Info on 1998 Explorer Issues Requested

[gpbarth]

Just thought I'd throw in my $.02 here, as this topic hit my sore spot. I just bought a pre-owned (no one says "used" anymore?) '98 Explorer with the Securicode door pad. The 3rd owner I bought the vehicle from had no idea what the code was, and had never even been curious. I went straight to the manuals, which seemed to be fairly untouched and complete, but the code was NOT in the manuals.

But since I can find almost anything on-line, I Googled the problem, and found that the code was written on a tag inside the jack storage panel. I took a quick look and could barely see anything, but a co-worker told me to call the local Ford dealer and they could look it up using the VIN.

Do NOT do this unless you are at wits end. I called the dealer here and was told that they could get the code for me, for "only $45!" I crawled back inside the back of my Explorer with a flashlight and found the code in about 1 minute. I have never trusted dealers, and this has proven why. As others up here have posted, you can usually find the code somewhere on the vehicle. Unless your system is hosed (a mis-aligned keypad???), stay away from the dealers.

BTW, I love this vehicle. But I am concerned because I took it to my mechanic to look at before I bought it, and he said it was known in mechanic circles as the Ford "Exploder!" Any input up here on this?

 

[jremington59]

Almost any vehicle is as good as it's been maintained. With that said, the 6 cyl SOHC is known for timing chain problems and a weak tranny compared to the 5.0. Which did you get?

 

[gpbarth]

Almost any vehicle is as good as it's been maintained. With that said, the 6 cyl SOHC is known for timing chain problems and a weak tranny compared to the 5.0. Which did you get?

It's the 6. The vehicle has been meticulously maintained, garage-kept, nothing but Amzoil synthetic oil. Looks like it just came off the showroom floor. My mechanic said it was in great shape for a '98. But he didn't do a thorough exam, so nothing on compression, tranny, etc.

It runs good, has less than 98K miles on it. And (I have learned) the ubiquitous dead stereo display, which I intend to repair myself, being a lifelong electronic technician. So far so good. But I will watch that timing chain. Maybe it would be a good idea to have it changed out - what would I be looking at, cost-wise?

 

[jremington59]

There's a ton of threads here regarding the "death rattle". If it isn't slapping leave it be.

 

[chefduane]

There's a ton of threads here regarding the "death rattle". If it isn't slapping leave it be.

I second JR59's comments. If it ain't broke don't fix it. But if it is broke, fix it asap and do reg maintenance. A well maintained '98 SOHC will go a long way IF properly maintained. I have 181K on mine, no rattle so far. BUT, I have done oil/filter/air filter changes meticulously at 3k-3.5k miles. Every 3rd or 4th change I run it with STP until the next one. I've run injector cleaner through it once in a while, done a MAF/IAC/throttle body cleaning, and Seafoamed it. I did have to do a pricey tranny rebuild (5r55e 4x4) a while back but that's about it. Don't skimp on regular maintenance, fix what breaks, and you should be ok.

Chef Duane
Plano, TX.

 

[pbnj22]

It's the 6. The vehicle has been meticulously maintained, garage-kept, nothing but Amzoil synthetic oil. Looks like it just came off the showroom floor. My mechanic said it was in great shape for a '98. But he didn't do a thorough exam, so nothing on compression, tranny, etc.

It runs good, has less than 98K miles on it. And (I have learned) the ubiquitous dead stereo display, which I intend to repair myself, being a lifelong electronic technician. So far so good. But I will watch that timing chain. Maybe it would be a good idea to have it changed out - what would I be looking at, cost-wise?

which v6? isnt there two? the sohc and the ohv? and didnt only the sohc have timing chain problems?

 

[koda2000]

which v6? isnt there two? the sohc and the ohv? and didnt only the sohc have timing chain problems?

yes, the SOHC is the one that had the timing chain problems. the OHV V6 shared the same transmission as the SOHC and has been known to suffer from cracked heads, but that may only occur after overheating. Ford did not correct the timing chain cassette problem until 2005. the SOHC is a more powerful engine than the OHV V6.

 

[chefduane]

yes, the SOHC is the one that had the timing chain problems. Ford did not correct the timing chain cassette problem until 2005.

I'll have to look back thru my paperwork. I may have had this TSB done. That may be why I don't have any rattle at 181k miles. If not, knock on wood.

Chef Duane
Plano, TX.