Problems with 2000 Ford Explorer ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2000 ford explorer. consumer writes in regards to recall states engine running without ignition key could start a fire. consumer states thought dealership repaired recall problems. vehicle exploded seven minutes after consumer exists vehicle. *smd

Timing chain rattles. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. the contact was driving 35 mph when smoke emitted from the rear end of the vehicle. the contact exited the vehicle and noticed flames coming from under the vehicle. the vehicle was destroyed. the police and the fire department were contacted and a police report was filed. the vehicle was towed to a local repair shop. the manufacturer was not contacted. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and the current mileages were 179,000.

Sparkplug super-heated and melted longitudinally destroying the outermost sparkplug threads (7 through the seating surface of the spark plug). inner most threads, the ones deepest into the head were not damaged. a second plug was installed along with a new spark plug wire and within 20 miles, the sparkplug was again melted beyond salvage and the new wire burned up. due to the destruction of the sparkplug, it was able to be removed without tools as there were no threads remaining in the cylinder head. fortunately the fire damage (likely from the spark of the plug) was limited only to damaging the sparkplug and the spark plug wire labled #3. *tt

The 2000 ford explorer suv began to slow down as the engine rpms increased. after pulling over and turning the ignition off, we noticed smoke coming from the hood. underneath the car, flames were dripping down from the transmission. we used a fire extinguisher to extinguish the flames on the ground, and attempted to open the hood. after the hood was opened, large flames were observed in the engine compartment. the fire extinguisher was used until empty and had little impact. the car began to burn quickly and the flames spread from front to back. the emergency services arrived, extinguished the fire and collected witness statements. no one was hurt in the incident and the frame was towed via aaa to a nearby automotive shop. *kb

This is to report a fire in a 2000 ford explorer: on friday, 25 nov 11, 5 adults (my husband, 2 sons, daughter-in law, and myself) and 2 dogs, left bethlehem pa for our family christmas trip in our 2000 ford explorer, pulling a utility trailer. the intent of the trip was to start at a christmas tree farm, cut down 3 christmas trees, haul them in the trailer and continue with several other christmas related traditional stops. my husband, drove approximately 45 minutes north to bissels christmas tree hill in lehighton, pa. he did not use cruise control because we were pulling the trailer. the trip was fine with absolutely no indications that anything was wrong with the vehicle. it also had not had any service done to it recently (a question frequently asked to us). he parked the vehicle along an embankment at the tree farm and we all were in various stages of getting out of the car with the dogs when someone nearby yelled to us that our car was on fire. she repeated it as we looked to see who she was addressing. we looked at our car and saw that under it, fire balls were hitting the ground from what appeared to be the center of the engine. my husband attempted to open the hood and smoke was immediately pouring out of the engine. we all quickly got away from the vehicle. my one son immediately called 911 and my other son ran nearby to try and find a fire extinguisher. the smoke quickly turned into a full blown fire. the complete front of the vehicle, along with the embankment nearby, was ablaze. the mahoning valley police came, then the fire captains, then 2 full fire trucks from lehighton and mahoning valley fire departments. they quickly extinguished everything, along with the vehicle we lost my purse, jackets, and other miscellaneous valuables that were on the floor of the front seat and in the glove compartment. *tr

My ford explorer caught on fire. all i saw was cloud of smoke. then people started yelling and blowing their horn at me, the unbelievable, that my car was on fire. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer . the contact states that while driving the check engine light illuminated on the instrument panel and the vehicle stalled. she then pulled over and turned the vehicle off. she then restarted the vehicle and drove directly to the dealer. the technician advised her that the failure occurred from a crack in the cylinder head of the engine. the vehicle was repaired under owners expense. when it was at the dealer ship they took the vehicle apart without the drivers permission. the driver called an investigator from the bureau of automotive repair. it was determined that they used a defective engine for the 2000 ford models and found out after a year and that's why the y discontinued using that specific engine. the failure mileage was 93104 and the current mileage was 93300.

Spark plug closest to driver does not seat and comes out. not a full blow out of it, but the plug feels real loose. i tried new plug but it still feels loose. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. while driving approximately 30 mph, another driver informed the contact that there were flames underneath the vehicle. she pulled over onto the side of the road and noticed flames underneath the vehicle and the hood. the contact quickly removed her children and child seat from the vehicle. in a matter of seconds, the hood burst into flames. the vehicle was destroyed and towed to the junkyard. the insurance company will not investigate the failure because the vehicle did not have complete coverage. the miami midway police department filed report number ppoc9a02c02188. the current and failure mileages were 96,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. while the vehicle was undergoing an oil change, the mechanic found antifreeze in the oil. new oil was placed in the vehicle and, once it was restarted, antifreeze was found in the oil again. the contact called the manufacturer for assistance and they stated that there was no recall on the head gasket. they further stated that the failure was due to a blown head gasket or a failed head bolt. the vehicle has not been taken to the dealer. the failure mileage was 110,000.

At 166,000 head gasket blew plus there were other engine problems. replaced with another engine. now transmission is going out. it will go into reverse fine but will go into drive with problems. if vehicle is cold it will go into drive faster than when it is warmed up. at warm temp it may take several tries of shifting from park back to drive or waiting several minutes for it to drop into drive after shifting out of park. have only owned this vehicle less than 2 years. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. when the vehicle is started, the engine makes a loud rattling noise. the vehicle was taken to the dealer and they discovered that the timing belt was offline. the dealer informed the contact that they were conducting a free repair for this failure; however, the time had already expired. the manufacturer was notified and stated that they were no longer honoring the repair. the failure mileage was 130,000. updated 06/17/08. *lj updated 06/17/08

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. the fuel line rusted and developed tiny pin holes and cracks. the engine light illuminated also. the contact was informed that the cost would be between $400 and $500 to remove the tank. the purchase date was unknown. the current mileage was 34,200 and failure mileage was 34,100.

Vehicle started running very rough in drive but ok in park and smell of fuel or exhaust was in cabin. took vehicle to dealership immediately. dealership said valve was burned out and this only happens if vehicle has overheated. this vehicle has never overheated and even acknowledged a full and clean coolant level present. dealership wants $1,800 to fix engine which only has 68,000 miles on it. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. on may 21, 2007, the contact stated that the coil pack and spark plugs failed in her vehicle twice in four days. the contact stated that the service engine light illuminated and the vehicle vibrates and looses power when driving. the contact stated that speed and weather were not factors. the purchase date and engine size were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 150,000.

2000 explorer xlt with approximately 55000 miles. taken to dealer to be served c for stalling and failure to restart with high temperature. dealer reported that engine hds coolant and oil mixing and will have to be replaced, $3500 cost. when i objected, dealer then stated that the lower intake manifold gasket failed, and that the engine will need to be torn down to fix , 2,000. . i objected again, and dealer decided to replace gasket, flush oil, coolant systems, and return to the road , $1100. dealer informed me that they could not be held responsible for future engine failure due to coolant in engine. i investigated, and found secret warranty service bulletin , nets number 616816. when i attempted to recover cost of repair under sb, dealer refused, claiming that sb extension was over , ended december 2006. this vehicle had less than the limited mileage under the warranty, and obvious driving rates less than expected under the warranty , original and secret extension.. customers have not been made aware of this secret warranty extension. engine gaskets, including head gaskets and manifold gaskets were not owner serviced items, and were expected to live as long as the power plant. i expected ford to live up to their product hype and fix this vehicle for free, including complete engine replacement if required.*ak

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer xlt. while driving the vehicle, the factory installed interior lights began flashing on and off. the dealer stated that the failure was due to a faulty connection with the rear view mirror. she was charged $477 plus labor for the repair. the contact wrote and called the manufacturer, but they have not responded. the approximate date of failure was in november of 2006. the second incident occurred when the vehicle was taken to the same dealer who stated that there was a leak in the engine. she stated that the vehicle has an engine warranty of 60,000 miles. however, the dealer charged her for this repair as well. this failure occurred on february 6, 2007. the contact notified her state attorney generals office who stated that they received a letter from ford and that she could sue ford if she wished. the engine size was unknown. the current mileage is 57,000 and failure mileage was 55,000.

Dt*: the contact stated the engine rattled and the vehicle needed the engine bolts tightened to resolve the issue. the vehicle had been to a private mechanic but not a service dealer.

Over the past three to four months my 2000 ford explorer (6 cylinder w/ sohc engine) has developed a problem with the engine. the problem occurs on an intermittent basis. at times the engine will not start. when it does start it will not idle and dies unless the rpm's are manually held at a high enough level to allow the engine to run. when braking at any speed the engine will die when the automatic transmission shifts from a higher gear to a lower gear allowing the rpm's to fall between shifts. this requires shifting the car into neutral to re-start with a loss of all power steering and braking functions. a first it seemed the problem only occurred after the car was parked outside during hot days. now the problem occurs at different times and different weather conditions. the car recently had the fuel system serviced (along with the 65k recommended service package) at a local ford dealer. the problem persists. i wrote to consumer reports magazine and they suggested i forward this information. *b

I have a 2000 ford explorer with 46,000 miles on it. i noticed a delay going into first gear on transmission. took car to dealer and they repaired transmission to the cost of $2900. i am 61 years old and drive very little. i expected at least 100,000 miles from this vehicle before major problems. dealer found elc trans diagnostic found internal wear. found inter and od servo piston hard 2-3 shift valve sticking. r/r valve body. pistons overhauled and flushed cooler lines .replaced control assembly,gasket, piston and rod, screen assembly, converter assembly & fluid. *jb

Head gasket defective. coolant is mixing with the oil. $2000 repair job. *jb

Explorer will not start after running the car for a while, the ford service can not identify the problem, i brought it another garage and they identified the idle air control valve is faulty, paid 276.23 to repair. *jb

Dt: the contact complained about an ongoing problems with the emission system. the vehicle has been seen by the service dealer five times for emission problems, and they have never been able to completely remedy the problem. after the vehicle was serviced the same emission problems recurred. the check engine light came on and fumes entered the vehicle. the manifold gasket, oxygen sensor, idle control sensor, and other emission parts have been replaced. currently, the check engine light was on, fumes were entering the vehicle, and the contact was planning to return the vehicle to the service dealer for additional repairs. *ak

On 20 mar 2005 while driving my 2000 ford explorer the check engine light came on. i pulled to the side to check the problems, everything seemed normal except it was idling rough. i called the dealer the next day to bring it in. i brought it to the ford dealer on 21 mar 2005. i was told that afternoon, that it was the cylinder head gasket. i called the dealer on 22 mar to check and see when i could pick it up and was told that it would not be ready because they found the cylinder head had a crack. i called on 23 mar to check and was told both cylinder heads were cracked and there is a possibility that the engine may have to be replaced. i was also told that they were waiting for an adjuster from ford to make a determination to see if the engine needs to be replaced or just the cylinder heads. it is now the afternoon of 29 mar and i was told by the dealer that the cylinder heads are on back order and they do not know when my car will be ready. i called ford (800-392-3673) and basically was told sorry nothing we can do the cylinder heads are on "national back order". if that is true, there is a great demand for ford 4 liter engine cylinder heads. iis that a result of a defect with the engine or the cylinder heads. has anyone looked into this? also, do not what can be done to get ford moving on my problem?

Cranks haft cracked and caused engine failure. *ak

Dt*: the contact stated while the vehicle was parked in front of the residence, a noise was heard, then fire was noticed coming from under the hood. the contact called the fire department who extinguished the fire and reported the fire as electrical failure from the speed control system. the contact took pictures of the charred vehicle. the insurance company deemed the vehicle a total loss. the dealership was contacted but never returned the call. the manufacturer was also contacted who informed her the vehicle was not included in any recall pertaining to the speed control system due to the vin. the fire department had not determined what caused the fire, however, the consumer had read about reports where vehicle were catching on fire due to faulty cruise control switches. updated 12/13/06. *jb updated 04/03/07. *jb

For approximately two weeks prior to december 5th, 2004, the heat element in my 2000 ford explorer driver seat would become painfully hot under the left leg near the torso to the point where it needed to be manually turned off each time. it was turned off as it became painful, and we were concerned we would become burned and would the seat catch on fire. my other concern for this is someone, such as a diabetic, with neuropathy wouldn't feel the intensity of the heat and become burned. 2) approx 2 weeks after the initial event the seat light will come on but no heat is produced. why did it take 2 weeks for the element (assumed) to burn out? 3) the car is scheduled to go to an independant mechanic as i do not trust ford to do the right thing. the dealer is not concerned that my driver airbag light goes on and off at will for days or weeks at a time. they recalled the 98 and 99 models for a tensioner pulley problem and issued a service bulletin for the '00 but the dealer wants to charge $500 for the repair......most defects i took in for warranty repair remain unfixed, (mostly electrical in nature) including a rear wiper that rarely goes on, radio stations and clock display that occasionally can be seen and a rear passenger door handle that after 5 attempts (ford went against their engineer recommendations to do a recall) will unlock with power lock but the unsuspecting or in a hurry will just about rip a hand off to get it open.*ak

9 months of service visits for the check engine light coming on with no apparant cause except once; car would ride rough and sometimes felt like it would stall; two cracked engines woudl caused the car to not run in the middle of a trip; had to rebuild the cracked cylinder heads. *ak

Purchased ford explorer 2000 in sept of 04. first the cruise went out. front tires looses air about once a week have to fill. starts hard and will not idol in mornings specially when cold out side. check engine light has been on twice, purchased at seelye wright kia in kalamazoo mi. cannot get dealer to fix vehicle. *nm

When starting vehicle after fueling it began to hesitate/stall. *ak

Car would not start without pressing gas pedal to the floor. once started had to keep my foot on the gas to prevent it from stalling. *la

Consumer stated that while driving smoke came from the steering wheel. but there was no fire. she states that some times you can smell it burning, but never see fire. also, consumer complained that vehicle stalled when she stepped on the accelerator. vehicle hesitated before moving, then when it moved, one could smell gas. consumer did not take vehicle to repair shop for checking on these problems because she was the second owner . *ak

Coolant leaked into the oil. *ph the consumer was told the intake manifold failed which caused the coolant to leak. the entire engine had to be replaced. *jb

The consumer was driving when she heard a loud noise while turning into her driveway. the vehicle was smoking and caught on fire. the fire was put out with a garden hose. the vehicle was towed to the dealer. the wheel bearings were found to be defective. on the next incident, the consumer took the vehicle to the mechanic to have the front end aligned, when the vehicle was inspected the ball joint fell off into the mechanic's hand july 8, 2004. *la all of the problems had been on the drivers side. there were also problems with the engine. *sc *jb

2000 ford explorer motor skips and races when started up.***no answer required***. *mr the vehicle ran rough and the gas mileage was poor. the vehicle was taken tot he dealer. the dealer cleaned the manifold but this did not rectify the problem. the vehicle was taken back to and independent mechanic who ran a diagnostic test. the test concluded that the fuel pressure regulator needed to be replaced and the manifold needed to be removed and cleaned. it appeared that the dealer never cleaned the manifold as they stated. *nm

The steering wheel will not adjust correctly when driving. the consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for analysis. the problem could not be solved. *ak it was determined that the control sensors needed to be replaced and after being replaced it still failed. as of yet the consumer has not had an accident or been injured but is concerned that the vehicle needs to be investigated before it does happen. *cb the consumer stated the vehicle lost power and died, the computer stated the problem was with the idle control speed senor and a valve, however the problem continued *jb

While driving at any speed the vehicle stalled in traffic. the dealer was unable to duplicate the problem. *ak

Dealer replaced the serpentine belt, but an engine noise was still heard while driving . also, windshield was leaking when raining or washing the vehicle.*ak

Disappointment over a recently purchased 2000 ford explorer. *la the consumer had experienced problems with the engine and the steering of the vehicle. the dealer was notified about mechanical problems. *cb

The first time i had a problem is when my car wouldn?t start on my way to work, and the check engine light came on. it was a few days after i gotten it. so i took it in and they said they checked the engine and turned off the light. they told me i should have it serviced. so i did. the other time i took it in, it had died on me while driving down my uncles apartment hill. they said they were getting some weird codes from the computer or something. they said they would get me an appointment with ford. then they call later that day and tell me they will bring someone in to look at the car who specializes in ford models. i needed a car so i had to rent a car while they had my car in the shop so that i could take my son to the sitters and have a way to work. only to find out when i got my car back, that unfortunately they didn?t have the tools to fix the problem so they will be sending my car to ford. so far its been about a week, they have not called me with a confirmed date on when i can take my car in to fix. yesterday, (nov. 11) the engine would lug, once in a while my car will die out. when i started it up again about 5 minutes later, my check engine light wouldn?t go off. i called it in when i got to work. they told me that i could still drive it if it doesn?t seem different from before. i am still driving it, mostly because if i take it in, i won?t have any way to work and back home. they said they don?t give out loaners. i?ve been told that the car has multiple problems, and most of them different every time i go in. one time it was some kind of code stating that it thinks it?s a stolen car, now it some kind of timer. the first time it was cause i needed a service. it seems like the longer i drive my car the worse it?s getting. but really i have no choice. they won?t give me a loaner. i am paying major bucks to rent a car since i?m only 19. it cost me ...

When stopping at a stop sign or a traffic light vehicle stalled. consumer took vehicle to dealer on two separate occasions, but the problem still occurs. *ak

Vehicle overheated/ thermostat, rear wiper motor stopped working, check engine light stays on continually, belt squeals on rainy days, radio comes on by itself, tires to be replaced, lived at same address since vehicle purchase and not even a notice for recall on tires.*ak

Vehicle started losing power. was told it needed a tune up. also was told that the spark plug wires were broken and frayed. they were replaced along with all the filters and new fluids as well as a fuel system cleaner. when this did not work i was informed that the car needed to go to a ford dealer as the car was "throwing out all of these different codes". it was towed to a ford dealership and i was told by the service adviser that the car was fixed and running in tip top shape. since then i have encountered stalling and still no power and the vehicle is running rougher. the engine light came on right after i picked it up from the dealership. it has cost me $1,000 so far and am afraid what it will finally cost to remedy this situation. i do not feel safe in this vehicle. *nlm

Vehicle will not start at times without depressing and holding on the gas. vehicle stalls out and/or the rpm's barely idle over 0. at other times when starting the vehicle the rpm's rev up high. seems not to be getting sufficient power when driving, can depress gas pedal to floor but will not pick up any speed. been unable to take the truck over 80 mph. *nlm

While driving at any speed and with no warning vehicle will heavily jerk, and then engine check light will come on and stay on the remainder of the time vehicle was being operated. dealer notified.*ak

08-14-02 (39685 miles) - replaced idle air control valve - $215.87 03-14-03 (46676 miles) - replaced control arm and ball joints- $770.82 i feel that the above mentioned repairs that were made to my 3 year old vehicle are a result of poor craftsmanship and quality when the vehicle was made, and that these current problems are evidence of "infant mortality". the ford motor company has refused to accept any financial responsibility and did nothing more than receive my complaint. *jb

I have a letter i sent to ford motor corporation and will attach to this e-mail

Consumer states that while driving and no warning the motor started racing and the consumer lost control of the vehicle causing an accident. dealer notified ts

Hesitation after stopping. *ak