Top 5 Problems Ford Explorer SUV 1995-2003 2nd Generation

These are the top 5 problems for the 2nd generation of the Ford Explorer SUV. You can find the 2nd generation Explorer in model years 1995 to 2003! In this video, Sue points out the most common things that might go wrong with your Ford Explorer, and she offers tips and ways you can prevent those problems, or solve them if they happen to you! If you own an Explorer, are thinking of getting one, or know someone else that does, check out this video to learn more about the 2nd generation Ford Explorer!

0:00 Top 5 Problems Ford Explorer SUV 1995-2003 2nd Generation
0:14 Blend Door
1:08 Timing Chain Cassettes
2:04 Transmission
2:32 Upper Intake Manifold Gasket
3:16 Plastic Intake

This process should be similar on the following vehicles:
1995 Ford Explorer
1996 Ford Explorer
1997 Ford Explorer
1998 Ford Explorer
1999 Ford Explorer
2000 Ford Explorer
2001 Ford Explorer

🔧 List of tools used:
• No Tools Needed

Check out our playlist:

⚠ DISCLAIMER:
While 1A Auto strives to make the information provided in this video as accurate as possible, it makes no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or applicability of the content. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All do-it-yourself projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. 1A Auto is not responsible or liable for any loss damage (including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, or punitive), liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or resulting from any information posted in this video.

[MyLifeThai]

My co-worker has a 2002 Ford Explorer that he bought brand new. It now has 379, 000 miles. It is still the original engine, but he did install a brand new transmission at one point. He said it is built way heavier duty than this chincy plasticy junk nowadays.

[Djsj]

My 99 Mercury Mountaineer currently has 410, 000 miles engine and transmission are original equipment and I’m the original owner I have never had any of these problems (knocking on wood)

[darrinsiberia]

My 2 comments as a 97 owner (4.0 V6 SOHC Xlt 4x4)

1. Cut a hole in that black box. You can just move the blend door yourself.
2. Timing chain cassettes... Replace the tensioners every 50k and use synthetic and you can avoid this
3. Transmission - never had issues just get it rebuilt
4. Never had issues
5. Never had issues

[seancounts]

I have 2 explorers. A 99 an a 98 both 5.0 models. Both have 300, 000 miles. The blend door thing went about a year ago. I can't complain since both have a ton of miles an i have had them 20 plus years

[rellstuttin]

I have a 2003 ford explorer 256 just did a starter on it and heater hose what else should I do to keep it nice I am getting a shake as well.

[godzillay]

In regards to #2: Timing chain cassettes were an issue with the SOHC engines, which were not available (at least in the v6 form) until 1997. Explorers with V6s from 95-96 (and some 97s, as V6s were available in both the OHV and SOHC variants for that year) do not have that issue.

[thatoneexplorer]

My AWD SOHC has about 252k with original timing guide, and trans. No major repairs at all, most I did was a bigger pump and tune along with a (slight) cam. She's still runnin 22 years later, outlived the 2014 sentra I had

[kennymilton]

I have a 97 5.0 AWD i got from my grandfather. The only issue i had was my viscous coupler, and a few annoyance things like window guides. Other then that at 222, 000 miles no problems, and I love driving it

[H]

One of the best SUV’s ever made, every Explorer generation after these has been total junk. Just a ridiculous downgrade.

[paulsilva]

2:19 2 years ago I spent four grand on my 1998 Ford XLT overhead cam transmission

[bigjohn]

First I love yalls videos but this needs to be titled 98 - 2004 explorer not 95 cause the 95 and 96 doesn't have any of those issues. Doesn't even have most those parts I have a 96 explorer with the gt40 head 5.0 right at 300k and I've never had any of those issues. Egr issues yes, now on my 06 all of the issues you mentioned are correct lol

[rafextreme]

I have a 01 explorer sport only twice did it ever need a mechanic 1 for an O ring replacement (I was young at that time) and the 2nd time was when I poured motor oil in the transmission dip stick tube ( I got distracted and went in the wrong hole) and she's still going strong at 240k miles ** knock on wood** My only issue is the aerodynamics of this shoe box especially in this heavy rain and strong winds on the high way. Multiple close calls with hydroplaning due to the wind just jerking me to the side she's going to kill me on my way to work one of these days.

No joke any one got any ideas to combat this problem?

[cristinearias]

My 1999 Explore SOHC cylinder 6 keeps turning the engine light on even after changing the plugs and wire. Why?

[Nickboss]

For any peeps with the 4.0 ohv or the x 8th vin digit code it's not a modular engine meaning it's not over head cam it's a pushrod engine timing chains are shorter with less problems than the modular v6 and v8s they can still have problems of course but just less common as well as the lower intake manifold likes to spring a coolant and/or an oil leak at the back of the engine and leak down on the cat under the car on the ohv hope I helped someone that noticed they don't talk about the pushrod engine in these like someone mentioned before the option for the modular v6 didn't come out until 97 but you could still get the pushrod engine all the way up to 99 like mine is love these tanks keep em alive🔥🔥💯💯💪💪

[dennyj]

BTW the 2nd generation Explorer is 95-01, 3rd gen started with '02, quite a difference.

[TheBruceTR]

When she says the "plastic intake" cracked, and the video shows coolant pouring out, what intake is she referring to?

[onrdetailingnews]

Timing chain only go bad on the sohc engine not the efi 4.0 engines

[dennyj]

Glad you covered the 2nd gen! Lots of em out here. BUT I understand the 4.0 SOHC is an interference engine.

[daved]

Great informational video 👍😊 there is a permanent solution to these problems. Buy aToyota 😀

[brakeme]

2001 5.0 180K in Az. : in the span of the last 7 years...fuel pump, water pump, auto door locks and handles (e. plungers), rear latch, crank sensor plus connector, cam sensor plus connector, steering wheel buttons, Idle air control valve. Rear window hinges(4X), rear window shocks. hood shocks, EGR tubes are failing and needs upper and lower control arms (bushings and ball joints)