I LOVE my Explorer, and I have a few questions...

[bobbito]

I purchased a used '02 Explorer Eddie Bauer with the Flex Fuel V6. It had 99,000 miles on it

Might ABS light has been on from day 1. I understand this can be a simple fix, can anybody point me to a thread that has a more complete instruction guide on potential problems and relevant fixes?

My 4x4 seems to grind while turning (doesn't seem like typical binding) when I put it in 4-Hi. Even if I'm in 4-Auto and go over a speed bump slowly, I'm hearing creaking/grinding. It sounds like dry metal rubbing against dry metal. Does the 4x4 have to be greased, any experiences like this/potential fixes? This is my first 4x4 vehicle so its not like I necessarily know what isand isn't binding, but as I understand it, binding is a result of the wheels spinning at different speeds; which is a typical situation for turning. My concern really kicks in for the situations in which I'm going straight, slowly, over big bumps/potholes.

Electrical Issues:

• Ignition beeps unless engine is turned on
• Driver door controls don't work (but passenger door controls do work) if no key is in ignition
• CD player/changer always says "error."
• Reverse sensor works intermittently
• Heated seats work intermittently
• No interior lights... the 2nd row lights come on if I push the bottom, but no lights come on when you open the door
• Puddle Lights: Driver side puddle light never comes on, passenger puddle light comes on and stays on for about 20 minutes. If you open a door with the ignition off, the passenger light comes on and stays on for 20 minutes. It only turns off if the engine is running, or after 20 minutes have elapsed.

 

[matt0248]

First you need to get teh ABS codes read to see what the code is and then go from there. It could be a wheel speed sensor or something more serious like a control module. But, until the codes are read you have no idea where to look. The other electrical problems are harder to pinpoint. Check the wiring between the drivers door and the door jam, there is a thread floating around here on how to do this. Broken wires in teh door can cause all kinds of issues. this also makes sense with the controls that do not work in the drivers door, the key chime on all the time, and the puddle light not working.

 

[JdammitK]

The cd changer error is most likely not fixable, the test is to put a cd in and listen, if it spins up it might just need cleaning, if it doesn't spin it has to be replaced. At least that is my understanding from researching the same issue in the '05.

 

[seventystangfan]

I've been told not to use the 4wd on hard pavement. It was explained that the front axle has a different ratio than the back axle and you should be on dirt, grass, gravel, snow, etc. to use the 4wd.

 

[BigRondo]

Welcome aboard bobbito!!


I had similar electrical issues with my 02 xlt. The dome lights would stay on until the battery saver feature turned them off, the accessory delay wasn't working, the driver side puddle light didn't work, the keypad on the door would set off the alarm when I pressed it, the door ajar light would flash and beep at highway speeds, the radio would shut off as soon as I turned the key off, the delayed accessories didn't work, etc. Most recently all 4 windows stopped working.

A lot of electrical issues can be traced back to broken/damaged wire(s) in the boot between the body and the driver's door. I found 2 broken wires and repaired them. The thin black ground wire was broken and after repairing it all was back to normal. When the windows stopped working, I repaired the thick black ground wire and the windows now work like a champ.

Here is the thread for removing the door panel: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=303524

Here is a great thread for checking for broken/damaged wires, thanks to synyster for this awesome write-up: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=270081

Be sure to take your time when looking for broken/damaged wire(s). Check all the wires for breaks/damage. When you think you're done looking, look again, and again, and again. A bright flashlight can be very helpful.

Hope this helps out. :biggthump

Please keep us posted as feedback helps others reading this post looking for a fix to the same or similar issue!

 

[bobbito]

All I have to say is WOOHOO! You guys are great, thanks for the help and please keep it coming!

 

[BigRondo]

All I have to say is WOOHOO! You guys are great, thanks for the help and please keep it coming!

Did you get anything fixed, or are you excited about getting the info?

 

[therealblinky]

on the issue of the "Binding"

One thing to check is to make sure all your tires are the same, and that they have been properly roatated. These trucks with the auto 4wd are really sensitive when the tires dont match because it will try to kick in and out of 4wd. Just a thought.

 

[bobbito]

I haven't started any of the above-mentioned repairs yet, I'm just excited (and a little shocked) at how helpful this community is.

 

[Wills05xlt4x4]

I purchased a used '02 Explorer Eddie Bauer with the Flex Fuel V6. It had 99,000 miles on it
My 4x4 seems to grind while turning (doesn't seem like typical binding) when I put it in 4-Hi. Even if I'm in 4-Auto and go over a speed bump slowly, I'm hearing creaking/grinding. It sounds like dry metal rubbing against dry metal. Does the 4x4 have to be greased, any experiences like this/potential fixes? This is my first 4x4 vehicle so its not like I necessarily know what isand isn't binding, but as I understand it, binding is a result of the wheels spinning at different speeds; which is a typical situation for turning. My concern really kicks in for the situations in which I'm going straight, slowly, over big bumps/potholes.
[/LIST]

Sounds like maybe upper ball joints and maybe mismatch diameter tires..
I would know since I have both issues now...

 

[BigRondo]

I haven't started any of the above-mentioned repairs yet, I'm just excited (and a little shocked) at how helpful this community is.

This is a great place for sure. Post any questions you have when you start working on your Ex.

Good Luck.