My '97 explorer sport makes a diesely noise. I have seen many complaints on the ford enthusiasts message boards. I have had several repairs done and it hasn't fixed the problem. I've heard belt tensioner, cat converter, heat sheild, lifters , bearings, arm rockers, and even rod knock. Ive also heard there was a batch of '96- early '98 explores made typically the sohc. I want some answers. I am fed up with having unnecessay repairs done to my truck. Please contact me.
1997 Ford Explorer engine complaints
Page 6 of 8: complaints 131 to 160 of 202, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Engine crankshaft failed.
Vehicle experiencing ongoing problem with fuel vapor smell coming inside the vehicle. Dealer notified, and was unable to locate the problem. Also, seat moves back and forth, and driver's shoulder belt would not latch properly. Dealer notified.
Upper and lower engine intake gaskets are leaking, causing air to enter into the cylinder, resulting in engine idling erratically and eventually no start. Please give any further details.
The timing chain broke off and knocked a hole in the valve cover tensioner. Could smell oil burning prior to problem with timing chain. Vehicle was towed to dealership for repairs of timing chain.
Intake manifold and the exhaust gas sensors had to be replaced prematuraly.
Tensioner plastic piece wich supports the timing chain broke, caused the vehicle to stall while driving which may cause a crash. Please provide further information.
Timing chain broke, causing the engine to blow up. Dealer replaced the engine. Problem with timing chain has occurred again.
The timing chain and tensioner failed due to design problems causing the vehicle to idle rough and make alot of noise upon startup and while stopped at a light. Nlm
Engine- vehicle began making knocking/ticking noise from engine at 30000 miles, took into dealer to report it, and they said no problems. Noise was at start ups and after vehicle had set for brief time. Noise became louder and longer in duration, took back into dealer at 35000 miles, again, they said no problems-normal noise. At 41900 miles, vehicle became undriveable, noise was extremely loud and metallic in nature. Took to different dealer who stated that they had numerous problems with 1997/98 explorers with 4.0sohc engine timing chain tensioner failures. Most were under warranty and they sent entire engine back to manufacturer to repair. Now my vehicle was out of warranty and the reapai cost me $700.00. The vehicle went back 3 days later with same problem, another $300.00. I feel that I reported my problem while the vehicle was still in warranty and that ford should cover the repairs. I also think thatford is fully aware of a widespread problem with these 4.0 sohc engines and the timing chain/tensioner defects. I have talked with many dealers and individual owners who have stated the defect is not isolated. Had my family and I been traveling at high speed when this thing went bad and the engine quit,there could have been an accident. There needs to be a formal investigation into this issue, it is too widespread and ford certainly is aware of the problem, but unwilling to address it and compensate consumers who are suffering with this. Fuel system- there is also a hesitation/stalling that occurs on same vehicle that has been into teh dealer on several occasions to fix, but can not be diagnosed or repaired. This is very dangerous especially when pulling into intersections or turning at traffice lights. My wife has had several near misses due to this. Again, this appears to be widespread with this 4.0 sohc engine. Please let's have something done about this before someone is hurt. Ford's army of engineers surely are aware this exists. Mark ditto
Cam chain tensionners replaced at 19004 miles dec. 1998 but still making rattling noise when starting
While traveling about 35mph, check engine light appeared. Took vehicle to dealer who indicated that the intake gasket was loose and resulted in the check engine light coming on. Dealer noted that the gasket allowed dirt to enter the engine.
Chain tensioners have deteriorated and broken up. Engine now rattels and grinds. I have fear of major engine damage. After talking to ford dealers in reno nv and one in susanville ca I have been told every thing from "your on your own " to " ford is working on a permanant fix so be patient. Is ford going to fix my problem . I understand this to be a major widespread problem.
Ford acknowldges problems in their service bulletins relating to this particular part. The service alerts warn of catastrophic engine failure which is what happened to my vehicle. This "defect" cost me $2178.68. Ford refuses to cover any of these costs.
Engine misses and stalls in various situations including highway speeds and from a stop. Dealer has been unable to repair after replacing ignition wires and vaccuum assembly. I consider this to be a very dangerous situation because of loss of power steering and brakes. It also causes the vehicle to act as if the brakes have been applied causing a stop from high speeds.
The timing chain tensioners do not support the guides as it was designed to do causing loud rattling. Nlm
I know that ford is fully aware of the problem. The replacement parts reflect that. Those who experience failure during warranty are fortunet to save hundreds of dollars. I still as of yet not claimed my vehicle .
Engine is noisy.
While traveling at any speed vehicle will stall and hesitate without prior warning, causing loss of power steering and power brakes . Consumer has contacted the dealer, dealer has replaced parts. Please provide any further details.
Intermittently when making a quick left turn the truck loses power. The problem has been reported to the dealership. Dealer cleaned speed sensor and replaced idle air control, but the problem still exists. *ak
Timing chain broke, causing vehicle not to run at all. Dealer said itwas defective, and the manufacturer doesn't make part anymore.
Check engine light came on while dirving 25-35 MPH. Vehicle had no power/ brakes. Vehicle coasted to a parking lot to avoid an accident. Was not able to steer car.
There is a faulty timing chain with the ford explorers. Ford has admitted that they know there is a problem. They also said there is no fix right now. This has been going on for over a year. The problem has gotten so bad that they are replacing the engine. They can not guarentee me that this problem will hapen again.
On-going problem with vehicle vibrating in front, vibration would commence whenever taking off from a stop position or whenever transmission would shift gear. Vehicle has been in and out of the shop on five occasions,condition still unresolved. The check engine light also illuminated, had dealer check vehicle and found the cv solenoid, ftp sensor and the o2 monitor were bad.
Was driving and car stopped with a clicking sound. No prior warning with engine lights, etc. Dealer claims failure to change oil resulted in engine failure and that engine needs replaced and ford also denied claim to replace said engine.
Tail pipe separated from muffler and there was a loud noise coming from under the vehicle. There was some metal rubbing against the vehicle.
Consumer was at stop sign when there was a loud popping sound and the engine shut down. Timing chain broke. Consumer was hearing popping noise for years, took to dealership and they never were able to duplicate noise.
Tail pipe separated from the muffler. Causing vehicle to make loud noises there is some metal under the vehicle that is making alot of noise.
Tail pipe is separating from muffler, and the vehicle is making a loud noise. There is metal type of noise coming from the vehicle.
Tail pipe separated from the muffler, causing vehicle to make a very loud noise. There is a noise like metal piece of object is hanging from vehicle.
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