Explorer overheating and power steering

96ebexplor · 03-08-2005, 01:44 PM

Hi, I just got my 96 EB Explorer about a month ago. Today the power steering stopped working at a stoplight. Then about a minute later it starting overheating and the battery light went on. I really don't know much about cars or much about Explorers so I was wondering if anyone could help me out on this one. It overheats probably about 5 minutes after starting it just idiling in my drive way. I added coolant and still overheating. I also saw that the belt that hooks to the fan (serpentine?) it seems loose but its not even moving anyways. Anything to help me out I would greatly appreciate. Thanks alot -Connor

96limitedX · 03-08-2005, 01:52 PM

sounds like your belt tesnsioer broke. i just replaced mine because it was very close to braking. that its if the belt is still on?

96ebexplor · 03-08-2005, 02:13 PM

ya, the belt is still on but the belt isn't moving and either is the things that would turn the belt. you think its the belt tensioner?

96limitedX · 03-08-2005, 02:21 PM

yeah...they are netorious for braking. glad i cought mine when i did or i would have ended up like you..lol the part is only like $30.

i think i might have some pics of my install if that would help you? its pretty easy

96ebexplor · 03-08-2005, 02:33 PM

That would be awesome if you could get me some pics. Do I pick the part up from a Ford Dealer? I need to get back running. Thanks alot -Connor

96limitedX · 03-08-2005, 02:39 PM

yeah i just ran down to my ford dealer. they had like 8 in stock the guy said. like i said..the old ones brake alot..lol

sorry ..it turns out i only have ths one bad pic..but the tensioner is bright silver you can kinda see it. first you need to remove the intake. take the belt off, unbolt it..but its a tight area and watch your hands on the fan blade..lol then just bolt up the new one and reattach the belt.

hope this helps alittle

96ebexplor · 03-08-2005, 02:42 PM

Thanks alot, im gonna go down to the Ford Dealer right now and get it. Hopefully this is my problem. -Connor

96limitedX · 03-08-2005, 02:44 PM

you can look at it first and see if thats your prob. but even if its not im sure it would need replacing soon anyway. but im pretty sure thats what is broke.

hope you get it back running again!

marragtop · 03-08-2005, 05:03 PM

You should be able to get the tensioner at any parts store. Also, make sure you inspect the belt as it may be damaged. You need to take the belt off to put the tensioner on, so it might be wise to replace the belt as well.

96ebexplor · 03-08-2005, 05:56 PM

I found the tensioner to be completely broke in pieces with some of laying on parts below it. I just got the part at a Ford dealership for $55. Now I just gotta put it on. thanks for the advice -Connor

96limitedX · 03-08-2005, 07:39 PM

glad you got it figured out..my belt was only about 6 months old..but you should check it.

03-08-2005, 01:44 PM	#1
96ebexplor Wannabe Elite Explorer Wichita, Kansas 96 EB Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Explorer overheating and power steering Hi, I just got my 96 EB Explorer about a month ago. Today the power steering stopped working at a stoplight. Then about a minute later it starting overheating and the battery light went on. I really don't know much about cars or much about Explorers so I was wondering if anyone could help me out on this one. It overheats probably about 5 minutes after starting it just idiling in my drive way. I added coolant and still overheating. I also saw that the belt that hooks to the fan (serpentine?) it seems loose but its not even moving anyways. Anything to help me out I would greatly appreciate. Thanks alot -Connor

03-08-2005, 05:03 PM	#9
marragtop Wannabe Elite Explorer balt, md 91 xlt, 92 xlt, 95 xlt Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 2,074 Vehicle Specs	You should be able to get the tensioner at any parts store. Also, make sure you inspect the belt as it may be damaged. You need to take the belt off to put the tensioner on, so it might be wise to replace the belt as well. __________________ '88 F150 4x4 '91 Explorer XLT 4x4 '92 Explorer XLT 4x4 '95 Explorer XLT 4x4 If it don't = 16 (4x4), it ain't worth driving...

03-08-2005, 01:52 PM	#2
96limitedX B Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,963 Vehicle Specs	sounds like your belt tesnsioer broke. i just replaced mine because it was very close to braking. that its if the belt is still on?

03-08-2005, 02:13 PM	#3
96ebexplor Wannabe Elite Explorer Wichita, Kansas 96 EB Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	ya, the belt is still on but the belt isn't moving and either is the things that would turn the belt. you think its the belt tensioner?

03-08-2005, 02:21 PM	#4
96limitedX B Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,963 Vehicle Specs	yeah...they are netorious for braking. glad i cought mine when i did or i would have ended up like you..lol the part is only like $30. i think i might have some pics of my install if that would help you? its pretty easy

03-08-2005, 02:33 PM	#5
96ebexplor Wannabe Elite Explorer Wichita, Kansas 96 EB Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	That would be awesome if you could get me some pics. Do I pick the part up from a Ford Dealer? I need to get back running. Thanks alot -Connor

03-08-2005, 02:39 PM	#6
96limitedX B Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,963 Vehicle Specs	yeah i just ran down to my ford dealer. they had like 8 in stock the guy said. like i said..the old ones brake alot..lol sorry ..it turns out i only have ths one bad pic..but the tensioner is bright silver you can kinda see it. first you need to remove the intake. take the belt off, unbolt it..but its a tight area and watch your hands on the fan blade..lol then just bolt up the new one and reattach the belt. hope this helps alittle

03-08-2005, 02:42 PM	#7
96ebexplor Wannabe Elite Explorer Wichita, Kansas 96 EB Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	Thanks alot, im gonna go down to the Ford Dealer right now and get it. Hopefully this is my problem. -Connor

03-08-2005, 02:44 PM	#8
96limitedX B Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,963 Vehicle Specs	you can look at it first and see if thats your prob. but even if its not im sure it would need replacing soon anyway. but im pretty sure thats what is broke. hope you get it back running again!

03-08-2005, 05:56 PM	#10
96ebexplor Wannabe Elite Explorer Wichita, Kansas 96 EB Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 6 Vehicle Specs (Original Poster)	I found the tensioner to be completely broke in pieces with some of laying on parts below it. I just got the part at a Ford dealership for $55. Now I just gotta put it on. thanks for the advice -Connor

03-08-2005, 07:39 PM	#11
96limitedX B Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 1,963 Vehicle Specs	glad you got it figured out..my belt was only about 6 months old..but you should check it.