Learning as I go on my 2000 Explorer Sport

[avidmar1978]

I've never usually been one to work on my own vehicles. I used to change my own oil, and I once swapped out an alternator on a Geo Metro, but that was the extent of it. I recently bought a 2000 Explorer Sport with 145K miles for just $900. I wanted to create a list of the issues I've taken care of so far, if for nobody else but myself. Everything except the windshield has been done myself.

1) Cracked windshield - $170 for a replacement
2) Power mirrors not working - Found out switch was just unplugged, swapped out switch for good measure
3) No LED display on radio, CD player not working - replaced with OEM radio from junk yard ($12.50)
4) No spare tire - bought a rim with a bad tire at the junk yard, will replace tire eventually ($12.50 for rim and center cap, which I was also missing)
5) Lift gate wouldn't open - removed and bought a latch at the junk yard to see how it worked (diagrams don't do it justice). Just had to replace a yellow clip ($5)
6) Broken tail lamp - easy fix once I got the lift gate open ($0!)
7) Replaced some speakers ($5)
8) Replaced exhaust and resonator ($50)
9) Bought new hose to attach coolant reservoir to radiator ($6)
10) Power door locks not working - read about that one here ($30 for a multimeter kit):
http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=357525

Next on my TODO list:
1) Replace rear wiper arm - have part, can't get stupid nut off the rod sticking out of the motor ($4)
2) Air bag light
3) Check Engine Light not working
4) Check Fuel Cap light not working
5) Replace/fix outside driver door handle

So far, I'm in it for $295 in parts & testing equipment. Not bad!

 

[drdoom]

Nice work, sounds like you are getting it fixed up nice.

 

[delexploder]

Awesome now you have the bug next thing you know you'll be doin performance mods

 

[avidmar1978]

Bought new (used) tires, as the old ones were balding and had uneven wear from the worst alignment I've ever seen.

$72 for an alignment
$200 for some used tires with plenty of life left in them

While having the tires installed, I discovered:

Front passenger sway bar link was broken, which explains some pretty awful handling
Rear brakes & rotors are shot
Shocks all around are rusted through and the insides are showing

Already fixed the sway bar link, $12 at Auto Zone. 30 minutes to take off the old one, 5 minutes to put on the new one.

Brakes, rotors, and shocks are next on the hit list.