'96 XLT 4.0L Ticking

[rlhay07]

Just bought a 1996 ford explorer 4x4 with the 4.0L engine and found out there is a slight ticking, from what I heard they are notorious for this, I'm mechanically inclined, just haven't taken a look at the engine yet, anyone got any ideas on what it could be?I would really appriciate all answers, also the E brake light stays on,forgot to add, the people before did not take care of this truck at all, front brakes are shot on it you have to put the pedal to the floor to stop it, maybe thats the reason why the ebrake light is on I read somewhere on some vehicles if your brake system is not working right the brake light comes on? not sure what that problem is to either,answers to both I would be greatful!

 

[Space Truckin']

Welcome to the forum. If you have a 4.0L SOHC, and not the OHV version, you should look at this recent thread, but I think this problem started in '97. What version of the 4.0L engine do you have?

Baby Diesel sounding X?
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=194118

These older threads should help too.

Timing Chain Pictures!?!
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=161701

SOHC Complete Timing (Front + Rear) Chains + guids + tensioners etc
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=175601

TSB 02-7-6 4.0L SOHC Timing Chain Rattle
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163298

Your brake light will stay on if the master cylinder is low on brake fluid (very dangerous) or if the rear emergency brake pads are worn out.

 

[tipdrill]

OHV engines have a valve tick. you can try seafoam.

 

[carlover]

For the tick you might wanna try changing your oil to a full synthetic, that quieted mine alot. As for the brake light, id check the master cylinder for fluid, and check the ebrake switch to make sure its functioning properly.

 

[Glock40cal]

While its not an X, my girlfriends Escort's brake light comes on when the rear shoes wear down. My guess is that the caliper is pushed out so far that it turns that light on. Replacing the rear shoes turn off the brake light, at least on her car anyway.

 

[mikkibtune]

While its not an X, my girlfriends Escort's brake light comes on when the rear shoes wear down. My guess is that the caliper is pushed out so far that it turns that light on. Replacing the rear shoes turn off the brake light, at least on her car anyway.

I have to agree with Glock and others, the dash light BRAKE will come on, even dimly when there is a problem with the brakes _ ie bad calipers, dangerously low pads etc. Not reliably, but they do come on...