'02 3.73 LS differential howl

[Tech]

I purchased my '02 Explorer XLT in May of 2001 (my 2nd Explorer). Over time, I noticed that the differential developed a howling or whining noise at somewhere between 55 and 65 MPH. When I let off the gas pedal, the noise disappeared. I've had several other unrelated problems to deal with during the original warranty period, but I won't go into that here.

With the standard 36 month/36,000 mile warranty nearing expiration, I took the vehicle in to my local servicing dealer (where I purchased the vehicle). They determined that the ring and pinion were defective, so they ordered the parts and the repairs were completed about 10 days later. The howling noise was gone and I was happy... for approximately 1000 miles when the howling slowly returned. This was 14 months ago.

Meanwhile, we got over-involved with a house remodel and subsequent move and also seldom drove on the freeway, so I pretty much forgot about the howl noise for the time being. But then early this month, we went on a 3400 mile road trip, towing our tent-trailer. I had to drive right in the 55-60 MPH zone and the howling noise increased somewhat during the trip.

Upon returning home, I took my Explorer back to the servicing dealer and they again diagnosed the problem as a defective ring and pinion. Cost to repair? $1100.00. When I howled, they agreed to give me a 25% discount in consideration that the ring and pinion they replaced 14 months ago only lasted 9000 miles. 9000 miles!!!

So, I called FoMoCo and basically got the same story and they stuck by Ford's 12 months/12,000 warranty on the warranty ring and pinion repair. If that isn't enough, Ford couldn't show me any TSB's or Recalls and this tells me that the replacement ring and pinion are probably no better than the first two sets of parts. I could possibly be in the same boat one to 9000 miles after another repair.

Because of this treatment I will soon be a former Ford owner. I'm going to have my Explorer repaired and then I'm going to trade it in on a Honda Pilot or an Acura MDX. I personally know 3 people with Hondas and Acuras and all 3 have had less trouble combined than I've had with my '02. Also, one of them had their automatic transmission fail just over 1000 miles out of warranty and Honda made good on it anyway. Why won't Ford do that???

This is sad; overall, I like my Explorer. It drives nicely and tows my tent trailer without strain, but I resent Ford making me pay for a defect that showed up during the original warranty.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Tech

 

[davidmmm69]

I purchased my '02 Explorer XLT in May of 2002 (my 2nd Explorer). Over time, I noticed that the differential developed a howling or whining noise at somewhere between 55 and 65 MPH. When I let off the gas pedal, the noise disappeared. I've had several other unrelated problems to deal with during the original warranty period, but I won't go into that here.

With the standard 36 month/36,000 mile warranty nearing expiration, I took the vehicle in to my local servicing dealer (where I purchased the vehicle). They determined that the ring and pinion were defective, so they ordered the parts and the repairs were completed about 10 days later. The howling noise was gone and I was happy... for approximately 1000 miles when the howling slowly returned. This was 14 months ago.

Meanwhile, we got over-involved with a house remodel and subsequent move and also seldom drove on the freeway, so I pretty much forgot about the howl noise for the time being. But then early this month, we went on a 3400 mile road trip, towing our tent-trailer. I had to drive right in the 55-60 MPH zone and the howling noise increased somewhat during the trip.

Upon returning home, I took my Explorer back to the servicing dealer and they again diagnosed the problem as a defective ring and pinion. Cost to repair? $1100.00. When I howled, they agreed to give me a 25% discount in consideration that the ring and pinion they replaced 14 months ago only lasted 9000 miles. 9000 miles!!!

So, I called FoMoCo and basically got the same story and they stuck by Ford's 12 months/12,000 warranty on the warranty ring and pinion repair. If that isn't enough, Ford couldn't show me any TSB's or Recalls and this tells me that the replacement ring and pinion are probably no better than the first two sets of parts. I could possibly be in the same boat one to 9000 miles after another repair.

Because of this treatment I will soon be a former Ford owner. I'm going to have my Explorer repaired and then I'm going to trade it in on a Honda Pilot or an Acura MDX. I personally know 3 people with Hondas and Acuras and all 3 have had less trouble combined than I've had with my '02. Also, one of them had their automatic transmission fail just over 1000 miles out of warranty and Honda made good on it anyway. Why won't Ford do that???

This is sad; overall, I like my Explorer. It drives nicely and tows my tent trailer without strain, but I resent Ford making me pay for a defect that showed up during the original warranty.

Thanks for letting me vent.

Tech

these are all of them,




2002 Ford Truck Explorer 4WD V6-4.0L VIN E

Top - Vehicle
Technical Service Bulletins
. All Technical Service Bulletins


. .
01-12-6 010624 A/C - Blend Door Actuator Clicking Noise
04-19-6 040922 A/C - Evaporator Core Replacement
04-18-3 040920 A/C - Low Rpm Hooting Noise
04-24-6 041213 A/C - Moan/Buzz/Groan Noise From Vehicle Rear
04-13-7 040628 A/C - Rear Window Defroster/Antenna Diagnosis/Repair
03-5-2 030317 A/C - Underhood - Buzz or Flutter Noise
03-7-4 030414 A/C - Whistle Noise From Blend Door Area
04-24-5 041213 A/C/Audio - Defroster/Antenna Grid Diagnosis/Repair
04-24-17 041213 A/T - 5R55W 2-3 Shift Slip/No 3rd gear/DTC's P0733/P0745
01-10-2 010528 A/T - 5R55W Cooler Line Fluid Leak
01-7-6 010420 A/T - 5R55W Correct Fluid Checking Procedure
02-6-2 020401 A/T - 5R55W Harsh Light/Medium Throttle Upshifts
01-11-1 010611 A/T - 5R55W Soft/Harsh 2nd - 3rd & 3rd - 4th Gear Shifts
01-20-7 011015 A/T - 5R55W Ticking Noise
01-14-2 010723 A/T - 5R55W Whine/Howl When Cold
01-22-3 011112 A/T - Buzzing Noise When Torque Converter Engaged
03-5-7 030317 A/T - Converter Housing Fluid Leak Recommendations
03-14-8 030721 A/T - Cooler Flushing Service Tips
01-15-7 010806 A/T - Fluid Application Charts
02-20-3 021014 A/T - Fluid Level Checking/Filling Tool & Procedure
04-22-12 041115 A/T - Hard To Shift From DRIVE to PARK
02-17-6 020902 A/T - Inadvertent Shift Interlock Disabling
01-10-7 010528 A/T - Indicator Lamp ON/DTC's Set
02-11-4 020610 Aluminum Engine - New Cleaners/Service Tips
02-16-4 020819 Audio System - Whining/Buzzing Noise From Speakers
02-4-5 020215 Battery - Charging Tips and Guidelines
04-25-1 041227 Body - Aluminum Corrosion Service Tip
03-23-2 031124 Body - Exterior Mirror Glass/Motor Service Tips
01-21-9 011029 Body - Inspecting Collision Damage With Structural Foam
04-8-5 040503 Body - Liftgate Glass Applique Cracked/Damaged
04-25-9 041227 Body - Rear Power Windows Inoperative
04-4-5 040308 Body - Roof Rack Side Rail Paint Peeling
03-26-3 040112 Brakes - ABS Lamp ON/DTC's C1235/C1236/C1237 Set
01T02 010401 Campaign - Liftgate Glass Bracket Inspection
02-23-7 021125 Cooling System - Premium Gold Coolant Service Info
01-20-5 011015 Driveability - Vacuum Leak Detection
04-24-20 041213 Drivetrain - L/S rear Axle Shudder/Chatter
02-25-8 021223 Drivetrain - Neutral Tow Availability
03-11-6 030609 Electrical - Wiring Soldering/Crimping Tips
03-20-3 031013 Emissions - MIL ON/DTC's Stored/Check Fuel Cap Lamp ON
04-11-1 040608 Emissions - MIL ON/Driveability Issues/DTC's Set
02-2-3 020204 Engine - Aluminum Block/Head Machining
02-21-13 021028 Engine - Cylinder Head Straightedge Surface Check
03-8-3 030428 Engine - Oil Level Indicator Markings
01-24-6 011210 Engine - Oil System Priming Procedures
04-15-4 040809 Engine - Timing Chain Rattle Noise
02-3-2 020218 Engine Control - MIL ON, DTC P0300 or P0301 Set
02-23-4 021125 Engine Controls - DTC P1635 Set After PCM/IC Replacement
04-24-14 041213 Engine Controls - General PCM Programming Procedures
04-17-4 040906 Engine Controls - MIL ON/Lean DTC Service Tips
03-13-6 030707 Engine Controls - No Start Condition
03-3-5 030217 Engine Controls - No Start/Hard Start/Rough Idle
02-21-6 021028 Engine Controls/Emissions - Exhaust Sulfur Smell
01-23-6 011126 Engine Coolant - Propylene Glycol Recommendations
02-1-4 020121 Engine Head Gasket - Approved Replacement Procedures
03-6-5 030331 Fuel Gauge - Intermittently Drops to Empty
04-25-2 041227 Fuel System - Hesitation on Hard Sweeping Right Turns
03-10-6 030526 Fuel System - Throttle Cable Routing/Splash Shield Mods
04-13-3 040612 Headlights - Moisture Inside
01-15-6 010806 Heater Core - Repeated Failure
04-16-1 040823 Ignition System - Engine Misfire Diagnostics Tips
04-21-15 041101 Instruments - Fuel Gauge Slow to Update After Fill-Up
03-18-1 030915 Keyless Entry System - Service Tips
04-14-13 040726 M/T - Shudder/Vibration On 2nd/3rd Gear Acceleration
01-13-2 010709 Moonroof - Molding Loose/Sunshade Tearing
01-24-5 011210 PATS - Unable to Access/Program Ignition Key/No Start,
04-7-1 040419 Parking Assist System - False Activation
01B77 011001 Recall - Firestone Tire Recall Supplement
01S18 010618 Recall - Passenger Side Tire Inspection
03S04 030801 Recall - Seat Back Recliner Bolt Defect
02M01S6 040831 Recall - Tube Mounted EGR Pressure Sensor Defect
NHTSA01I010000 010410 Recall 01I010000: Liftgate Cylinder Mount Defect
NHTSA01V171000 010521 Recall 01V171000: Tire Defects
NHTSA03V094000 030301 Recall 03V094000: Running Board Wiring Defect
NHTSA04V442000 040909 Recall 04V244000: Liftgate Glass Strut/Hinge Defect
03-11-3 030609 Restraint System - Air Bag Lamp ON/DTC B2292 Set
04-24-21 041213 Restraint System - Seat Belts Slow to retract
02-17-10 020902 Security System - Central Security Module Service Tips
02-5-6 020301 Sheet Metal (Primed) - Preparation Procedure
01-11-10 010611 Trailer Hitch - Insufficient Receiver Clearance
02-1-6 020121 Wheels/Tires - Road Force Measurement Equipment





Copyright © 2005 ALLDATA LLC

 

[j602]

No need to post this thread in more than one place.

 

[davidmmm69]

also there is no reason to hate ford because of one problem with a vehicle.
if that was the case no fords or chevys of toyota for me and more than that.

 

[Tech]

No need to post this thread in more than one place.

I was hoping that the moderator would delete my original post in the 911 forum (I couldn't delete it for some reason) after he mentioned it was in the wrong area.

Tech

 

[j602]

Ok, that's cool. I was just gonna let you know for future reference.

 

[davidmmm69]

does that help you with some of the TSB;s I believe that is all of them..

 

[Tech]

also there is no reason to hate ford because of one problem with a vehicle.
if that was the case no fords or chevys of toyota for me and more than that.

I don't recall saying I hated Ford. Disappointed more accurately describes my feelings. Also, as I indicated, I've had numerous troubles with my Explorer and even though they were a pain to deal with, none of them were enough to sour me on the vehicle until this repeated problem with the differential came up. In fact, if Ford would bend a little and repair the differential at no-charge, this would go a very long ways in keeping me as a long-time, repeat customer. As I mentioned previously, 9000 mile life on a majorly rebuilt differential doesn't cut it. Differentials have been around for a long time and they aren't rocket science.

Well, time to go home, so I'll excuse myself for now and go drive my trouble-free RX-8

Tech

 

[davidmmm69]

I guess when someone says they will be a former Ford owner. also realze the 2002 was the first of the model change,I have one problem with mine and I bought mine used,because of that.
obviously have to be a differnet problem with the rear. Did you bring it to another Dealer.

it is obvious that the 2002 had problems with the rear end. also transmission, and the rear lift gate.
I am hoping that all of these will not be problems with mine in the future and that the former owner who was in Novia Scotia part of DEA. that they took care of all the problems.

 

[Tech]

I guess when someone says they will be a former Ford owner. also realze the 2002 was the first of the model change,I have one problem with mine and I bought mine used,because of that.
obviously have to be a differnet problem with the rear. Did you bring it to another Dealer.

I fully understood that the 2002 Explorer introduced some major changes in its design when I bought it. If I can understand this, so should Ford. Accordingly, I think Ford should cut me and other '02 owners a little tiny bit of slack for taking a step of faith in purchasing a "new" model, particularly when recurring problems such as the differential arise. This isn't about an annoying rattle or a lift-gate that might fall on my head; it's an issue that could leave me (or my wife) stranded on the road in the middle of BFE, or ruin a hard-earned vacation.

it is obvious that the 2002 had problems with the rear end. also transmission, and the rear lift gate.
I am hoping that all of these will not be problems with mine in the future and that the former owner who was in Novia Scotia part of DEA. that they took care of all the problems.

Well sure, the problems are obvious... now. And since they are, all the more reason for Ford to take care of it's loyal customers.

Tech

 

[Jag]

I agree with TECH.

My '02 howls too.

Come on Ford. Rear diffs aren't new technology. They've been around for years.

BTW, is there a fix for this problem???? From what I'm hearing, a rebuild isn't the answer, especially if you use Ford parts again.

 

[awdrocks]

im changing my entire drivetrain... screw ford

 

[davidmmm69]

only some do as my 2002 with over 100000 does not...

 

[awdrocks]

only some do as my 2002 with over 100000 does not...

Well thats refreshing to know... Im already having tranny problems but NO diff problems yet... i am just anticipating it!!! I only have 25k. Ill be on clould 9 if I have no diff problems... one less headache..

 

[IAmTodd]

only some do as my 2002 with over 100000 does not...

What gear ratio do you have in it? I heard that it was only the 3.73LS that had this whining problem.

Ours has had most of the common problems, but as david said, 2002 was the first year for the redesign, and with most car companies, first year cars do have their problems. It would've been a good idea to purchase the extended warranty, especially if you were planning on keeping it for a while. Thats what we did, and its saved us quite a few times.

 

[awdrocks]

only some do as my 2002 with over 100000 does not...

yeah what rear end ratio do you have?

 

[davidmmm69]

3.73 Ls.
remember I bought it last year with 80000 miles on it. So if there was a problem with it I sureely didn;t have to deal with it as everything is fine now,,,

 

[davidmmm69]

only thing on mine was the rear wheel bearings...

 

[awdrocks]

3.73 Ls.
remember I bought it last year with 80000 miles on it. So if there was a problem with it I sureely didn;t have to deal with it as everything is fine now,,,

hmmmm maybe the person before you got the stick....

 

[dannyb420]

My 04 has been in the shop a dozen times for transmission and differential problems, in fact as I type this message it is back in the shop for both. The transmission has had the solenoid replaced twice, reprogrammed three times, the additive added once, and still has harsh engagement when in reverse. The differential has leaked twice, both times having all new seals put in. Now I am having that "humming noise" that people are talking about from the rear end and still the harsh engagement problem. Frustrating? Yes, but enough to make me get rid of it? No. Every car, truck, van has problems, we just are given a chance to voice our concerns in this great forum. No maybe when my warrenty is up I will be singing a different tune....LOL but I got quite a bit of great times out of my 97 5.0 awd, and I plan on doing the same with my 04. It is about time though that Ford is honest with their re-occuring problems, have any of you ever googled 04 explorer transmission problems? Holy crap, its a problem.