New Mountaineer owner 2003

[Sandman73]

So hello I am new to this forum, i just bought a 2003 Mountaineer w/ 31,000 miles on it. So far we love it. So i am wondering what should i expect and what to look out for.. I had a 94 Explorer and it ran awesome..

My Mounty has the AWD w/ the 4.0 V6 one thing i am wondering is how do you know which model you got meaning(Convenience, Premier, or luxury)? this thing has got everything in it except the DVD player so. If someone can help me out that would be great.

I am also wondering i am not familur with the AWd thing i understand 4x4 but AWd not totally. So does that mean its always basically 4X4 or is only when needed or when at surtain speeds what i have no owners manual or anything. My sales man i bought the truck from was awesome and i got a great deal but he was not that knowledgable about Mountaineers.. I know i am asking a lot of questions but also with my keys I got a little silver key and i can not find out what it goes to its not the gas cap or anything like that if anyone has one please let me know what it is..

Thanks

 

[shadowless127]

Welcome to the forum and congrats on the purchase!!

Things to look out for

1) Trans is notorious for problems, at 60K i had to have two new piston rods put in and 2 new servos

2) Rear end whine -- Ford issued a TSB about this and it requires a new gear and pinion -- if not covered under warranty this could be a pricey repair at $1500

As far as i know, the convience has a really dark graphite colored body trim color and doesnt have all the goodies like DATC, htd seats, etc. The Luxury has a silver body trim color and has all the goodies. The premier's body trim matches whatever color the vehicle is an adds a chrome roof rack, and a Premier badge on the rear hatch. The only difference between the Luxury and the premier is the roof rack, and matching body trim molding (which to means doesnt matter as I have a silver mounty)

I have no idea what the silver key is for because i did not receive one iwth my mounty.

AWD is a constant 65/35 rear/front power split, which adjusts automatically depending on road conditions.

 

[Sandman73]

OK thanks for the info, yeah mine had the matching body trim and ist fully loaded with the sub and everything but the luggage rack is black and i got the V6.. I have no badging than so i am just assumming its the convenience model with all the bell and whistles lol.. Thanks again for info..


Oh one other thing so how do these things handle off road in the snow or just off roading in general if anyone knows..

thanks again..

 

[shadowless127]

you probably have the luxury not the convience. i dont think the audiophile sound system is avail on the convience.

As far as off-roading, the only problem i've had is with really soft sand and driving perpendicular to the incline. But my tires suck, and i had them fully inflated. If i did the same sand on flat surface it handled a bit better, but once again, crap tires with 35psi in them. I went through a 3foot deep 1500ft long section of flooded road way the other day and it handled like a dream, no pulling, i lost traction once in a deeper section, AWD and traction control kicked right in before i could even correct the SUV. Im looking forward to snow this winter and seeing how it does