What'd I get myself into?

[AtTheDriveIn]

So as some of know, I bought a 98 AWD Mountaineer to replace my Explorer that was totaled. I was wondering if you guys had any ideas on the following problems:

-It has some form of electrical problem - the doors don't unlock, the front dome light doesn't work and the truck continually makes the "key in ignition" beeping noise whenever I open the driver's side door. (I think the P.O. replaced the ignition lock cylinder.) I checked the fuses and they're fine. I can't seem to find the unlock relay or any relay for the dome light.


-Sometimes there's this vibration/shudder that seems to come from the rear end / differential when shifting. It's very sporadic and sometimes it happens when shifting from 2nd to 3rd and from 3rd to overdrive but never happens from going from 1st to 2nd. The shudder sounds like a worn u-joint sound but I checked the u-joints and they're fine.


Ideas/thoughts?

 

[koda2000]

Door Locks - a common problem is corrosion at the splice on the pink and lt green wire found in the wire bundle under the carpet/door sill by the driver's side rear door. cut out the connector, solder and heat shrink the new spice. if the splice is not the problem, it may be the pink/lt green wire is broken in the driver's door wire bundle. peel the rubber boot back and check. if repair is necessary it is most easily done by removing the driver's door, which sounds difficult, but is actually very easily done. there are relays behind the jack compartment trim panel. some of them control the door locks. you might have a bad relay which is preventing the unlock function.

Dome Light - I assume your talking about the front-most light/Map Light... there is a copper foil that provides the power and ground for the bulbs. this foil is very thin an delicate. it can be easily damaged or may just be wrinkled and not making contact with the bulbs. remove the lens, check the bulbs and carefully reset the foil. super common problem.

Key in Ignition Chime - If th PO replaced the ignition switch he may have damaged or not reconnected the chime switch. take the collar off the steering column (3-4 screws from underneath) and see what you find. as I recall, you're looking for a blue wire in the vicinity of the ignition switch.

Vibration/Shutter - Ford transmissions can develop a shutter when the trans fluid get really old. a trans service usually fixes the problem. also, check your rear drive shaft u-joint and slip jpoint.

 

[drdoom]

For the shudder I would start with a fluid change if has not had service recently. Otherwise some Dr. Tranny Shudder Fix. It is common with that transmission.

 

[AtTheDriveIn]

Door Locks - a common problem is corrosion at the splice on the pink and lt green wire found in the wire bundle under the carpet/door sill by the driver's side rear door. cut out the connector, solder and heat shrink the new spice. if the splice is not the problem, it may be the pink/lt green wire is broken in the driver's door wire bundle. peel the rubber boot back and check. if repair is necessary it is most easily done by removing the driver's door, which sounds difficult, but is actually very easily done. there are relays behind the jack compartment trim panel. some of them control the door locks. you might have a bad relay which is preventing the unlock function.

Dome Light - I assume your talking about the front-most light/Map Light... there is a copper foil that provides the power and ground for the bulbs. this foil is very thin an delicate. it can be easily damaged or may just be wrinkled and not making contact with the bulbs. remove the lens, check the bulbs and carefully reset the foil. super common problem.

Key in Ignition Chime - If th PO replaced the ignition switch he may have damaged or not reconnected the chime switch. take the collar off the steering column (3-4 screws from underneath) and see what you find. as I recall, you're looking for a blue wire in the vicinity of the ignition switch.

Vibration/Shutter - Ford transmissions can develop a shutter when the trans fluid get really old. a trans service usually fixes the problem. also, check your rear drive shaft u-joint and slip jpoint.

Sweet thanks so much! This was the info I was looking for!