My Explorer Overheated | Page 8 | Ford Explorer Forums

  • Register Today It's free!

My Explorer Overheated

I just had my 2011 Explorer Ltd that I paid over 50K for towed back to Kanata Ford because it overheated. They just told me its the fan motor. This sounds like a big problem. Anyway I missed my kids soccer game, im out taxi fare and car rental and now since Kanata Ford has no parts I have to wait until next week.
 



Join the Elite Explorers for $20 each year or try it out for $5 a month.

Elite Explorer members see no advertisements, no banner ads, no double underlined links,.
Add an avatar, upload photo attachments, and more!
.





Made an appointment, drove to the dealer, and they replaced both fan units in less than an hour. It's been about 2 months and haven't had any more problems in this area.
 






hi,

I am new to the forum and have read through all the threads and postings regarding Ex 2011 overheating issues.# I would like to start off by saying this is a very valuable forum and the information here is very helpful.

Here is my story that I'd like to share:

Just two days ago, while waiting to pay for parking at Canada's Wonderland, a high temp warning came up indicating that the coolent temperature was high.# Prior to that we had experienced a degradation in the A/C where it was blowing only room temperature air.# Shortly after the warning the engine light came on white smoke proceeded to come out of the engine bay and I shut off the engine and upon inspection, there was coolent all over the ground and in the engine bay.# Some nice fellas helped me weave throught the parking line up and pushed our way to the side and called roadside assistance.# Got towed to my home dealership and that's where she sits today.# They have indicated that it is a coolent fan and it needs to be replace, but that's it.# I asked if there was damage to the engine and the service person said he didn't know.# I asked if they have ever seen this, he said he didn't know.# I think i'll give him a link to this forum and perhaps he'll be a little more informed of the real life occurances of owners of the vehicles that he services.# I think it should be mandatory that all Ford Sales/Service folks spend some time on these forum.# Know what you sell and service inside and out.
To give you backgound.# The car is a 2011 EX Limited.# We purchased what would be categorized as a demo model with ~5000KM (~3,100MI).# We took delivery of the car two weeks ago with no issues other than small MFT issues, which from what i've been reading quite common.# We've driven it about ~900KM (~560MI) when our overheating occurred.# We had grand plans to enjoy our new EX with my family, but we've had to forego those plans until later.

Leading up to the delivery of the car we had some issues with the preparation of the car.# We denied delivery twice due to issues cleanliness and preparedness of the vehicle.# Simply a case of the dealer not doing the basics.# Sell the car, make it look good, make sure it's perfect, send of the customer happy.# Regardless, we eventually took delivery of the car.

I can tell you we are not at all happy with this issue.# From what I read, regardless of the safe guards that are in place to prevent further damage to the engine during an overheating scenario, I'm lead to believe that there could be underlying issues and permanant damage to the engine.# Unfortunately it is a sad reality that we have to deal with that as we continue to own this vehicle.# We are soured by this as we've never had issues with our previous cars which were VW's and most recently a GM Saturn Vue.# This is our first Ford and at the moment will be our last.# We regret the purchase.# I've sent of an email to our sales rep and to the general manager on September 2nd after dropping it off indicating to them our displeasure.# My challenge to them stated in the email was simply to make us happy Ford customers again.# I also stated that they can backup their trust in the vehicle they sold me by confidently offering me extended warranty on top of the extended warranty that I already purchased.# I have yet to hear back from them.

I have a couple of questions for the folks on this forum:

Could I have incurred permanant damage to my car's engine with what described above?
Anybody who has had this issue and had it resolved now have a perfectly working car - so far i've read that "it isn't the same"
Has anybody had issues with Ford Meadowvale service located in Mississauga Ontario, Canada?
How can I escalate this issue properly to get me back to a satisfied Ford customer?
What are my options if I wanted to return the car.# I've had the car for 2 weeks?# Are their Canadian laws similar to the Lemon Laws of the USA?
I'm a#newb, What is a TSB? and how does that help me?
Where can I find the build date?
What should be my next steps
Can the ford customer service reps help me allbeit I am located in Canada?
To conclude this long posting, I would like to say to the folks that are thinking of buying an EX 2011 +, hold off, or look at something else.# We did our research, but failed to find this forum which would have helped greatly in our buying research.# Research the dealer, they're good to you and attentive to your needs during the process, but after that you need to make sure they take care of you.

I think i'll give our sales person and the service person a link to this forum and perhaps he'll be a little more informed of the real life occurances of owners of the vehicles that he services.# I think it should be mandatory that all Ford Sales/Service folks spend some time on these forum.# Know what you sell and service inside and out - its just good customer service.

thanks in advance
 






hi,

I have a couple of questions for the folks on this forum:
Could I have incurred permanant damage to my car's engine with what described above?
Anybody who has had this issue and had it resolved now have a perfectly working car - so far i've read that "it isn't the same"
Has anybody had issues with Ford Meadowvale service located in Mississauga Ontario, Canada?
How can I escalate this issue properly to get me back to a satisfied Ford customer?
What are my options if I wanted to return the car.# I've had the car for 2 weeks?# Are their Canadian laws similar to the Lemon Laws of the USA?
I'm a#newb, What is a TSB? and how does that help me?
Where can I find the build date?
What should be my next steps
Can the ford customer service reps help me allbeit I am located in Canada?
To conclude this long posting, I would like to say to the folks that are thinking of buying an EX 2011 +, hold off, or look at something else.# We did our research, but failed to find this forum which would have helped greatly in our buying research.# Research the dealer, they're good to you and attentive to your needs during the process, but after that you need to make sure they take care of you.
Welcome to the forum Vdel. :wavey:
I don't think that you would have done any harm to the engine unless you ran it a really long time after the warning came on.

A TSB is a Technical Service Bulletin. I believe it is issued by the company to identify a particular situation with the vehicle that should be addressed. I think it sent to the dealers but not sure if it would also be sent to owners. I do know that I received a couple of them from Toyota when I owned a Highlander.

In Canada there is no national 'Lemon Law'. Each province has its own statutes.

I thought the build date was somewhere on the vehicle although I just checked and could not find it. You should be able to pull up the Explorer's Window Sticker by going to this link and replacing the existing VIN with your own.
http://fordlabels.webview.biz/webviewhybrid/WindowSticker.aspx?vin=1FMHK8F8XBGA19461

At the bottom right there should be a series of numbers beginning likely with 120. The date you want is after that starting with the year (11), month, day.

I have had my Limited since mid March and am very happy with it. I definitely would buy it again.

Peter
 






With all do respect to all i have bought many 1st year vehicles and they always have issue's. We have to understand that it will be taken care of asap but most of all ford will stand behind there vehicles the sad part is not ford is the dealership's that are giving a hard time to the buyers whatb should be happening is that we should be reporting the dealerships that are screwing around with us that's why i'm very happy to deal with my dealership for around 10+ years they will stand up to ford and make them do right so please don't burn ford burn the dealership i love my explorer all the way is the best one ever and only getting better glitches always will be fixable yes . Sorry to all but lest give them time trust in america ford is america all other's we own we loan them our money and they have gien us b s !!!!
 






Ours overheated recently too. It's a Limited 4x4 with tow package. I asked the dealer if there was any engine damage or if the coolant and oil should be changed and he said no; the Explorer goes into limp mode or shuts off completely if you try to run it too long. Is this true?

I just hope nothing was damaged, I want to have the Ex for a long time.
 






Haven't heard that one, time to check the book.
 






That's interesting. I am supposed to be speaking with my service person at the dealership today and I'm preparing myself to request a coolent flush, oil change and a compression test. It's curious that limp mode would induce white smoke followed by a coolant vomit. I couldn't find anything in the book. If anybody finds it please reference it pls

So JanChristian, what was done since. My issue apparently is a failed coolant fan that now needs to be replaced

Thanks
 






So JanChristian, what was done since. My issue apparently is a failed coolant fan that now needs to be replaced

Thanks
All they did for me was replaced the fan. I wanted the fluids changed but they said it wasn't necessary.
 






That's interesting. I am supposed to be speaking with my service person at the dealership today and I'm preparing myself to request a coolent flush, oil change and a compression test. It's curious that limp mode would induce white smoke followed by a coolant vomit. I couldn't find anything in the book. If anybody finds it please reference it pls

So JanChristian, what was done since. My issue apparently is a failed coolant fan that now needs to be replaced

Thanks
It is covered in the Owner's Guide under Maintenance and Specifications, How Fail Safe Cooling Works. It is on page 390 of my Canadian manual. In short, if temp reaches a predetermined level it goes to alternate cylinder operation first, then if temp increases, engine will shut down. It can be restarted once cooled but should be serviced ASAP.

Peter
 






Hi All,

*update*
I just heard back from the Service manager from my dealership. After sending an email indicating that I would like the following done:
• A Coolant Flush and fill
• An oil change
• A compression and leak down test
• Change the radiator cap
• Please have a look at all the outstanding TSB's that are out on my build date and make ensure that all issues pertaining to my build date are addressed

He indicated that they followed the TSB for the overheating and addressed only TSB's that come up with the VIN and a customer complaint. So provided that there is nothing wrong, and i'm not complaining, they would'nt do or address anything else. The other items I stated were things that I was advised to do (thanks forum!). I also stated that following the TSB would be just enough, but just enough doesn't cut it. The above would be done and it would me feel and regain confidence in the EX. Going that extra step by doing the above tasks, as well as addressing any other TSB's problem or not would be a sign of a good relationship. I need to trust my EX beyond the 1000KM that i've driven it for the two weeks that i've had it.

I haven't heard back from them.

I'll keep you all posted
 






thanks for the reference PeterK9. Everything happened except that I shut off my engine before the EX did it, then it spewed Coolant everywhere. I guess they didn't want that in the manual.

i'll send my edit to Ford for the newer manuals:
- the engine coolant temp gauge will move to the red
- the coolant temp warning light will illuminate
- the service engine soon indicator will illuminate
- all coolant will be ejected on to the asphalt causing steam to escape from the hood of the car and make a spectacle of you and your car

( my apologies for my rather thick sarcasm)
thanks guys - if I can't joke about it, what can I do.

Man I miss my EX
 






2011 XLT (Build 3/25/11) Overheated and threw up its coolant idling in my driveway. Dropped it off at the dealer this morning, repaired under TSB 11 7 21 with new cooling fan assembly and coolant flush.
 






Out of curiosity, do any of the Explorers that have coughed up coolant, have the tow package? I'm asking because they tow package had some extra cooling features.
 






My XLT has 1532 miles when it stalled and overheated in SF where the weather was very comfortable at 65 degrees outside. It was on a Saturday afternoon where I was taking an out of town guest for a visit in the city. It was towed to a Ford dealership in the evening. Monday AM, Ford told me it will be fixed by next day. By Thursday, I was told the parts won't be in until the following Tuesday. I insisted for a loaner since I have been out of car for 5 days and another 5 days without one will be too much of an inconvenience. I also called Customer Service and complained about the reliability issue of this vehicle. I was granted a loaner but limted to the most basic car. I opted for an upgrade but had to pay extra $ for it. After 10 days, I finally got my XLT back after they replaced the fan and radiator. Now I am worried. I should have kept my 2008 C300 Mercedes which I traded in.
 






After just barely 4 months since the last time it overheated, it happened again today. While driving an out of town guests to Napa Valley, my EX overheated for the 2nd time at 4,800 miles. My AC was set at 73 degrees and then we starting loosing it. Has this happened to anyone else other than me?
 






Great this now?

Hello everyone,

I found this site due to my odd past issues that may or may not have somehow resolved themselves and new ones like overheating. I've experienced three over heating warnings but no shut offs. Must be the fans, more so because the warning only comes if car ***** for more than five minutes or so. Luckily we don't stop for too long. Making an appointment for this Saturday.
 






After just barely 4 months since the last time it overheated, it happened again today. While driving an out of town guests to Napa Valley, my EX overheated for the 2nd time at 4,800 miles. My AC was set at 73 degrees and then we starting loosing it. Has this happened to anyone else other than me?

Mine took three months between the first incident and the second incident. Fans were replaced after the second time as the engine computer threw some fault codes as well. No more problems, but it has only been ~ one month and the weather has cooled off.

I'd recommend taking it in now, while it is convenient to get the work done. If it fails unexpectedly, like with your guests in the car, things are much less pleasant. Even if you can't schedule the work right now, I'd take it in to the closest dealership and have them check the computer log so Ford will have official record of it overheating otherwise they may give you the "we have to see the problem in order to fix it" line.
 






Hey guys,

I wanted to check in on this thread to offer my assistance. I can help by forwarding the details to the Customer Service Manager in your area. For me to do this, please send a PM with your contact information, VIN, approximate mileage, and dealer name/state.

Cory
 



Join the Elite Explorers for $20 each year or try it out for $5 a month.

Elite Explorer members see no advertisements, no banner ads, no double underlined links,.
Add an avatar, upload photo attachments, and more!
.





Johnny neats i hope you fix the ***** on the explorer because i my explorer ***** i will sue ford lol
 






Featured Content

Back
Top