1997 Ford Explorer: won't start

Filed Jan 22, 2003 · Engine · CA

Backed out of driveway and proceeded down street at about 10 MPH. Engine made a "thunk" noise and went into a "no start" condition. My '97 explorer was towed to the dealer who diagnosed the problem as a snapped crankshaft. At 103k miles the dealer did not acknowledge that this was any sort of manufacturing defect and emphatically stated that they'd never heard of this problem. They refused customer request that they review the federal safety agency webiste for history of prior reports. The dealer stated that the engine was only designed to last 100k miles but that might be extended with regular oil changes. This customer asked if engine replacement at 100k miles was an expected event and the dealer repeated that it could be. Ford's national customer service was no help. The zone manager would not meet to discuss the problem. Customer paid $4,800 to replace the engine. Customer kept the broken shaft which shows multiple internal surface textures. To date there have been other complaints about this same problem without a response on this safety and manufacturing issue from ford. Other websites report ford employees aware of this problem, loosely referred to as a "stacking of tolerences" whereby the tolerences exert pressure on the crankshaft just behind the key where it attaches to the dampner. This is reportedly not a condition that the owner can prevent, diagnose or otherwise be aware of until the crankshaft breaks. Ford reportedly cannot make a prior determination either, seemingly leaving it to chance whether a vehicle will have problems. Certain engine compnents are expected to fail during engine life such as water pumps, alternators and so forth but major components should not. Ford should address this issue by revealing the design life of the crankshaft. J.d. Powers relayed to this customer that crankshafts are routinely designed to last 200 - 250k miles, contrary to dealer assertations. The federal safety agency needs to investigate this issue and take appropriate action.

Filed May 12, 2002 · Engine · IL

I was making a left turn in my 1997 ford explorer. All of a sudden the car engine just died and I lost steering power and the car would not start again. After having it towed to the dealer they examined the vehicle and told me that the crankshaft had broken and that it was unrepairable, and that my only option was to have the engine replace. From my understanding if I had been travling at a high rated speed I could have been seriously injured from that piece breaking off.

Filed Apr 2, 2002 · Electrical, Seat belts · AL

When it's cold outside vehicle hesitates to start.*ak consumer adds that the seat belt locked in place on passenger side, consumer's child was locked in and could not get out, seat belt had to be cut in order to release child; ignition locked up and would not crank for 2 hours.

Filed May 1, 2001 · Electrical · SC

Truck will not start. Sometimes driver has to pop the clutch. Sometimes the truck has to be push before it will start.

Filed Apr 27, 2001 · Engine · NY

After cutting car off and parking for a while, consumer tried to restart car and it would not start. *ak

Filed Feb 5, 2001 · Acceleration, Electrical · MD

Nov '00 - truck would not start, had to get jump start. Took into the dealer for service. Diagnosis - idle air control valve replaced. Dec '00 - truck would not start, had to jump start. Took to a local mechanic. Diagnosis - gem module replaced. Jan '01 - truck would not start or jump start. Towed to dealer. Diagnosis - crank positioning sensor replaced. Told by dealer that these all were electronic parts. No explanation as to why they would fail with such low mileage. Currently, the 4wd indicator lights on the dash flash periodically. Left voice message with dealer service on 2/5 to discuss/fix.

Filed Dec 29, 2000 · Body, Brakes · WA

Vehicle experienced several engine problems, consumer stated that the engine sounded like no oil was in it when started, dealer has replaced gaskets, upper intake cam tensioner three times, and there was a coolant leak. Left front door hinge replaced, it was making noise. Power steering pump was replaced, it was noisy when turning the wheel. Vanity mirror on driver's side would not close all the way and popped when opened, dealer replaced it. The right front of the vehicle was lower than the left front. Brakes were squeaky, dealer replaced front brake pads and turned rotors. A tap noise was heard while playing cd's. Vehicle experienced several transmission problems, while going over bumps and railroad tracks, transmission jumped out of gear, dealer intalled overhaul kit because the clutch had burned. 4 wheel drive was inoperable and made a rubbing/groan noise, when reversing and putting intor drive, consumer heard popping noise, dealer replaced rear transfer case flange and removed driveshaft. Vehicle would not start, it would turn over, dealer found the PCM was not wiring, dealer replaced PCM.

Filed Oct 10, 2000 · Engine · IN

Engine crankshaft broke. While sitting in vehicle heard a funny noise. Then, vehicle died, and would not start again. Consumer felt this was a manufacturing defect because of the way the crankshaft fell off.

Filed Oct 3, 2000 · Tires · MA

Consumers tires are not included in the recall 00t-005 because the serial number does not start with vd, consumer believes the should be covered and request reimbursement. Nlm

Filed Sep 16, 2000 · Brakes · CA

Vehicle would not start. On second occassion, took to dealer for diagnostics 4 times before actual problem was found.

Filed Feb 17, 2000 · Engine · PA

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.

Filed Jul 30, 1999 · Electrical · NY

The crank sensor wiring, for the starter (ignition), will not start the vehicle. Took to dealer & was informed what problem was. Vehicle is out of warranty & dealer refused repairs unless paid up front first. Vehicle was under warranty in beginning.