97 model explorer with 3 problems.

[JB-1956]

Hi everyone, we’ve just got a 97 model explorer with 3 problems.

1. The electrical system constantly discharges the battery at a rate of 3.5 amps (3.5 x 12v = 42w which is equivalent to the 2 brake lights being permanently stuck on). This is a problem I’ve come up against on other vehicles and is usually down to a component which has a constant electrical supply like a clock, radio or Alternator. Are there any components that are noted for causing this problem on the Explorer?

2. The brakes on my explorer are excellent but just as I come to a standstill the ABS comes in and while the car stops okay I can feel the ABS through the brake pedal. As yet I’ve not received the workshop manual for the car so I’m unsure of the ABS sensor layout but from experience I’m wondering if I’ve got cracked ABS ring on a drive shaft or a faulty or badly adjusted wheel sensor? Has anyone had experience of this problem and what the fault turned out to be?

3. I’ve just come back from a 24-26 mile run and the engine management light has just come. Any ideas why? And can this be reset by disconnecting the battery?

If anyone has had any problems like the ones I’ve just described or knows to any known components that cause any of these problem it might save me some time locating the faults

Thanks everyone for reading this
JB

 

[Ilikemice]

I had (Still have) the same ABS problem. The sensors attach to the hub assembly, which can be bought on Ebay or Rockauto. The hub assembly holds the bearings and ABS ring, and has to be replaced if your bearings go.

New hubs come with new sensors. There's a way to test the sensors shown on this thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=302947. To get to the sensor, remove the wheel, disc and dust cover thing and the sensor is held in by a single bolt. With the sensor removed you can then look into the ABS ring and see if the teeth are free of debris.

I tried all of the above, and decided I needed a new hub assembly. I'd been driving with the sensor unplugged behind the bumper, and plugged it back in for the MOT. Naughty I know!

 

[PHaTGRoB]

Welcome JB. One of the problems with my ABS has been with the one rear sensor located in the the top of the rear differential. I had a mobile diagnostics man come and get the fault codes stored in mine but not all have the software to check the ABS and other ancillary systems since it's a US vehicle. New sensor price was not bad - £36 from Ford. Awful access to it without a pit (or even a garage) and having finally changed it, I also seem to have a problem with the module...but that's my cross to bear! GRoB.

 

[JB-1956]

Thanks for the advice on the ABS fault guys, I’m back at work for the next 4 days so I’ll have another look next Tuesday.

I set about searching for the power drain today and found a major drain through fuse13 so I went back inside to study the handbook and have a drink. When I returned about 10-minutes later my ammeter was showing a 0.4-amp discharge which dropped to 0.1 amp when I pulled fuse 8 for the headlamp circuits, so I need to follow that circuit through to find the fault. At least disconnecting the battery has cleared the engine management warning light.

I need to get a workshop manual for the Explorer and I see Haynes publish one that covers my year but its USA spec. Is this suitable for my UK spec Explorer or can anyone recommend an alternative publication?

 

[Ilikemice]

The US spec Haynes should suffice

 

[PHaTGRoB]

I have the Haynes Manual but it's rubbish when it comes to wiring diagrams. Various people sell "cheap" copies of the more detailed workshop (service/repair) manuals on Ebay which have significantly more detail and cover the differences between the model years better. I bought a copy of one but seem to be missing the disc at the moment and didn't copy it to hard drive, so am working off various bits of it on paper copy. Worth the few quid they cost. GRoB.

 

[JB-1956]

I know what you mean with the Haynes Manuals GRoB, I’ve had quite a few, some with easy to follow line diagrams and others with coded diagrams. I’ve ordered a manual from Haynes but if I can’t follow it then I’ll be back on eBay.