1998 Ford Explorer Sport Engine cooling Problems

“While driving down the road, I heard a snap and a pop like a fanbelt broke. I lost all power. This includes power steering and air conditioning. I driving around a curve, on an incline, and to pull over I was on a slope downhill. I have since been informed that this problem is not uncommon with the motor that is in my car. The crankshaft broke in my car. If this is a common problem why has there not been a recall?”

“I have the same problems in my Ford. Service bulletin number: 01205 ,0232 and 15406 some vehicles may exhibit vacuum or air leaks in the intake manifold and / or engine system causing diagnostic trouble codes p0171 and or p0174. Some vehicles equipped with the 4.0l sohc engine may exhibit a check engine light on with diagnostic trouble codes p0300 (random misfire) or p0301. Concerns with rear wipers that do not sufficiently clean the back glass.”

“I bought a used 1998 Ford explorer for my wife and at 135,000 miles the cam tensioner broke, putting a hole in the valve cover and possibly ruining the engine. I called the local dealership, flaggler Ford. Ford's reply at first was, yes this is a known problem and we will fix this at no cost to you . They towed my explorer in to the dealership and called me later telling me that while the time for this repair is not up, the mileage is over what they will cover. Ford said they would fix it for anywhere from $600 to $6,000! …”

“All 1998 v-6 explorer engines (not sure if other models are involved) have a problem with carbon buildup. My 1998 exloroer sport was diagnosed with this problem at 43,694 miles (engine performance was affected). The dealer charged me $388 for the decarbonization process. This will be a recurring problem. I wrote to Ford with my complaint and requested reimbursement. Received telephone call telling me I had to resolve with the dealer. Dealer would not assume responsibility. I wrote back to Ford telling them I had gone to the dealer and felt this was Ford's problem to resolve. …”

“After vehicle was parked for six hours the owner was awakened by some neighbors and informed that vehicle was on fire. Which was coming out of the fender well and consumed the entire vehicle. The fire department was called to the sceneand determined that cruise control was cause of the fire.”