New to me 2002 what to look for

[krisnowicki]

I has a 94 gen 1 explorer and I went to a durango for more towing power. Well the durango gets 12mpg and I don;t need the tow power anymore. So I got a 2002 explorer on ebay with 40k miles. Are there any inhernt problems with these anything to look for that is typically bad or fails early ?

 

[Curtis]

02's are known for
1 - transmission failures
2 - 4x4 control module failures
3 - rear end noise/whine
4 - wheel bearings

My dad has an 02 and has rebuilt his trans, replaced the 4x4 CM, replaced the front bearings, and has the rear end noise but he'll live with it.

 

[Druidrv]

Don't Forget

5. short in door, stopping power door locks, mirrors etc.
6. bad temp control actuator motor.
7. broken temp diverter door.

I have had it all. It seemed that Ford forgot how to make the explorer in 2002.
Good luck

 

[helmsa]

What about?

8. Broken Rear Coil Springs


To my knowledge, this hasn't been a problem on any other years has it?

 

[shadowless127]

8. Broken Rear Coil Springs


To my knowledge, this hasn't been a problem on any other years has it?

nope

 

[krisnowicki]

so sounds like wouldnt be worth it. I got this 02 with 40768 miles for 3850. I dont want to buy a hassel and it seems like that is what I am doing. Has any one had good experiences with them

 

[krisnowicki]

here is what I know was done to it.
10/30/2001 NICB Vehicle manufactured
and shipped to original dealer
11/06/2001 2 Service Facility Vehicle serviced
Washed/detailed
07/19/2004 14,382 Service Facility Vehicle serviced
Brake light switch replaced
Maintenance inspection completed
Tire condition and pressure checked
Parts ordered
Body computer/module checked
09/30/2004 15,854 Service Facility Vehicle serviced
Transmission computer/module checked
Transmission shift solenoids replaced
Engine/powertrain computer/module replaced
Shift motor replaced
Tire condition and pressure checked
Body computer/module checked

 

[rrgone]

here is what I know was done to it.
10/30/2001 NICB Vehicle manufactured
and shipped to original dealer
11/06/2001 2 Service Facility Vehicle serviced
Washed/detailed
07/19/2004 14,382 Service Facility Vehicle serviced
Brake light switch replaced
Maintenance inspection completed
Tire condition and pressure checked
Parts ordered
Body computer/module checked
09/30/2004 15,854 Service Facility Vehicle serviced
Transmission computer/module checked
Transmission shift solenoids replaced
Engine/powertrain computer/module replaced
Shift motor replaced
Tire condition and pressure checked
Body computer/module checked

Well it's an early-build '02 so it still has a GEM. I think that's what they replaced as the Body computer module. The PCM was also replaced. It looks like they were swapping out computer modules hoping to fix something. They finally repaired the tranny, but I wonder if they knew about the servo bore issue when they did the repair. They were checking tires and replaced the shift motor so I wonder if there was an issue with the 4WD. That could have been the 4X4 module all along - wonder if it was replaced? What does service facility vehicle mean? Was it part of some fleet?

Did you buy this truck or just considering it? I would pass if you haven't bought it already.

 

[krisnowicki]

why would you pass on it?

 

[Curtis]

so sounds like wouldnt be worth it. I got this 02 with 40768 miles for 3850. I dont want to buy a hassel and it seems like that is what I am doing. Has any one had good experiences with them

When you think about it, what kind of vehicle are you gonna get for under $4k?
My father has an 02, and has done the wheel bearings and 4x4 CM and trans. He's probably spent $2500 over 3 yrs. But he still loves it and would buy another 3rd gen when this one comes to an end. I liked it so much I wanted the same body style and I ended up getting an 04. Not because I thought anything bad of the 02's, but I got a good deal on mine at auction.

A month after I bought my 04, I had to do the front pump seal in the trans and the blend door in the heater system. $2000. Lucky I had an extended warranty. But this just proves that what ever vehicle you buy, you don't know what can happen, and maybe nothing. Even the best vehicles out there will have problems and most are known for something. My friend just had to do the water pump and some other things on his BMW that's only 2 yrs old and out of warranty because of high miles - $1800 - so you never know.

Haggle as much as you can on the price, I say you'll love it if you get it. Lots of miles left in that rig yet. In the end the decision is yours but I think the devil you know is better than the one you don't. You'll know what to expect and there's lots of help and knowledge available here unlike a lot of other cars.

 

[rrgone]

why would you pass on it?

My neighbor has an '02 that is nearly identical to mine. His was built in Jan 2002 and mine was built in March 2002. His is early-build, mine is late-build. We both bought them new in 2002 and are particular about doing maintenence. His has been in and out of the shop for nearly every bad thing the 2002s are noted for on this forum. Mine has had the 4X4 Control Module and DFPE sensor replaced by me in my garage. He has about $4500 in repairs into his, I have about $200.

I think that the early build 2002s have far more problems than the rest of the Gen 3s, but that's just my subjective conclusion from limited personal experience and reading these forums.

I would also be very concerned about buying a vehicle that was part of a service fleet. They get beat on every day.

 

[rumpledoll]

My 2002 Eddie Bower V6 4.0L OHC, which I bought new in 2003 and has about 62,000 miles, as been mostly trouble free. No major mechanical issues or problems.

Minor issues (in no particular order):

1) The "Door Ajar" light which was fixed by spraying WD-40 in all the doors

2) A very persistent intermittent squeak that was caused by the serpentine belt. I finally fixed it by going to a Goodyear Gatorback belt.

3) Just last night the airbag indicator light came on. I'm going to try and fix it with the under the driver seat yellow connection clean out.

4) A cold snap just hit and the rear glass gas tubes have lost their power to fully hold up the small hatch - it's only goes to half mast as it were. The full hatch gas tubes still work fine.

5) Very early on, the 6 CD changer become stuck and was fixed by Ford under warranty. Has worked ever since.

Rumple

 

[shadowless127]

My 2002 Eddie Bower V6 4.0L OHC, which I bought new in 2003 and has about 62,000 miles, as been mostly trouble free. No major mechanical issues or problems.

Minor issues (in no particular order):

1) The "Door Ajar" light which was fixed by spraying WD-40 in all the doors

2) A very persistent intermittent squeak that was caused by the serpentine belt. I finally fixed it by going to a Goodyear Gatorback belt.

3) Just last night the airbag indicator light came on. I'm going to try and fix it with the under the driver seat yellow connection clean out.

4) A cold snap just hit and the rear glass gas tubes have lost their power to fully hold up the small hatch - it's only goes to half mast as it were. The full hatch gas tubes still work fine.

5) Very early on, the 6 CD changer become stuck and was fixed by Ford under warranty. Has worked ever since.

Rumple

I have that problem with the shocks on the hood...when its under 40 they dont support the hood, when its warmer it's fine. The glass hatch however, operates BETTER in the cold....go figure.

 

[krisnowicki]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/e...sspagename=STRK:MEWNX:IT&viewitem=#ht_500wt_0

Is a link to the explorer. I am going to get it and buy the aftermarket warranty. So if it breaks it will be covered for 4 years/60k miles. For 5 grand total between the warranty and the truck can't complain.

 

[shadowless127]

u can do better than that beat up XLS......

 

[Curtis]

I would say the same, I didnt realize it was an XLS
pass on it...at least get an XLT for that price with painted bumpers

 

[97awdx]

I have 120,000 on my early 02'. It did have the rear coil springs crack. Other than 2 wheel bearings it has been very trouble free. And ya, that is a very beat up X for $4500.

 

[shadowless127]

I would say the same, I didnt realize it was an XLS
pass on it...at least get an XLT for that price with painted bumpers

Yeah, I also thought it was at least an XLT

That things gonna need a good amount of TLC.....

 

[jrford]

Only one bidder and it looks like it went for $3850, did you buy it?
Looks like its going to be a 'fun' project. Not bad if at 40k and some of the work has already been done. You might want to check the Junkyards for seats, i'd think the '02-'05 seats would work, you might find a 3rd row too . . if your looking for that.