Various issues/questions for my 2002 Explorer Limited | Ford Explorer Forums

  • Register Today It's free!

Various issues/questions for my 2002 Explorer Limited

x1karr0usx

New Member
Joined
January 5, 2014
Messages
3
Reaction score
0
City, State
Williamsport, PA
Year, Model & Trim Level
2002 Ford Explorer LTD
I just picked up a 2002 Ford Explorer Limited V8 for $1750... It was a pretty solid deal, as it is a little beat up and had a few cosmetic/general non-mechanical issues. So on to the questions....

1) The latch on the rear window has separated from the glass/panel. It looks like it is pretty common for water to get in between the glass and the panel, causing the bolt plates to rust and separate the latch assembly completely. Like some of the other Explorers on the forum, it's basically just hanging on through the wiper assembly. Likely a separate issue, the glass seems to be off center. There's a finger-width gap on the left and is pretty tight on the right. Looking through the forums, this looks like an issue with the recall on the hinges for that year. So, as for my question, since I couldn't find a conclusive answer through my forum lurking... Does the recall (assuming that the hinges are covered by this) include the issue with the latch assembly? Do they just replace the hinges, or do they replace the whole glass assembly? If the latch isn't covered, has anyone found a part number for the bolt that travels through the glass (behind the panel) and into the latch and wiper assembly? My panel hasn't broken yet, and I haven't pulled it off to investigate. I guess if it's not covered by the recall, I'll rip into it to see what to do. But, from the pics on the other threads, it looks like I just need a bolt replaced.

2) Fuel... So it seems like it's using A TON of fuel. I have not gone from full to empty yet to completely judge, but it seems like a lot of fuel is disappearing. Yes, it's below 10 degrees and it's a V8, but I don't remember my F150 Lariat using this much gas. There's no CEL, so it is not an issue like that throwing off fuel consumption. Are there any general tips for getting better mileage? My second question in regards to fuel is in regards to the fuel level gauge. It seems like my fuel level is dropping between uses. Like, I just drove it to my parent's house (they have a garage where I fixed the common sway bar link issue).. When it was parked, I was at 3/4 tank. When I fired it up to leave, it was lower than that by maybe a 16th or so. I noticed the same thing when I dropped it off for an oil change. I was kind of shocked, thinking they were driving it around town or left it running for the hour I dropped it off! What would cause the difference in fuel level between usage? There are no leaks. There's no CEL for running lean or whatever.

*NOTE: I'm no mechanic and I don't possess the ability to think in hypotheticals like any half-decent mechanic. I can, however, look at this forum and figure out how to do what I need to do. For that, thank you thank you thank you.

I guess if you guys could throw out some probable causes/fixes based on your experiences and abilities, I would absolutely appreciate your help!!! If there's any other information you need, or any pictures, let me know.
 



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!
.





Hey there - welcome, and good job getting your truck. As to the fuel gauge, mine does it too. Best bet though is to actually monitor what you're spending on gas, and how many miles you're getting between fillups. If you're in-town getting 12-13mpg with a 4wd truck in the snow, you're about right (sorry to be the bearer of bad news) highway you could see about 20mpg...

Can't help you on the latch, but good luck. Maybe one of our esteemed colleagues here can weigh in...
 






I also have an 02 with the 4.6 V8. After my hinge broke while on vacation I drilled thru the hinge and bolted it back to the window. When I got it home, I did have to also replace the latch (loop) portion by removing the plastic panel that cracks, and then welding a plate to the loop part. Be very carefull removing the plastic panel. As far as the hinge, I bought a new one from the dealer so as to get the latest design. Others are sold on e-bay. Never really beeen happy with my mileage of 14.5, but overall the truck is pretty comfortable. Just did all my balljoints due to wear, and have replaced all but front left wheel bearings. This forum has a lot of good tips on explorers and guys help each other out much more than any other forum.
Good luck
 






rocco, so you didn't buy a new U-bolt and the assembly bolts? it looks like my U-bolt for the lock is totally intact with the plate, it's just the bolts that attached it to the window that are snapped. was this the case for you? do you have anything to document your adventures? i'm not against fabrication or welding, as i'm used to tearing up old motorcycles... but from what i could tell, it just looks like it needs the new bolts. problem with that is that i can't find a damn part number for those bolts.
 






No I did not buy new parts. Whe. U take it apart you will see what u have. I didnt take any pics. You will need to weld/braze the existing u bolt to a small plate and reinstall the whole thing. Plate cant be too thick as it is in line with the recess in the panelwhere the blue oval is. Again, that us the panel that is prone to cracking so take your time peeling it off slowly. I used a spackeling knife and sometimes a hammer on it. I can lookup the glue used to put it on and get back to u. Good luck.
 












Featured Content

Back
Top