My Explorer Overheated

[G37RRaiders]

I remember when I was going over options with the dealer that the tow package came with an upgraded trans and cooling system those were his words can anyone confirm?

I ordered the limited 4WD

I don't think this is related to the tow package as it is not the radiator. No matter how big or how efficient your radiator is, if the cooling fan stop working then you will overheat in traffic.

As all of us that experienced overheating, we all have failed cooling fan.

 

[donm527]

what was your build date? would be interested to know build date on others that have had this issue.

I don't think this is related to the tow package as it is not the radiator. No matter how big or how efficient your radiator is, if the cooling fan stop working then you will overheat in traffic.

As all of us that experienced overheating, we all have failed cooling fan.

 

[Holligl]

I don't think this is related to the tow package as it is not the radiator. No matter how big or how efficient your radiator is, if the cooling fan stop working then you will overheat in traffic.

As all of us that experienced overheating, we all have failed cooling fan.

The fan could be different with the towing package. The question was whether anyone with the towing package has had a fan failure. I think part of the difference is transmission cooling. I don't know how the cooling is routed. there is an air intake on the passenger side.

 

[Bill #5 Explorer]

I remember when I was going over options with the dealer that the tow package came with an upgraded trans and cooling system those were his words can anyone confirm?

I ordered the limited 4WD

This has been covered before, may times. All of the new Explores have a Trans Cooler, regardless if you have the Tow Package or not. Only those with the Tow Package have the Oil Cooler.

 

[NJ-Xman-2011]

I made an appointment to have my SYNC upgraded from 2.4 to 2.8 last Thursday. During the upgrade they had to have the car running and it overheated. There is a service bulletin regarding the overheating and so they kept my X-Limited and gave me a loaner stating that the fan is backordered and they were not sure when it would be back in stock. I was called yesterday that the part was in and my car was ready. My Limited has the trailer tow package, so therefore even with the upgraded trailer towing specs they can overheat. I now notice that my A/C works so much better. The 2.8 SYNC upgrade rocks! Finally you can touch a function and it immediately happens....so far satisfied.

 

[dco43054]

My Limited has the trailer tow package, so therefore even with the upgraded trailer towing specs they can overheat.

Sounds like a cooling fan quit. If so, that's a parts fail - not a function of having the tow package, or not.

 

[tecmjl1981]

My Limited did the same thing... Had to be towed to the dealer

It seems like deja vu looking at this forum. I had the same issue with my 2011 limited explorer, except I was never warned about the engine overheating, and the truck just stalled. Luckily I was sitting in traffic. So being I saw no alerts/warnings I restarted the truck and smoke shot out of the engine bay.

My dealer replaced my engine cooling fan, and filled my coolant reservoir back up (being it was empty and the liquid was all over my engine, I have pics if anyone wants to see) and the truck hasn’t been right since. I asked the dealer why I wasn’t warned of the engine overheating (I don’t keep my left screen on the truck temp, well now I do, but then I didn’t), and they couldn’t answer my question... They just looked and me and said it’s a failsafe, to which they responded "I dunno", so I asked if the smoke was an extra added effect. I don’t know what if any damage was done do my engine, because I was driving for at least an hour before the truck stalled the first time. I know I should have had the screen to show the truck temp as well, but I think if the truck is smart enough to tell me other stuff I don’t care about it should tell me when the trucks engine is approaching a critical temp..

I plan on calling Ford CS to complain to them.... Between all my MFT issues and this, I am really regretting this purchase. Oh and my MFT was upgraded to 2.8 and it is worse than 2.4. Ive had to hard reset it 3x already

 

[chimoman]

Does anyone know if this is related to the high pitch squeal you hear after shutting the vehicle down. Very high pitch, barely detectable. I remember reading on here back in Feb that it was some sort of fan. Not sure if it was the cooling fan though.

Cheers.

EDIT:Found the link for the sound.

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=311396

No one has updated their results though.

 

[G37RRaiders]

It seems like deja vu looking at this forum. I had the same issue with my 2011 limited explorer, except I was never warned about the engine overheating, and the truck just stalled. Luckily I was sitting in traffic. So being I saw no alerts/warnings I restarted the truck and smoke shot out of the engine bay.

My dealer replaced my engine cooling fan, and filled my coolant reservoir back up (being it was empty and the liquid was all over my engine, I have pics if anyone wants to see) and the truck hasn’t been right since. I asked the dealer why I wasn’t warned of the engine overheating (I don’t keep my left screen on the truck temp, well now I do, but then I didn’t), and they couldn’t answer my question... They just looked and me and said it’s a failsafe, to which they responded "I dunno", so I asked if the smoke was an extra added effect. I don’t know what if any damage was done do my engine, because I was driving for at least an hour before the truck stalled the first time. I know I should have had the screen to show the truck temp as well, but I think if the truck is smart enough to tell me other stuff I don’t care about it should tell me when the trucks engine is approaching a critical temp..

I plan on calling Ford CS to complain to them.... Between all my MFT issues and this, I am really regretting this purchase. Oh and my MFT was upgraded to 2.8 and it is worse than 2.4. Ive had to hard reset it 3x already

sorry to hear that, that is why I am complaining so hard to the Ford CS right now because just replace the engine cooling fan does not fix all the problems that overheating creates.

Back to your point about warning, I wasn't on the screen that shows the water temperature, when the overheating occurred, a Red Alert Popup on the left size with a ding-dong sound. So I think that warning part of your car is probably not working also. Your dealer shouldn't say "I don't know".

 

[tecmjl1981]

sorry to hear that, that is why I am complaining so hard to the Ford CS right now because just replace the engine cooling fan does not fix all the problems that overheating creates.

Back to your point about warning, I wasn't on the screen that shows the water temperature, when the overheating occurred, a Red Alert Popup on the left size with a ding-dong sound. So I think that warning part of your car is probably not working also. Your dealer shouldn't say "I don't know".

I got that warning along with every other warning light in the car turning on and all these chimes going off after the car stalled and I restarted it along with the smoke show coming out of my engine bay, while I was inside of a tunnel in the NY/NJ area.

Oh and back to my dealer, the i dunno came from the service manager. Maybe it is time to bring this truck somewhere else, because it seems like everytime I bring it to them, they always tell me no problems found...

 

[swetrid]

There is a ne Printable View (50 KB)
TSB
11-5-18 COOLING FAN NOISE, LACK A/C AND/OR OVERHEAT CONDITION

Publication Date: May 24, 2011

FORD: 2011 Taurus, Explorer, Flex
LINCOLN: 2011 MKS, MKT


ISSUE:
Some 2011 Explorer, MKT, Flex, Taurus, and MKS vehicles equipped with dual engine cooling fans and built between 9/1/2010 and 3/14/2011 may exhibit a noise as the cooling fans wind down to a stop, lack of air conditioner performance while the vehicle is stationary or moving at slow speeds, and/or an overheat condition.

ACTION:
Follow the Service Procedure steps to correct the condition.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

Using IDS, verify the fan operates properly. (PID FAN_CTRL or FAN_DSD).
If the fan makes a squeak or squeals as it spins to a stop or if the fan does not operate, replace the cooling fan assembly. Refer to the Workshop Manual, Section 303-03.
If the fan is operating properly do not continue with this article.
Prior to releasing the vehicle, ensure the coolant level is at the proper level.

PART NUMBER PART NAME
BA8Z-8C607-C Cooling Fan (Explorer/Flex/MKT)
BA5Z-8C607-C Cooling Fan (Taurus/MKS w/Dual Cooling Fans)


WARRANTY STATUS:
Eligible Under Provisions Of New Vehicle Limited Warranty Coverage
IMPORTANT: Warranty coverage limits/policies are not altered by a TSB. Warranty coverage limits are determined by the identified causal part.

OPERATION DESCRIPTION TIME
110518A 2011 MKS 3.7L DOHC And Taurus 3.5L DOHC: Replace The Cooling Fan Assembly Includes Time To Diagnose (Do Not Claim With Any Other Labor Operations) 0.5 Hr.
110518A 2011 MKT 3.7L DOHC And Flex 3.5L DOHC: Replace The Cooling Fan Assembly Includes Time To Diagnose (Do Not Claim With Any Other Labor Operations) 0.5 Hr.
110518A 2011 Explorer: Replace The Cooling Fan Assembly Includes Time To Diagnose (Do Not Claim With Any Other Labor Operations) 0.6 Hr.
110518A 2011 MKT, Flex, Taurus, And MKS 3.5L GTDI: Replace The Cooling Fan Assembly Includes Time To Diagnose (Do Not Claim With Any Other Labor Operations) 1.2 Hrs.

DEALER CODING
BASIC PART NO. CONDITION CODE
8c607 42

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NOTE: The information in Technical Service Bulletins is intended for use by trained, professional technicians with the knowledge, tools, and equipment to do the job properly and safely. It informs these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or provides information that could assist in proper vehicle service. The procedures should not be performed by "do-it-yourselfers". Do not assume that a condition described affects your car or truck. Contact a Ford or Lincoln dealership to determine whether the Bulletin applies to your vehicle. Warranty Policy and Extended Service Plan documentation determine Warranty and/or Extended Service Plan coverage unless stated otherwise in the TSB article. The information in this Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) was current at the time of printing. Ford Motor Company reserves the right to supercede this information with updates. The most recent information is available through Ford Motor Company's on-line technical resources.

Copyright © 2011 Ford Motor Company

w tsb for this problem.

 

[FordService]

I will be dropping my '11 Limited off tonight to get looked at for overheating. Happened last night in 60 degree rainy weather while waiting in a drive through.

I am also having issues with the transmission- has a weird noise that begins in 2nd gear, can be harsh with up and down shifts too. The dealer replaced some "tube" but it did not help and now they want to replace another "tube" further back. The part was supposed to have been in Tues or Wed. Here it is Thursday with no call from them.

The update to 2.8 did resolve my Sync issues.

I was really looking forward to getting this car, and now I am regretting my decision. I too am one who will not be recommending this vehicle to anyone.

I’m glad your SYNC issues were resolved, but the other problems must be frustrating, to say the least. I’ve been working to escalate your concern so you are contacted. I greatly appreciate your patience while I do this.

Cory

 

[FordService]

Supposed to be in on Monday. Discussed the transmission noise with the mechanic, he thinks that by the time all is said and done, I will need a new transmission. 2400 miles on my Limited.

Yay me.

I just wanted to let you know that I was able to escalate your concern and sent you a private message with the details. Thank you so much for your patience.

Cory

 

[Joe Dirt]

Things do get taken care of- my Dad's new 2010 F-150 dropped a transmission at 1,118.3 miles. One week total, and a new transmission, Ford took care of it, the dealer was accommodating, and all is well. Once in a while stuff breaks- it doesn't make it any more tolerable, because like anyone else, I want an "unmolested" new vehicle free of issues, warning lights, dings, scratches, etc- but I've had issues as well with new vehicles. I wouldn't want to be "that guy" with the truck that overheated, so I hear ya- that's a problem I wouldn't want in the history of hte vehicle, it would worry me from then on. But, they're mechanical- sometimes stuff just happens. Thankfully, we have Ford reps like Cory that can help escalate concerns. That's invaluable, especially if you have a less-than-stellar dealer in your area.

tecm- I would for sure take it to another dealer. In fact, I'd have some contact with Cory, and maybe he/Ford can suggest a course of action and a dealer for you that could have some more apparent competence in the matter. I think your dealer is giving you the run-around.

That's the most frustrating thing about the 2011's- that we know more about these vehicles than the dealer. Too many Ford dealers in 2011 are seeming like they're filled with nothing more than Best Buy salespeople, in that we have to inform ourselves about the vehicles, because they sure as heck can't do it. Frustrating, especially when Ford is trying to gain market share. I was at the Chrysler/Jeep dealer the other day as we were having our shop Sprinter worked on, so I strolled over to a GC to smell the leather D) and the salesman and I started talking, and I asked about the new Explorer, and he knew every little issue about it- and how to sell against it. Be careful, Ford- the others are watching, and using you against yourselves...

 

[FordService]

No.

Just got the EX back, same problem as the others - faulty cooling Fan. I am still very unhappy about this problem because the long term health of the car is greatly decreased.

I can see why you would be unhappy about these issues and I would like to offer my assistance with your Explorer’s concerns. So I can do this, please send me a PM with VIN, dealer name, and approximate mileage.

Cory

 

[FordService]

I got that warning along with every other warning light in the car turning on and all these chimes going off after the car stalled and I restarted it along with the smoke show coming out of my engine bay, while I was inside of a tunnel in the NY/NJ area.

Oh and back to my dealer, the i dunno came from the service manager. Maybe it is time to bring this truck somewhere else, because it seems like everytime I bring it to them, they always tell me no problems found...

I wanted to reach out to see if I can look into the issues with your Explorer. I would like to escalate the concerns and have it so you’re contacted to discuss the problems. Please see my above post for the details I'll need in order to do this.

Cory

 

[Vic]

The 2011 Explorer is equipped with a Fail-Safe cooling system to prevent damage to the engine in the event of a loss of coolant. Information can be found in the Owner's Manual, page 386.

http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pubs/content/~WOBEXP/~MUS~LEN/42/11expog4e.pdf

What you should know about fail-safe cooling

If the engine coolant supply is depleted, this feature allows the vehicle to
be driven temporarily before incremental component damage is incurred.
The “fail-safe” distance depends on ambient temperatures, vehicle load
and terrain.

How fail-safe cooling works

If the engine begins to overheat:

• The engine coolant temperature gauge will move to the red (hot)
area.
• The coolant temperature warning light will illuminate.
• The service engine soon indicator will illuminate.

If the engine reaches a preset over-temperature condition, the engine
will automatically switch to alternating cylinder operation. Each disabled
cylinder acts as an air pump and cools the engine.

When this occurs the vehicle will still operate. However:

• The engine power will be limited.
• The air conditioning system will be disabled.

Continued operation will increase the engine temperature and the engine
will completely shut down, causing steering and braking effort to
increase.

Once the engine temperature cools, the engine can be re-started. Take
your vehicle to an authorized dealer as soon as possible to minimize
engine damage.

When fail-safe mode is activated

You have limited engine power when in the fail-safe mode, so drive the
vehicle with caution. The vehicle will not be able to maintain high-speed
operation and the engine will run rough. Remember that the engine is
capable of completely shutting down automatically to prevent engine
damage, therefore:

1. Pull off the road as soon as safely possible and turn off the engine.
2. Arrange for the vehicle to be taken to an authorized dealer.
3. If this is not possible, wait a short period for the engine to cool.
4. Check the coolant level and replenish if low

 

[edcamp]

So did mine. Didn't have temp display on at the time so the alarm came on. Switched temp display on and saw temp in the red. Engine was idiling for only 10 minutes but was a very warm day. Don't think cooling fans came on. Will have it checked. Will also have engine temp displayed since I don't trust it.

 

[sm4astan]

Engine Overheating

Just an FYI - I just experienced this overheating issue on our 2011 Limited X while at a Soccer tournament with the family in VT this past weekend. For the record, I have just over 8,000 miles on the vehicle. We had hit just about every light on the main drag to the fields, long lights that put us at an idle for 3-4 minutes each time (AC was on since it was hot out). Then we stopped at a gas station so I could run in and get ice and drinks. When I got out and started driving, the Engine Overheating warning came on. I click through the OK and turned off the AC right away thinking that was taxing the engine. The temp started to go down, so I thought it was random, then turned the AC back on while navigating the parking lot (at slow speeds) and by the time I had made my way through about 1.5 miles of parking lot and back connecting dirt roads to get to parking by our fields the Engine light went off again. I was just pulling in to park when the overflow tank let loose and steam started coming out from under the hood. You don't want to know what I said. To make a long story short, I did make it back to Upstate NY ok (after filling up on coolant) and watching my AC use. I took the vehicle in yesterday to be looked at (engine light was still on) and just picked it up a few hours ago and was told they found nothing wrong with it. Not more than 1 hour ago my wife called me from the X while waiting to pick up daughter at school (she had waited for about 5 minutes with AC on at an idle) saying the engine temp was almost to the top (that LCD display has now replaced my prior favorite MPG gauge for obvious reasons - before I never used it) and was overheating. I thought she was crazy. She turned off AC, drove back to the house, and while idling in the drive, I turned AC on high and waited. Within about 5 minutes the engine temp gauge was almost to the top. I came to these forums (should have done that when I got back from VT, and had planned to but forgot), searched engine overheating and found this. Called the service department where I just was, gave them the TSB for the issue, and asked if they thought this might have caused the problem. Yes, it sure could was the response. Sigh.

All I have to say, is if you have a 2011 X, you may want to test this now, before you get stuck like I almost was. For something that is a possible known issue like this, you'd think they would be more proactive. Really upsets me...but I love the X.

Beware....

 

[new to ford]

I took the vehicle in yesterday to be looked at (engine light was still on) and just picked it up a few hours ago and was told they found nothing wrong with it.

I can't freaking believe the dealership would tell you "no problems found":thumbdwn:

Couple weeks ago, my fan started squealing, called the dealership to set-up the appointment, prior to the appointment, the squealing went away. Dealership stated they needed to VERIFY that the issue is present before the will take action, so I had to cancel my appointment and wait until either the squealing comes back and/or my engine overheats, or my AC cuts-off!!:thumbdwn: I feel like we are driving a timebomb!, now I have to instruct my wife to look after the engine coolant gauge, which see hardly remembers to even glance at the fuel gauge, nevertheless the engine coolant gauge.

Seriously FORD, do we all now wait until the wife and kids are stranded on the side of the road with an overheated engine?

We love our ex, but this overheating, IMO is getting out of hand, just check out the explorer facebook page and see the amount of people with AC/engine overheating issues.

Cory, what steps is FORD taking regarding this issue? is it a case by case or will something be rolled out across the board? What is the fan failure rate? I think it's significant, even my co-worker who own's an ex needed the fans replaced... I would be extremely upset if my almost new vehicle overheats, I would not care much if it was a lease, but I purchased it and I want to keep this vehicle for many years to come.