Hey all I am looking at buying a 1993 Ford Explorer 4x4 Sport 2dr. Its got
170k but doesnt look, feel, or drive like it. Body, engine, interior are all good. It shifts smooth and on time. The only problem is, when you hit the push-button 4x4, 4x4 is not engaged, the light doesnt come on and it is obvious that You are not in 4wd. The trans fluid on the dipstick was yellow and smelled burned. The dealer says that the trans just needs "service" They are asking 3 Grand for the truck. Ideas on the trans?
The transmission fluid should be red. I've never heard of any yellow ford tranny fluid. The 4x4 problem is most likely caused by the very common problem of the shift motor needing to be taken off and disassembled and cleaned. An easy job or you can buy a new motor for about $150. Details on the DIY route are on
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I'd be a lot more worried about the transmission right now. Have the dealer service it with a complete flush AND filter change and warranty it for 3000 miles/3 months.
-- Jim '88 LX 5.0 (now in car heaven) '89 LX 5.0 vert '99 GT 35th Anniversery Edition - Silver Mods to date - Relocated trunk release to drivers side, shortened throttle cable, PIAA Driving lights.
Waiting until the trans fluid has odour and colour change generally means that it is too late..... surely you don't expect the dealer to say "oh, yeah.... the trans is going to die in your arms...". Saying" the trans just needs service " will get rid of the evidence - not the problem. The 4X4 problem usually centres around the shift motor.
You might check out rec.autos.makers.ford.explorer to see the other pattern failures that afflict the first gen Exs.... all that said, I love my '92. It's the daily driver, reasonably easy on gigglejuice and very dependable. three long sounds about right for a decent one.
By dependable, I mean driving half a day in minus 30°C weather with the only trip prep being to fill the tank and check the oil...... I mean knowing the car will start tomorrow morning knowing that our temp with windchill is currently sitting at -64°F (naturally, we plug 'em in about this time). You could probably find better...... but you will most assuredly find worse.....
Oh..... if it has the auto hubs, plan on a set of Warn manuals in the near future...
Thanks guys for the help. I've never seen a good trans with yellow fluid that smelled like burning plastic.. isnt it supposed to be red and smell sweet? I think the trans is probably F'ed and if it isn't, it will be soon. I'll find another truck.
There is an actuator on the tranfer case that goes bad on them which is probably why it won't engage. The trans sounds F'd and take a look at the center bank spark plug for oil fouling from intake gasket leaks that suck oil into the centre cylinder. I've owned a '91 Eddie Bauer 2 door and a '94 XLT 4 door and was generally pleased with them ( the '91 was great but was starting to rust bad) But they start giving trouble at old age if they have not been looked after. Jim is corrrect about the Explorer NG they are a knowledgeable bunch that helped me out when I had mine. Personally I'd walk from that one there are lots of better ones around I'm sure. StuK
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