sedanscrambler
New Member
- Joined
- June 18, 2017
- Messages
- 4
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Gibsonburg, Ohio
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 06 Explorer Eddie Bauer
Good morning everyone. Finally decided to join the forum after many hours of research and frustration. A little history behind my Explorer, I work for a Chrysler dealership up here in northwest Ohio and purchased my 06 Explorer Eddie Bauer from taking it in on trade back in January of 2016. I have a 2015 Chrysler 200S that is really horrible in the snow and wanted something safer and with 4x4. Currently sitting at 221k miles, I am REALLY starting to regret my decision on buying. I expected some issues with it having 212k, being in an abused condition, and for only $2,800 - I was going to have to put some work into her. I love Explorers - heck my mom turned me on to them back in 07 when she leased one, but this one has given me way more run for my wallet then even my 95 Mercury Sable did with 250k (Rest in peace you beautiful blue sedan). I have had the battery, spark plugs, wires, radiator, a/c lines, all brakes pads, rotors, tie rods, alternator, tires, radio, steering wheel, and a few other things replaced to bring her back to life. The previous owner did not respect her as one should a very large investment and I enjoy reviving things back to their former glory so hence my current status.
Okay now the issues..
Yesterday while driving on the highway, about 75MPH, the abs light and traction control light came on and went right off. Continuously turns on and off and blinks then goes away then comes back, etc. I've read many articles on here and think I have it summed up to either needing a Hub Bearing assembly or maybe just the abs ring - or 4. The driver AND passenger airbag light pop on and at this point the entire dash is offering me a rave dance party with lights flickering every which way. I have always noticed a low "rumble" sound when accelerating and at high speeds it is apparent. When taking off slowly I can hear a "thud thud thud thud". I was told by the tech at work that it will make the rumbling sound because of 1)being a 4x4 SUTruck and 2)being an SUTruck with 212k on her.
A few months ago while turning on the dome lights with the dimmer switch (to make sure i didn't spill any taco bell quesadilla sauce on my shirt), the speedo lights went dim and the interior lights all turned off. The power windows, locks, dash lights (except for the speedometer), and puddle lamps - all out. I've tried reading as much as I could before tackling the issue and haven't narrowed this down to a for-sure yet. Thinking either the dimmer switch or the fuses (don't think it would be the fuse if the click on and off a million times during a 10 minute drive). I do hear a click every time they come on and go out though.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM - I replaced the alternator myself about 8 months ago when I took the vehicle to Advance Auto Parts and the guy told me it was shot. I always had issues with the car not wanting to start if it sat longer then 3 days (1.5 in the winter) if it doesn't run. -- I had a remote start installed and it never starts on the first try, it attempts, it fails, and it tries to start again and FINALLY at the second or third attempt it will start--. The vehicle doesn't start right up, there is hesitation but eventually fires up. I was hoping the new alternator would fix the issue but no such luck. While driving yesterday - the CCS warning came on and my red screen with the battery popped on.
Since I have moved, I don't have the proper space nor tools to perform and check the vehicle myself which has really put a damper on situations. I loved being able to take pride in knowing I could fix even the smallest things such as brakes on my cars. My biggest concern is that after all this time and money spent, this may be the straw that brakes the camels back. If anything electrical wise is an issue, I'm thinking of hauling her to the junkyard and letting them have her. I have read A LOT of threads here and through google about these symptoms. I'm really hoping that maybe a few people can shine some light on what they've experienced and if it is worth the hassle and possibly some solutions. I love my Explorer, even more then my 200S, & it really brings down your spirits when stuff like this happens. I enjoy lurking up behind little Kia Rio's and that mid RPM engine sound that sounds like they're about to eat anything in its way. She may not be fast with the V6 - but she sure can move her fat ass when I need her to.
Okay now the issues..
Yesterday while driving on the highway, about 75MPH, the abs light and traction control light came on and went right off. Continuously turns on and off and blinks then goes away then comes back, etc. I've read many articles on here and think I have it summed up to either needing a Hub Bearing assembly or maybe just the abs ring - or 4. The driver AND passenger airbag light pop on and at this point the entire dash is offering me a rave dance party with lights flickering every which way. I have always noticed a low "rumble" sound when accelerating and at high speeds it is apparent. When taking off slowly I can hear a "thud thud thud thud". I was told by the tech at work that it will make the rumbling sound because of 1)being a 4x4 SUTruck and 2)being an SUTruck with 212k on her.
A few months ago while turning on the dome lights with the dimmer switch (to make sure i didn't spill any taco bell quesadilla sauce on my shirt), the speedo lights went dim and the interior lights all turned off. The power windows, locks, dash lights (except for the speedometer), and puddle lamps - all out. I've tried reading as much as I could before tackling the issue and haven't narrowed this down to a for-sure yet. Thinking either the dimmer switch or the fuses (don't think it would be the fuse if the click on and off a million times during a 10 minute drive). I do hear a click every time they come on and go out though.
CHECK CHARGING SYSTEM - I replaced the alternator myself about 8 months ago when I took the vehicle to Advance Auto Parts and the guy told me it was shot. I always had issues with the car not wanting to start if it sat longer then 3 days (1.5 in the winter) if it doesn't run. -- I had a remote start installed and it never starts on the first try, it attempts, it fails, and it tries to start again and FINALLY at the second or third attempt it will start--. The vehicle doesn't start right up, there is hesitation but eventually fires up. I was hoping the new alternator would fix the issue but no such luck. While driving yesterday - the CCS warning came on and my red screen with the battery popped on.
Since I have moved, I don't have the proper space nor tools to perform and check the vehicle myself which has really put a damper on situations. I loved being able to take pride in knowing I could fix even the smallest things such as brakes on my cars. My biggest concern is that after all this time and money spent, this may be the straw that brakes the camels back. If anything electrical wise is an issue, I'm thinking of hauling her to the junkyard and letting them have her. I have read A LOT of threads here and through google about these symptoms. I'm really hoping that maybe a few people can shine some light on what they've experienced and if it is worth the hassle and possibly some solutions. I love my Explorer, even more then my 200S, & it really brings down your spirits when stuff like this happens. I enjoy lurking up behind little Kia Rio's and that mid RPM engine sound that sounds like they're about to eat anything in its way. She may not be fast with the V6 - but she sure can move her fat ass when I need her to.
