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Ford Explorer Community - Maintenance - Modifications - Performance Upgrades - Problem Solving - Off-Road - Street
Explorer Forum Covers the Explorer ST, Explorer Sport, Explorer Sport Trac, Lincoln Aviator, Mercury Mountaineer, Mazda Navajo, Ford Ranger, Mazda Pickups, and the Ford Aerostar
My 2006 EB started having a radiator leak after 43K. Took to dealer who ordered new rad. however was told by dealer 4000 radiators are on backorder and the dealer has no idea when part will be in. I have an extended warranty which also provides me with a rental car however; this is totally unacceptable for a domestic car. I have never owned a foreign vehicle but probably will at next purchase. Any suggestions on how to get ford's attention and possible get my SUV back to me by the end of the year?
This is correct, however, the actual number on backorder as of yesterday was 2,267 and yes it will take a couple of weeks to a few months to get it back.
Try going throught the customer care link on Fords website. I did this and within a few days they emailed me back asking me to call them. I did, even though some of my issues were dealership related they still got me back what I wanted.
Mine went out around the 43xxx mark too.
Usually its the seal between the bottom where the core meets the plastic housing.
Thanks for the info. I called ford today and they responded within 2 hours of my e-mail. Told me someone would follow up within the next 2 days. Explorer still at the dealer (4 weeks tomorrow). Dealer told me today they were notified radiators will be available next wee (check is in the mail?). We will see.
From what I looked around online it depends on the date the truck was made. Some have the same radiator as 02-05 ans some are the newer ones 06-08. I might be wrong though
I'm pretty sure mine was built in Oct 05, so maybe the old design. Called Dealer today and they confirm backorder, but they haven't called back yet to say what the expected ETA is.
Interestingly, they took my word that I had a radiator leak. Hmmmm? Said, "they'd seen a few of them". Asked about a loaner if it was to be a long wait and they kind of deflected the question.
Shaker: since yours is warranty, i believe that part of the roadside assistance includes a loaner. Do what I did and just go the GM of the dealership and not the service guys if you have not yet. Or contact ford first. I did both of these and that is how I got most of my bill paid for by the dealership.
Thanks Aaron, good point. I didn't know that was a feature of the warranty. I'll ask about that as soon as they get back to me on an ETA for a radiator.
Explorer has 48,000 miles and have been advised that I need a new radiator. After checking, it appears that there was a 14 week national backorder - what is wrong with the picture? Obviously there is a problem that Ford is not acknowledging. Is Ford willing to take any responsibility for this obvious repeated problem? I have had a Ford for as long as I can remember, but am not sure that it will be my next one. Urge everyone with this problem to contact 800-241-3673.
I've been waiting almost 3 weeks now. Originally they said 10 days. Going to call Monday. Anyone connected to the dealerships have an update on backlog status?
I finally received my radiator and SUV back after 5 weeks. I called the 800 number and did some serious complaining after the 4th week which finally got the issue resolveed. I have also been a long time ford owner but will definatley re-think the next time I buy another vehicle. I told ford that it would have taken a lot less than 5 weeks to receive a radiator from Japan? For those of you still waiting for the radiator I recommend you keep calling the 800 number and keep complaining which will hopefully get the issue resolved. Also, the dealer did tell me the radiator I now have is a redesign and this shoud not happen again?????????
They had this exact same problem with my 96 and it was mentioned in a TSB. The seal between the tank leaks when the temperature changes. I bought a Visteon unit for my 96, which is from one of Fords suppliers. The Visteon tech support Engineer told me it is still an occasional issue even till this day, especially with the Ford design, and the Visteon one is warrantied for life if that happens. You can mention to Ford that it was acknowledged in the past(but never recalled, just a TSB advisory).
Thanks for the replies guys. Up to now it has not been a real problem for me I have a Mach 1 for the dry days and use my wife's Honda when it rains. But, I just want some realistic idea of ETA. It is saving me gas in the long view!~
49,000 on my 4.0. Guess what? Radator. Took 4 weeks to showup. Just got it. Part number starts with 6L meaning its' a 2006 design. One in it is rev -AA, New one is -AB. Hopefully that means it's a better design.
Anyone do the R&R themselves? From messing with it all day, fairly sure you've gotta unhook the a/c condensor and pull everything as a unit. The side caps have to come off from the side and there's not enough room on the frame rails.
Ah... Never mind... They designed this so there's a bolt in between the radiator and the condensor, about 1/2 way down...
Take out the bolt, and you can rotate the passenger side bracket clockwise (remove air box first) to clear the radiator... then side it to the passenger side, say several cuss words and pull it out.
I sure would like to be left alone with the guy that designed this!!
From what I've heard through local ford places is this seems to be a radiator problem with the 4.0 V6's. Hopefully my V8 doesn't start this crap. Oh well this is the price we pay to support our economy and buy american cars.
