warranty has just paid for itself, and I've got almost 4 years (or 65,000 miles) to go.

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by TxPrincess
    I had a 2002 Explorer XLS and my transmission went out at 47,000. The third gear band broke. My warranty had just ran out. Looking back on this problem, I believe I had warning signs long before the third gear band broke. When driving in slower traffic, my transmission would shift rather rough into 3rd gear and sometimes it would make a noise as it shifted. The dealership fixed my transmission and charged me $1500. The shifting problems continued and I reluctantly had to trade it in. It was a shame because I really liked that car. :(

  • 05-30-2005, 09:41
    neveragainford
    I'm selling mine
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by TxPrincess
    I had a 2002 Explorer XLS and my transmission went out at 47,000. The third gear band broke. My warranty had just ran out. Looking back on this problem, I believe I had warning signs long before the third gear band broke. When driving in slower traffic, my transmission would shift rather rough into 3rd gear and sometimes it would make a noise as it shifted. The dealership fixed my transmission and charged me $1500. The shifting problems continued and I reluctantly had to trade it in. It was a shame because I really liked that car. :(

    I too have a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT......I had all the usual complaints, the whining rear end which was cured with a new rear end, and now, at 45,000 miles, the O/D light flashed a few times and then transmission completely failed. The Ford Dealer here tells me they checked all my maintenance records and they are taking the problem to Ford Motor Company. A remanufactured transmission will be installed, my warranty will be extended for 18 months or 55,000 more miles, all for approximately $600. But based on all the horror stories I see posted about Explorer transmissions, I think I will take the ultimate cure, and buy a reliable Japanese SUV. I hate to abandon the American companies, but they need to take care of their customers better than they do. To the Japanese companies, a problem such as these would be a disgrace. We could learn a few things.
    Wish me luck with the $600 fix.
  • 06-02-2005, 09:09
    Brouillard1
    02 Explorer Timing Chain making noise
    I have an 02 Explorer with 95KM on it and it is making noise between 2K-3K. The noise is coming from the timing chain. The ford Dealership confirmed that it is the timing chain that's making noise. I don't have any warranty left on this vehicule. I am aware of a Ford service bulletin on that very problem. The dealership advised me not to spend unnecessary money on this, they said that the timing change will last as long as the vehicule but will be noisy. That really took me by surprise and I was expecting to lose the Explorer for a day or two. I was ready to put a fight with Ford to have this fix for free. I asked them to put their words on paper but they refused, of course.
    Should I believe them ? Should I be concern? Will the timing chain last as long as they say ?
  • 07-01-2005, 07:50
    hatingmyexplorer
    2002 Explorer transmission problems
    I have a 2002 Explorer XLT that I purchased new in Sep-02. I had to have the transmission rebuilt the first time at 4,792 miles. I then had it rebuilt 3 more times between Jan-03 and Jan-05. Last month the tranny blew again. My not-so-helpful regional service manager had the dealership where I purchased my SUV replace the original (rebuilt 4 times!!) with a BAUM remanufactured tranny. I was told the reman's are 'bulletproof' and I would 'never have another tranny issue as long as I own the vehicle'. Well, a short 880 miles and 2 weeks and my bulletproof tranny is shot. I brought it back AGAIN and the diagnostics test revealed 2 malfunctions. One being an 'internal gear malfunction'. I have made it perfectly clear to the dealer, Ford Motor Corp and the regional guy that I want a new vehicle. The car is clearly a lemon and they should have taken care of this many years ago. The final outcome...they fixed the tranny and told me they will not be replacing my vehicle. There is nothing they can do but extend my warranty for 2yrs or 75k miles. I would warn anyone against purchasing a 2002 or newer Explorer as there are known and identified issues that FORD continues to ignore. I am far from done fighting this battle. I encourage others with similar problems to stand up for their rights too. I'll let you know what my lawyer says!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • 07-07-2005, 18:01
    aFordmenot
    02 Drive Train Problems
    Bought my first SUV, a 2002 4x4 Explorer Limited with V8. Owned several Fords beofre this one with good and bad results. Within first 7000 miles the Transmission blows fluid everywhere - 1 week later and 2-3 "We found the problem" responses from the dealer, they finally replaced the transmission with a new one. One week later I'm driving the truck when the red warning dash light flashes and the temp guage pegs to max - a (heater) hose was inadvertently placed next to the exhaust manifold by mechanic during trans replacement and burned a hole thru it allowing coolant to leak slowly until engine overheated. Ford fixed hose and gave the truck a clean bill of health vs. my insistence to replace the engine. The truck has always shifted bad - "hunt & peck" is what I call it. At 20K miles the truck will once in a while stop as I start to back out of the garage - problem discovered at 30K brake job - rear shoes on parking brake broke loose on drivers side (both) and only one on passanger side. Loose shoe on Pass side would wedge with good one and lock up wheels when moving slow. Lot's of arguments and Ford finally replaced shoes. At 26K one tire went flat and upon inspection by a tire shop, that tire and a second tire had tread separation - running Goodyears. Ford QUICKLY replaced both tires without any questions. At 29K, the truck started to surge (shake) or thump like something was catching in the drive train everytime I would let off the gas pedal and allowed the truck to decelerate without braking. Even after new brakes and rotors, the problem got worse and worse - now at 34K, the truck is in the dealership for the 3 time for this issue. The first time, they replaced the "Module-Transfer SH" which did pretty much eliminate the shifting issue. They also replace the "Drive Shaft Flange per SSM 16824" whatever that means. Here's my point, FORD has a drive train problem with the 2002 Explorer and we need more people to share their experiences to help pinpoint the root cause and how Ford has responded.
  • 07-16-2005, 14:23
    lshipper
    2002 Explorer Transmission Problem
    We too are having problems with our 2002 Explorer. This past Tuesday (712/05) driving home from work, the SUV would not shift out of first. I noted that the RPM's continued to increase with no shift. At the same time this occurred, my Overdrive light came on and started flashing. Please note that I have never used Overdrive ever. I pushed the Overdrive button and it would not correct the problem. As I was driving on the interstate traveling a max speed of 35 mph, the Explorer would not shift. As I got off the interstate, my car finally shifted but I felt that I was being thrown forward with every shift. In addition, as the car shifted it made a high squealing. I took it to my local autoshop, which has always been fair to us, and they informed us that third gear failed. They recommended a new transmission from Ford, as they have been noticing problems with Explorer's transmissions. I received the car back on 7/15/05, with my new transmission with a 36 month/36,000 warrenty and drove it to work. I noticed immediately that there are problems with the new transmission. This time when the car was attempting to shift around 35 - 40 mph, I was being thrown forward when it shifted. I took it back to my autoshop and they informed me that there is a torque converter problem and they had to get in touch with Ford. So far it has cost us $2800 and after reading these posting it makes me sick to own this car. It seems to me that Ford clearly has an issue with 2002 Ford Explorer's transmission and should issue a recall. Does anyone have any information about a possible recall?
  • 07-24-2005, 17:05
    mnelson
    whine in front end
    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.