2006 explorer radiator

ford15 · 09-20-2008, 12:41 PM

Hi everyone. I'm new and after hours of countless searching on the internet (and numerous returning to these forums), I have a question. I notice on here people are talking about there radiator leaking but I am not sure of exactly what to say about mine (a 2006 Ford Explorer XLT). As it is leaking on the driver's side underneath. Looks like a cap or something, as there is one on both sides of the radiator. It is an oval shape with a T in it. The leak is coming from the edges of this. My question is, Do I need to get the radiator replaced completely, or is there something that I can do to seal this problem. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. I have included pictures of it hoping to lessen the confusion.

shaker1 · 09-21-2008, 03:03 AM

I was convinced after reading several of theses threads that my leak was coming from the radiator and the residue seemed to bear that out. I took it to the dealer and they replaced the radiator.

A week later I noticed more leakage and followed it back to where the lower radiator hose attaches to the engine. Turns out the cheap hose clamp was cracked and fell off while I was inspecting it. Don't know for sure if the radiator was ever leaking.

They replaced it with a standard worm drive clamp. No more leaking.

aaronajb1981 · 09-22-2008, 08:25 AM

Ford15: that is where mine looked like it was leaking too. Do a little more poking" around there it may actually be up a little higher and its how it was running down. They said they replaced the entire thing for mine, but when i asked to see the old one they already sent it back by chance. I am to the point that i will most likely never buy another ford. Worst vehicle for me ever.

ford15 · 09-22-2008, 07:34 PM

Thanks aaronajb1981 I'll see if I can find anything else.

ford42 · 09-23-2008, 06:20 AM

Hi ford15. I have the exact same leak from the exact same spot as inyour photos. Have you come upwith anythingbecause I just cant figure it out. Not willing to have ford replace rad yet.

ford15 · 09-23-2008, 05:30 PM

No not yet, hoping to take it to the mechanic this friday... got my fingers crossed that its nothing too $$

jdwiii1974 · 09-26-2008, 05:47 PM

I have a 2006 Explorer Limited and on September 25, 2008 I had my THIRD radiator put on!!!!! The worst part is I had a radiator put on in JANUARY 2008 and then AGAIN YESTERDAY. Nobody at the dealership or at the corporate office at 800-241-3673, would acknowledge that there is a definite problem with the radiator!!!!!!! I argued and argued with them all for over an hour and I still had to pay for ANOTHER RADIATOR!!!!!!!!! At least I have an extended warranty so I pay the deductible only, but they would not even waive that!!!!!!!!!! My family has owned 7 Ford vehicles over the years and currently we have 3 in my household and the 2006 Explorer just has problem after problem and it started 3 months after we bought it BRAND NEW!!!!! After I left the service department I stood outside on the lot for about 15 minutes and started yelling at the top of my lungs, "don't buy a Ford because they don't stand behind them anymore!" and I saw 2 people leave (that is a start)! I am going to do that at the dealership every Saturday, so everybody in town knows not to buy a Ford!!!!! They keep ripping me off, so I am going to see that Ford looses hundreds of thousands of dollars in new car sales!!! Smells like a CLASS ACTION suit to me!!!!! Let me know if anybody is interested!!!

Also, anybody else had a ton of transmission problems in a 2006 Explorer?

ford15 · 09-27-2008, 07:32 AM

Well, Mechanic was not open this past Friday, so gonna drop it off Monday morning....On a side note, anyone know if those Radiator leak products work or not. Bought some antifreeze and some radiator leak stop product that said it would work n plastic, aluminum, metal, etc....

midiout · 09-27-2008, 10:04 PM

I agree that this is the third radiator in my 2006 EB - Ford is usless about any buyback program - if it has under 36,000 miles, you have a better chance. I really wonder about the undercarriage - my rear radiator was leaking - charged my 50.00 for a worm-clamp. With the recent 28% loss off trade-in on the SUV, thank goodness I purchased the extended warranty for this SUV. Ford saw a drop of 38% in purchasing for the Explorer - I think Ford bit themselves in the a**. Let's see what goes wrong with the FLEX ?

kimmytkd · 09-29-2008, 08:34 PM

NEED HELP ASAP! all hose and transmission lines disconnected but cant get radiator out? u any secret i need to know... anyone know what the problem is????!!!!

aaronajb1981 · 09-30-2008, 01:36 PM

I think i have said it in this post before talk to your dealership about fords AWA (after warranty assistance) I got them to pay 80% of the bill. the more miles you have the less they will pay.

This is something that is offered by ford and not the dealership. With all said and done i did my radiator, thermostat housing (leaking), radiator flush and fill, fuel filter, t-case, trans, front and rear diff. fluid changes. all for about 600.00

ford15 · 10-04-2008, 12:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ford42

Hi ford15. I have the exact same leak from the exact same spot as inyour photos. Have you come upwith anythingbecause I just cant figure it out. Not willing to have ford replace rad yet.

Well here is an update to the Ford radiator.......I added some Bars radiator leak stopper (the one with the pellets) and it seems to have worked way better than expected. I have noticed the more the car is driven the better. Now the leak has seemed to completely stop. I am guessing that the more the car is driven the hotter the pellets get which in turn melt and stop the leak. So so far so good, but not sure why I wanna do with the car now. Do I trade it in why I am ahead, or wait and see how long this last? Oh well atleast it has stopped for now.....

bjc1979 · 10-05-2008, 08:58 AM

We had to take our 2006 explorer in last Aug and the radiator had to be replaced, now this Aug our blower is not working to our A/c has anyone had this problem? Plus does anyone here have problems with explorer jerking when put it in gear?

98explorerltd · 11-12-2008, 05:56 PM

I'm looking at buying a 2006-07 or 08 explorer... Sounds like you guys would discourage that with the radiator problems... how many miles are on your exs? Just trying to get a feel for when they will fail, if it is, indeed, a design flaw. Better question, did they make any fixes in the 07 or 08? or do they have the same design?

midiout · 11-13-2008, 09:27 AM

If I had to buy another Explorer, I would pass on it. My 2006 EB has the third radiator in it, replaced ABS rings three times, leaking rear heating hose ( they replaced the factory clamp with a worm clamp -$50.00) Just recently the rear axle was leaking from the transfer case, cost me $100.00 with the warranty. Without the extended warranty, I would be in debt big time. Everytime I go to the dealer, they try to sell me more - now [I] need four new tires, eventhough it passed NYS inspection last month. The truck rides great, but the worse truck when it come to reliability. The only way to get this is with the BEST extended warranty in the business to cover yourself.

98explorerltd · 11-13-2008, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by midiout

If I had to buy another Explorer, I would pass on it. My 2006 EB has the third radiator in it, replaced ABS rings three times, leaking rear heating hose ( they replaced the factory clamp with a worm clamp -$50.00) Just recently the rear axle was leaking from the transfer case, cost me $100.00 with the warranty. Without the extended warranty, I would be in debt big time. Everytime I go to the dealer, they try to sell me more - now [I] need four new tires, eventhough it passed NYS inspection last month. The truck rides great, but the worse truck when it come to reliability. The only way to get this is with the BEST extended warranty in the business to cover yourself.

How many miles do you have? 3 radiators... Im wondering when they fail and why the replacements don't work. I got problems with the stealerships... Would be curious what an honest mechanic would say about them.

midiout · 11-13-2008, 06:29 PM

44,000 highway miles, but a little over two years old. If three of the ABS rings went bad on three different axles, I'm sure the fourth one will fail. For as truck on it's 3rd generation, the bugs should have been ironed out.

otrklc · 11-15-2008, 01:16 AM

i to have problems with my radiator leaking on 2006 explorer with 48000 mi,s.
this is why ford is in trouble. they sell you a $32000. veh.and put a plastic rad. in itthen won't replace it . so if this is the way you get treated it,s time to go to toyota or the other dealers that stand behind there cars and trucks.

jls1znv9999 · 11-21-2008, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99 zee71

dealer called today and said no radiators to be found. will take ford over a week to get one. sounds fishy to me, like ford has a problem.

I had the radiator on my 2000 xplr go out. Same issue with mine. I priced the dealer and radiator rebuild. Then i took a look at a website. It offered free shipping. The shipping got is here in 2 days! The radiator was really cheap. I think it was like $60.00 give or take a little. The website is www.JCwhitney.com

bp06explorer · 11-21-2008, 10:28 AM

I have the same issue with '06 Eddie Bauer Explorer. Took it to the dealer and they initially said it was a hose clamp. They tightened it up and said I was good to go. It continued to leak however, so I returned it and now they are telling me it is a cracked radiator. I have contacted Ford, but they were no help. Looks like a little over $600 bucks for the dealership to replace it. The problem was first noticed with 37,800 miles on the vehicle ... 1,800 miles out of warranty.

I have filed a complaint with Office of Defects Investigation at the NHTSA (link) ... there were several complaints about this on there already. It would really be nice if ford would just admit they have a problem with these radiators and cover them outside of the warranty. A radiator shouldn't go out at 37,800 miles.

-Brandon

09-20-2008, 12:41 PM	#61
ford15 Wannabe Elite Explorer 2006 Ford Explorer Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 5 Vehicle Specs	Found a leak in my radiator but not sure bout something Hi everyone. I'm new and after hours of countless searching on the internet (and numerous returning to these forums), I have a question. I notice on here people are talking about there radiator leaking but I am not sure of exactly what to say about mine (a 2006 Ford Explorer XLT). As it is leaking on the driver's side underneath. Looks like a cap or something, as there is one on both sides of the radiator. It is an oval shape with a T in it. The leak is coming from the edges of this. My question is, Do I need to get the radiator replaced completely, or is there something that I can do to seal this problem. Any and all help will be greatly appreciated. I have included pictures of it hoping to lessen the confusion.

09-23-2008, 06:20 AM	#65
ford42 Wannabe Elite Explorer Victoria, BC 06 Explorer XLT Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs	Same radiator leak Hi ford15. I have the exact same leak from the exact same spot as inyour photos. Have you come upwith anythingbecause I just cant figure it out. Not willing to have ford replace rad yet.

09-26-2008, 05:47 PM	#67
jdwiii1974 Wannabe Elite Explorer Trinity, NC 2006 Explorer Limited Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs	Same radiator leak as everybody with a 2006 Explorer I have a 2006 Explorer Limited and on September 25, 2008 I had my THIRD radiator put on!!!!! The worst part is I had a radiator put on in JANUARY 2008 and then AGAIN YESTERDAY. Nobody at the dealership or at the corporate office at 800-241-3673, would acknowledge that there is a definite problem with the radiator!!!!!!! I argued and argued with them all for over an hour and I still had to pay for ANOTHER RADIATOR!!!!!!!!! At least I have an extended warranty so I pay the deductible only, but they would not even waive that!!!!!!!!!! My family has owned 7 Ford vehicles over the years and currently we have 3 in my household and the 2006 Explorer just has problem after problem and it started 3 months after we bought it BRAND NEW!!!!! After I left the service department I stood outside on the lot for about 15 minutes and started yelling at the top of my lungs, "don't buy a Ford because they don't stand behind them anymore!" and I saw 2 people leave (that is a start)! I am going to do that at the dealership every Saturday, so everybody in town knows not to buy a Ford!!!!! They keep ripping me off, so I am going to see that Ford looses hundreds of thousands of dollars in new car sales!!! Smells like a CLASS ACTION suit to me!!!!! Let me know if anybody is interested!!! Also, anybody else had a ton of transmission problems in a 2006 Explorer?

10-05-2008, 08:58 AM	#73
bjc1979 Wannabe Elite Explorer 2006 explorer Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 2 Vehicle Specs	rad replaced last summer We had to take our 2006 explorer in last Aug and the radiator had to be replaced, now this Aug our blower is not working to our A/c has anyone had this problem? Plus does anyone here have problems with explorer jerking when put it in gear?

09-21-2008, 03:03 AM	#62
shaker1 Wannabe Elite Explorer Algonquin, IL 2006 Explorer XLT 4X4 4.0 Join Date: Mar 2003 Posts: 261 Vehicle Specs	I was convinced after reading several of theses threads that my leak was coming from the radiator and the residue seemed to bear that out. I took it to the dealer and they replaced the radiator. A week later I noticed more leakage and followed it back to where the lower radiator hose attaches to the engine. Turns out the cheap hose clamp was cracked and fell off while I was inspecting it. Don't know for sure if the radiator was ever leaking. They replaced it with a standard worm drive clamp. No more leaking.

09-22-2008, 08:25 AM	#63
aaronajb1981 Wannabe Elite Explorer Minneapolis, MN '06 XLS Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 521 Vehicle Specs	Ford15: that is where mine looked like it was leaking too. Do a little more poking" around there it may actually be up a little higher and its how it was running down. They said they replaced the entire thing for mine, but when i asked to see the old one they already sent it back by chance. I am to the point that i will most likely never buy another ford. Worst vehicle for me ever.

09-22-2008, 07:34 PM	#64
ford15 Wannabe Elite Explorer 2006 Ford Explorer Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 5 Vehicle Specs	Thanks aaronajb1981 I'll see if I can find anything else.

09-23-2008, 05:30 PM	#66
ford15 Wannabe Elite Explorer 2006 Ford Explorer Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 5 Vehicle Specs	No not yet, hoping to take it to the mechanic this friday... got my fingers crossed that its nothing too $$

09-27-2008, 07:32 AM	#68
ford15 Wannabe Elite Explorer 2006 Ford Explorer Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 5 Vehicle Specs	Well, Mechanic was not open this past Friday, so gonna drop it off Monday morning....On a side note, anyone know if those Radiator leak products work or not. Bought some antifreeze and some radiator leak stop product that said it would work n plastic, aluminum, metal, etc....

09-27-2008, 10:04 PM	#69
midiout Wannabe Elite Explorer Buffalo, New York 2006 Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 100 Vehicle Specs	I agree that this is the third radiator in my 2006 EB - Ford is usless about any buyback program - if it has under 36,000 miles, you have a better chance. I really wonder about the undercarriage - my rear radiator was leaking - charged my 50.00 for a worm-clamp. With the recent 28% loss off trade-in on the SUV, thank goodness I purchased the extended warranty for this SUV. Ford saw a drop of 38% in purchasing for the Explorer - I think Ford bit themselves in the a**. Let's see what goes wrong with the FLEX ?

09-29-2008, 08:34 PM	#70
kimmytkd Wannabe Elite Explorer Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs	NEED HELP ASAP! all hose and transmission lines disconnected but cant get radiator out? u any secret i need to know... anyone know what the problem is????!!!!

09-30-2008, 01:36 PM	#71
aaronajb1981 Wannabe Elite Explorer Minneapolis, MN '06 XLS Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 521 Vehicle Specs	I think i have said it in this post before talk to your dealership about fords AWA (after warranty assistance) I got them to pay 80% of the bill. the more miles you have the less they will pay. This is something that is offered by ford and not the dealership. With all said and done i did my radiator, thermostat housing (leaking), radiator flush and fill, fuel filter, t-case, trans, front and rear diff. fluid changes. all for about 600.00

11-12-2008, 05:56 PM	#74
98explorerltd Wannabe Elite Explorer www.ford-trucks.com 98 explorer LTD Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 5 Vehicle Specs	I'm looking at buying a 2006-07 or 08 explorer... Sounds like you guys would discourage that with the radiator problems... how many miles are on your exs? Just trying to get a feel for when they will fail, if it is, indeed, a design flaw. Better question, did they make any fixes in the 07 or 08? or do they have the same design?

11-13-2008, 09:27 AM	#75
midiout Wannabe Elite Explorer Buffalo, New York 2006 Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 100 Vehicle Specs	If I had to buy another Explorer, I would pass on it. My 2006 EB has the third radiator in it, replaced ABS rings three times, leaking rear heating hose ( they replaced the factory clamp with a worm clamp -$50.00) Just recently the rear axle was leaking from the transfer case, cost me $100.00 with the warranty. Without the extended warranty, I would be in debt big time. Everytime I go to the dealer, they try to sell me more - now [I] need four new tires, eventhough it passed NYS inspection last month. The truck rides great, but the worse truck when it come to reliability. The only way to get this is with the BEST extended warranty in the business to cover yourself.

11-13-2008, 06:29 PM	#77
midiout Wannabe Elite Explorer Buffalo, New York 2006 Join Date: Jun 2007 Posts: 100 Vehicle Specs	44,000 highway miles, but a little over two years old. If three of the ABS rings went bad on three different axles, I'm sure the fourth one will fail. For as truck on it's 3rd generation, the bugs should have been ironed out.

11-15-2008, 01:16 AM	#78
otrklc Wannabe Elite Explorer east liverpool ohio 2006 explorer Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 1 Vehicle Specs	i to have problems with my radiator leaking on 2006 explorer with 48000 mi,s. this is why ford is in trouble. they sell you a $32000. veh.and put a plastic rad. in itthen won't replace it . so if this is the way you get treated it,s time to go to toyota or the other dealers that stand behind there cars and trucks.

11-21-2008, 10:28 AM	#80
bp06explorer Wannabe Elite Explorer Birmingham, AL '06 Eddie Bauer Join Date: Nov 2008 Posts: 4 Vehicle Specs	I have the same issue with '06 Eddie Bauer Explorer. Took it to the dealer and they initially said it was a hose clamp. They tightened it up and said I was good to go. It continued to leak however, so I returned it and now they are telling me it is a cracked radiator. I have contacted Ford, but they were no help. Looks like a little over $600 bucks for the dealership to replace it. The problem was first noticed with 37,800 miles on the vehicle ... 1,800 miles out of warranty. I have filed a complaint with Office of Defects Investigation at the NHTSA (link) ... there were several complaints about this on there already. It would really be nice if ford would just admit they have a problem with these radiators and cover them outside of the warranty. A radiator shouldn't go out at 37,800 miles. -Brandon