beware 1993 ford explorer owners!

STEVEN ROGERS

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Aug 12, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/12/96

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I have a question for the general public whom have purchased
Ford explorers in 1993.

I purchased a ford explorer XLT in November of 1993.
At the same time 4 other people I knew also purchased
1993 XLT's, we have all had problems with them.

Front end bolts comming loose.
Hatch window weathers seal curling.
Replacing front disc rotors.
Transmission problems.

The latest problem with mine, is the automatic transmission slips in
third gear. The car only has 48,000 miles on it. Since it was out of
warranty. The dealership charged me $2,200 dollars to replace it with a
rebuilt transmission.

I thought Ford trucks are suppose to be tough.
Some tough truck huh? tough on your wallet!

The dealership would not tell me exactly what was wrong, nor
would they even tell me if a transmission failure at 48,000 miles is
within the normal distribution of failures for this vehicle.
Despite my numerous letters to Ford, and their executives,
no one will answer the question.

I'm wondering if other explorer owners have had similiar
bad experiences.

please read the Email below from another explorer owner.
should scare the bageebees out of all of us!
--------------------------------------------------------

From s...@babylon5.fc.hp.com Thu Aug 8 14:16:51 1996
Date: Thu, 8 Aug 1996 15:16:25 -0600
From: Stuart Bobb <s...@babylon5.fc.hp.com>
To: steve....@Sun.COM (STEVEN ROGERS)
Subject: Re: thinking of purchasing a ford explorer, read this!
X-Newsreader: TIN [version 1.2 PL2.2]

In article <3208F4...@Sun.COM> you wrote:
: I have a question for the general public whom have purchased
: Ford explorers in 1993.

: I purchased a ford explorer XLT in November of 1993.
: At the same time 4 other people I knew also purchased
: 1993 XLT's, we have all had problems with them.

Steve,

If you haven't already done so, post in the explorer news group, lots of
good
discussion in that group.

My '91 (with 85,000 miles, bought used) has given me some fits,
including
most recently, some automatic transmission work. It had begun to
be quite late or sticky in shifting from 1st to 2nd gear.

An independent transmission shop put me back in service for about $1300.
(I
wouldn't take a rock into my local Ford dealer for any serious work).

I think any transmission failure (abuse excepted) before 100,000 miles
is
absurd and I was pretty ticked. Even my pathetic 1980 Chevy Citation's
auto
tranny was still going happy at 90,000+ miles.

The guy at the transmission shop expects to see quite a lot of failures
in
these and other types of transmissions. :-( He discussed how AT fluid
does
(or doesn't!) go to the cooler under various throttle conditions.
Bottom
line from him: This entire drive train was designed and engineered for
55
mph -- yet lots of folks are tearing down the road at 80+. (Much of
Colorado
has 75 mph speed limits).

So, the combination of higher speed limits, lower air pressure and steep
grades means lots of wide open throttle around here. Under those
conditions
the A4LD tranny in these trucks will cook itself, even if you have a AT
cooler, which I do.

Those were his opinions. Mine are: This truck has been pretty costly
to own
-- the only used vehicle I've ever had where I might have come out ahead
by
purchasing some kind of warranty. (assuming I could have found one, I
bought
it from a private party with 70,000 miles already on the clock).

: The dealership would not tell me exactly what was wrong, nor
: would they even tell me if a transmission failure at 48,000 miles is
: within the normal distribution of failures for this vehicle.
: Despite my numerous letters to Ford, and their executives,
: no one will answer the question.

This is absurd! They should be able to give you detailed explanations
of
what failed and why an entire replacement was required instead of just
repairing what you had!

: I'm wondering if other explorer owners have had similiar
: bad experiences.

There doesn't seem to be a common theme/trend in the news group, but
almost
all of the owners of earlier model years I know have had leaking valve
cover
gaskets. Did yours (or do yours) leak?

Seems brake problems of various sorts are often talked about as well, I
haven't had that. The fuel pump begun constantly making a horrible
buzzing,
so I replaced that as well, rather than risk being stranded.

Ford has sold over 2 million of these beasts, so its hard to get a clear
statistical picture of what the common failures are with these vehicles
without falling victim to sample errors. I think one of the car web
sites
has a TSB list and there are _lots_ of problems on that list ...

: Steve

Stuart

EMS TEC

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Aug 12, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/12/96

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i just bought a 1993 Explorer XLT in June with 79,000 miles on it and it
runs like new. The only problem I have is that the flat black paint on the
molding of the sunroof is chipping off. Any suggestions? Oh, and I have
had no other paint problems at all, the paint on my truck is beautiful
absolutely perfect. -=AG=-
EMS...@AOL.COM

James V. Bacus

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Aug 13, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/13/96

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On Mon, 12 Aug 1996 12:33:34 -0700, STEVEN ROGERS with Sun Microsystems
commented on beware 1993 ford explorer owners!:

>I have a question for the general public whom have purchased
>Ford explorers in 1993.
>
>I purchased a ford explorer XLT in November of 1993.
>At the same time 4 other people I knew also purchased
>1993 XLT's, we have all had problems with them.
>
>Front end bolts comming loose.
>Hatch window weathers seal curling.
>Replacing front disc rotors.
>Transmission problems.
>

We've had a '93 XLT for a bit longer than you, bought in the summer of '93
and have had no such problems with the vehicle. The only problem we have
had is that the rear wiper fell off shortly after we bought it, and the
dealer replaced it for free. We had it back for the hatch door recall, and
service it regularly, it has about 42k miles on it.

It's been a _very_ dependable vehicle for us.

James V. Bacus

=========================================================================
Bacus Laboratories, Inc. bacu...@mcs.net

Medical Imaging Software & Systems - Quality Control - Testing Services
=========================================================================

LymLady

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Aug 13, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/13/96

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My son asked me to ask about 1992 XLT Ford Explorer Transmission failure.
The truck has about 50,000 miles. The dealer wants $3000 to repair it.
It doesn't sound right! I have read the previous messages and ,they sound
like similar problems. We are in So. Calif. Can anyone help with
information?

Michael Carr

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Aug 13, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/13/96

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I just bought a 1994 XLT and the same thing is happening to it. I've
asked around about it and apparently it's something that always happens;
one person told me I'd be lucky to find a 1995 where the molding wasn't
peeling! Ah well... since I'm the only person tall enough to see the top
of the sunroof anyway (6'5") I guess I'll just let it go... :)

--
_________________________

Michael Carr
mc...@your.net
http://moo.onu.edu/~mcarr
_________________________

Bill Spikes

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Aug 13, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/13/96

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LymLady (lym...@aol.com) wrote:
: My son asked me to ask about 1992 XLT Ford Explorer Transmission failure.

Our '93 hasn't had any tranny problems yet (knock, knock) and it has been
towing our boat all over the place, even through the 111 degree heat last
Sat. (Yes, the fishing at Pardee was LOUSY.) The xmission fluid was changed
at about 16K when they had to replace a bunch o' seals on the xmission and
the engine rear main seal. I think the thing has about 23K on it now.

While I'm gonna buy an oil pump to change the boat oil, it is going to
get used to suck out as much transmission fluid as possible every oil
change on the Exploder (2000 miles) and replaced with fresh fluid. I
know this doesn't get all the fluid out but unless you pull the torque
converter, you aren't gonna get it all out through a dropped pan either.
This will provide a kind of ever-changing of the fluid between the 20K
real pan drops. Only way I can think of to keep the xmission happy while
pulling the boat around in the heat.

Question: $3000 to fix it???? How much is a whole new tranny-in-a-crate???

'Nother question: While reading a mag in some doctor's office, I saw an
ad (RV World?) for a water misting system that sprays a mist in front of
the radiator (well, at the tranny fluid cooler and a.c. exchanger) to bring
down the air temp of the air headed through the radiator. Has anyone seen,
used, or read the same ad? If this works without completely rusting out
everything, it seems like a neat way to help the Exploder just when it
needs it while towing. Yes, I'm old enough to remember the canvas radiator
bags. So, anyone tried the mister?

Bill

Dr. Bob

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Aug 14, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/14/96

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spi...@sc.hp.com (Bill Spikes) wrote:

------< previous messag text edited out for brevity > -----

>'Nother question: While reading a mag in some doctor's office, I saw an
>ad (RV World?) for a water misting system that sprays a mist in front of
>the radiator (well, at the tranny fluid cooler and a.c. exchanger) to bring
>down the air temp of the air headed through the radiator. Has anyone seen,
>used, or read the same ad? If this works without completely rusting out
>everything, it seems like a neat way to help the Exploder just when it
>needs it while towing. Yes, I'm old enough to remember the canvas radiator
>bags. So, anyone tried the mister?

>Bill

Bill,

You can do a quick thumbnail calc to determine how efficient this
might be. You'll soon discover that the amount of water needed to get
rid of a significant portion of that heat is prohibitive. It might
help you some on an uphill grade to turn it on but... Maybe they want
you to hook it up to yopur RV's water system??

Keep in mind that you'll want to use distilled water for this. The
calcium buildup on the radiatior/coolers would be significant, also.

A better solution might be to install a new/larger trans cooler.

I used a water-injection system on my Saab turbo that made a big
difference in the performance, mileage, and engine temp. I've given
some thought to installing one on my Explorer, as I tow a 1.5klb boat
and trailer to the Colorado River from Socal, often in 120+ heat.

Everything has worked ok so far, with the factory towing package.
(98k mi). The only heating problems I've had were sitting in a
parking lot at WalMart at 115 deg and the AC running. Otherwise, it
only gets up the the 'R' in normal.

Good Luck!

Dr Bob

klkevin

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Aug 14, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/14/96

to EMS TEC

EMS TEC wrote:
>
> i just bought a 1993 Explorer XLT in June with 79,000 miles on it and it
> runs like new. The only problem I have is that the flat black paint on the
> molding of the sunroof is chipping off. Any suggestions? Oh, and I have
> had no other paint problems at all, the paint on my truck is beautiful
> absolutely perfect. -=AG=-
> EMS...@AOL.COM

I bought a 93 EB with 50k on it 1 year ago, it now has 73,000 miles on it. I
did have to have the brakes turned and cleaned and the front end lined up,
bushings replaced, camber corrected, etc., about a $350 job. That smoothed it
up for a while but there is now the slight lateral shake again.

I also have the paint coming off the trim around the sunroof. I thought it
happened in a hailstorm.

I've learned to live with the shake (it's not too bad), other than that I
love it. The paint job still look like new and it runs great.

--
Kevin Loseke
klk...@sky.net

Jim Bielecki - Gaylord

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Aug 14, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/14/96

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I've got a '93 Sport with 53,000 miles that is as reliable as the sun
rising in the east. Absolutely no problems.

Mike Shirley

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Aug 15, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/15/96

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STEVEN ROGERS <steve....@Sun.COM> writes:

> I purchased a ford explorer XLT in November of 1993.
> At the same time 4 other people I knew also purchased
> 1993 XLT's, we have all had problems with them.
>
> Front end bolts comming loose.
> Hatch window weathers seal curling.
> Replacing front disc rotors.
> Transmission problems.

I have 51000+ on my 93 4x4 XLT and it has been entirely
trouble-free. Not even an oil drip on top or bottom, front or
rear. I will say that the brakes are marginal and that I would not
recommend junk (Kragen, Pep-boys, Chief style) pads.

I did buy Kragen and only got 6,000 miles before they tore-up the
rotor/hubs. This was after 18,000 miles on the factory pads. I
then bought Napa and have 28,000 on them and it is about time to
replace these pads.

My point is that I'm sure there are many people out there who have
had my experience and you won't normally hear from them. It the
folks with problems that generate the traffic generally. Now
Steven, I don't mean to counter or minimize your problems. I'm glad
I'm not in your boat, that's for sure. But I only offer that there
are other 93's out there that are essentially 180 out from your
experience.

In that you asked for others with bad experiences, I thought that a
180 was appropriate. For what it's worth, my Ford dealer service
experiences have sucked and I would agree, that I also would not
take a rock to Ford dealer to have it inspected for possibilities of
it being upside-down...

-- Mike Shirley mi...@cts.com San Diego, CA USA WB6WUI
Robomail: mikey...@slic.cts.com pgp-...@slic.cts.com

Mike Shirley

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Aug 15, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/15/96

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spi...@sc.hp.com (Bill Spikes) writes:

> Has anyone seen, used, or read the same ad? If this works
> without completely rusting out everything, it seems like a neat
> way to help the Exploder just when it needs it while towing.
> Yes, I'm old enough to remember the canvas radiator bags. So,
> anyone tried the mister?

Auh no, but I used to have a '59 3/4 ton Chevy panel truck with a 4
speed automatic (1st was granny) and it had a water botter
mister/injector that injected below the carb. I always added water
to the bottle and drove it for 3 years without a hitch and I got it
at 160,00+ on the ole 235 inline 6. So, I kinda wonder also...

kathleen davis

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Aug 16, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/16/96

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I have begun to compile a list of Ford Explorer owners who have had
automatic tranmission problems (I'm dealing with my third on my 1993!) I
have searched the web and found jillions of email messages describing
similar problems.

Please email me directly with the situation on your Ford Explorer
Automatic Tranmission problems. I will compile a list and share it.
Include the problem, mileage when problem(s) occurred, money you spent
for repairs, treatment you received by Ford dealer/Motor Co. and other
details that are important. If you like, include your name and town.

These problems are more common than Ford would like to admit, but I
believe that we can make some useful connections via the Internet. Please
email me asap and I promise to share the list with you, if you want it.
Cheers
Kathleen Davis
College Station, Texas

kathleen davis

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Aug 16, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/16/96

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Just curious, did you find out the automatic transmission history before buying it.
Chances are your vehicle had already gone through this mess before you bought it.

Martin G. Hulsey

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Aug 16, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/16/96

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In article <4uoupf$6...@newsbf02.news.aol.com>, lym...@aol.com (LymLady) wrote:

> My son asked me to ask about 1992 XLT Ford Explorer Transmission failure.
> The truck has about 50,000 miles. The dealer wants $3000 to repair it.
> It doesn't sound right! I have read the previous messages and ,they sound
> like similar problems. We are in So. Calif. Can anyone help with
> information?

Yes, that sounds a little steep. If I were in your position, I'd take my
business to Aamco or some other transmission outfit that will give you a
lifetime warranty on the repair. That way, at least, you won't have to
pay twice. I have seen complaints about repeated failures.

--
mhu...@fcs.uga.edu
http://www.fcs.uga.edu/~mhulsey/

Steve Rupp

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Aug 17, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/17/96

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mi...@slic.cts.com (Mike Shirley) wrote:

>STEVEN ROGERS <steve....@Sun.COM> writes:
>
>> I purchased a ford explorer XLT in November of 1993.
>> At the same time 4 other people I knew also purchased
>> 1993 XLT's, we have all had problems with them.
>>
>> Front end bolts comming loose.
>> Hatch window weathers seal curling.
>> Replacing front disc rotors.
>> Transmission problems.

I've a 92 XLT w/ 75K miles. I bought it about a month ago.
The previous (and original) owner told me that he had to have
the automatic transmission rebuilt at about 45K-miles. He
described a problem with a late shift out of first gear when
the engine was cold.

I have noticed that the truck definately seems to be late
shifting out of first. It takes up to 30-45 seconds at >2500
RPM before it will shift.

I don't understand why the transmission needs to be rebuilt to
fix this kind of problem. I think of a "rebuild" as being
required whn all the seals, valves and bands go to crap and the
transmission stops working or sounds like a bucket of chains
rattling about.

Perhaps someone more knowledgeable can explain 'WHY' a rebuild
is required?

--
===============================================================
===========
Steven S. Rupp
s.r...@ieee.org
===============================================================
===========

Brian M. Tucek

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Aug 17, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/17/96

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In <Pine.SUN.3.91.960814...@hostserver.merit.edu> Jim

Bielecki - Gaylord <jbie...@northland.lib.mi.us> writes:
>
>I've got a '93 Sport with 53,000 miles that is as reliable as the sun
>rising in the east. Absolutely no problems.

Same here. I have a '93 XLT 4-door 4x4, 52,000 miles, which has been
great. Only thing to go sour was an octane sensor, and a power door
lock actuator (probably zapped by my dog drooling when he hangs his
head out the window ;-) ). Both have been fixed under warranty.

Great truck, except for the #$@! 60+ mph shake mentioned numerous times
in this newsgroup....

Brian

SSgt Jeffrey W. Pinckley

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Aug 18, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/18/96

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I had a 93 XLT which I bought used w/37,000 miles. I recently traded
this vehicle for a 96 XLT because I like the new style and wanted the
945A package w/leather interior. When I traded my 93 XLT it had
63,000 miles (after only 14 months) and the brakes had been replaced
at approximately 55,000 miles. When I replaced them I didn't turn the
rotors because the mechanic said they didn't need it. After this I
always had a small vibration when applying slight pressure to stop,
which I thought would go away when the pads broke in to the surface of
the rotor. I also had a problem withe the right front tire wanting to
lockup when it's traction was slightly less than that of the other
tires. My engine valves were beginning to rattle a little when above
60 miles and going up a slight incline, this may be because I'm using
10W40 oil. I truly enjoyed this vehicle and think for the price it
amoung the best of the sport utilities. My father who is a die-hard
Dodge owner has told everyone that my 93 was one of the best riding
vehicles he has ridden in. My a/c never gave any problems and after
using the normal level with the rear windows down for a few minutes it
would nicely cool the vehicle interior although sometimes I would have
to use max a/c which isn't bed for middle Georgia and Alabama.

Mayer Balser

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Aug 19, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/19/96

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I have a 1992 Explorer EB and I too am in need of a transmission. The
dealer quoted me $2600 plus tax to rebuild it or I could get a trade out
unit from Ford for $2100 plus tax installed. I have not yet decided what
I am going to do. I think I will take it to another place and get an
estimate.

HeavyOil

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Aug 24, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/24/96

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If you are going to pound on your Explorer of any other SUV use synthetic
transmission fluid. My '91 with a 5 manual transmission was burning the
fluid ( it calls for mercon-dextron) within 3,000 miles of being changed.
Went to the synthetic stuff, and it looks and smells like new after 10,000
miles. The tranny shifts smoother and is quieter. The synthetic is
expensive( about 10 bucks a qt., four qts. needed) but worth it. Use
caution, there are several different products, get the right one for your
transmission. The local speed shop should be able to help you. Don't
bother asking at your local discount chain unless you like dumb looks.
HeavyOil

Dr. Bob

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Aug 26, 1996, 3:00:00 AM8/26/96

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heav...@aol.com (HeavyOil) wrote:

regards...

P. Rose

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Sep 5, 1996, 3:00:00 AM9/5/96

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In article <Jfreitag-040...@techservp2.gso.uri.edu>,
Jfre...@gsosun1.gso.uri.edu (John Freitag) wrote:

>In article <50ih4l$8...@newsbf02.news.aol.com>, beyn...@aol.com
>(BeyndWrds) wrote:
>
>> How on earth do you get 18mpg on your car? I have a '92 Mazda Navajo
>> (2-door Explorer) and i even tried an experiment where i drove around the
>> whole time keeping my revs under 2500rpm and when i calculated the mileage
>> on my next fill-up, it averaged 13. ....
>
>I have a 92 XLT with a 5 speed and 66,000 miles. I have a cumulative
>average of 18.26 MPG for the 66K miles. (total miles divided by total
>gallons used) I rarely dip below 15 on a given tankful. I don't think
>that either the vehicle or my driving is exceptional.

13 mpg on a Navajo?! How on earth do you get 13 mpg?? Navajos ought to be
getting 17-20 mpg, unless there's a problem, so....you should start trying
to fix your problem. BTW, keeping the revs low isn't necessarily the way
to obtain best gas mileage. However with *normal* driving, if you
typically get 13, something's wrong.

Phil Rose