2002 Ford Explorer: check engine light

Filed Apr 5, 2016 · Transmission · 182,000 miles · NY

As I was out driving one day, I pulled off from a green light and out of nowhere the "service engine light" and the "o/d light" both turned on at the same time. At the same time I noticed that the truck began to shift very poorly coming out of 1st and 2nd gear. It is now to the point where there is a really loud "clunk" every time the truck shifts, especially in the lower gears and when putting the truck in reverse. I pulled over to ensure that it wasn't something I had done and it wasn't! I let the car sit for a few hours hoping that would clear the issue, but no luck! After much research on the problem this is a very well known problem by ford motor company and nothing has been done to resolve it for their customers. I purchased this vehicle just under a month ago and already I'm looking at $2,000 to put in a new transmission. Well after purchasing the vehicle I can not afford to fix ford's mistake!!! This is a clear defect of a ford product and after spending my hard earned money on one of their products I expect much better from them! Even after spending $2,000 on another transmission, it is a sure fact that it is only inevitable that this problem will happen again and again and again to anyone who purchases a 2003 ford explorer! If I and I'm sure anyone else would've known this fact, I'm positive; ford would have not sold as many models. Can we say bamboozled and taken for my money by ford motor company! Please help us customers out and demand a recall on these poorly built components they mass produced and stuck inside a widely marketed and sold vehicle. How would you feel if you and your infant child was driving and out of nowhere...boom...another $2,000 you do not have for another poorly built ford transmission smh... ## VIN failed ## [xxx] ## information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Mar 30, 2016 · Engine, Fuel system · NY

Check engine light came on went to a auto repair shop and was given oem code p0442 (evaporative emission system). The scent of gas was present. I changed the fuel cap and issue still remains. Gas fuel tank vapor vent check valve is defective and must be replaced.

Filed Dec 10, 2015 · Transmission · 160,000 miles · MT

The o/d light has started flashing and my check engine light came on, it is not shifting when it should be, going up to 5000 rpms, I have to take my foot off the pedal to try and get it to shift into 3rd. Sometimes it works, other times not so much. After doing a thorough search, I have found a ridiculous amount of complaints identical to mine, most with similar mileage (mine is at 162,000), with the problem being either the solenoid pack or the o/d servo. Some are lucky and have this replaced first, but others end up having to rebuild/replace the tranny. That is an expensive fix for what seems to be a very common problem, too expensive for most people who drive a vehicle that is this old.I am a single mother of two small children, I do not have the money to fix this or buy another vehicle.

Filed Dec 1, 2015 · Transmission · 169,000 miles · NM

Started with flashing of light went to check engine light code p0775 transmission control solenoid b.... From what I'm finding out this is just a symptom of the bigger problem the servo bore leaking and needing a brass sleeve insert fix... I think it's total crap I have to pay for a kit and find someone who will follow the proper refit procedures and pay them when ford is well aware of this issue and should be forced into a recall retro fit... I am a 50 yr old disabled woman who can't afford to fix a problem the manufacturer should be dealing with....the transmission is hazardous and can disengage from loss of pressure while driving...

Filed Jun 20, 2015 · Brakes · 118,000 miles · PA

Rear pads and rotors failed june 8, 2015. O/d light blinking with check engine light on, on june 12, 2015. Transmission shop got the codes and stated I don't have 2nd and 5th gears. $2000.00 cost. Please force recall! Help! Many other repairs including u-joints, tie rods, front axle, front rotors with pads etc. Since I bought it in april 2013.

Filed Apr 27, 2015 · Electrical · 205,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that the air bag light, the check engine light, and battery light illuminated on the instrument panel. The contact inspected the vehicle and diagnosed that the failure was due to an electrical issue within the wires in the door locks and anti theft system. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 205,000.

Filed Nov 24, 2014 · Engine · 183,000 miles · AL

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer sport. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the engine light illuminated as the vehicle started to overheat and stalled. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician diagnosed that the water pump and heating core needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 183,000. Updated 1/16/15*cn updated 9/7/2017

Filed May 24, 2014 · Engine · NY

" check engine soon" sign is on. " o/d" sign is on.

Filed Jan 9, 2014 · Transmission · 117,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle became hesitant to acceleration. After shutting the engine off and restarting, the check engine and od warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis. The technician stated that the transmission would need to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 117,000.

Filed Oct 3, 2013 · Transmission · 155,000 miles · NH

The transmission slips between first and second gear, the check engine light comes on. The code reads bad servo when read by the nh inspection station. Investigation on internet and through dealer inquiries states this is a very common problem with explorer automatic transmissions in this manufacturing time period , everything and everyone states there should be a recall. This is a very well known problem by ford for the 2002-2004 explorer transmissions.

Filed Mar 21, 2013 · Brakes, Fuel system · 177,156 miles · MN

We were driving down the highway and we heard a clunk and so we pulled over right away and looked and thought it looked like the rear passenger side was sagging but wasn't sure, we drove home and then realized it was def sagging. I took it to the car lot I bought it at and their going to check it all out to see what's going on.. Just be looking at it the car lot mechanic said looks like suspension issue as if something broke. Also the check engine light came on and we had it checked out a few times and it appears to have o2 sensor issues located on the exhaust which seems to be a issues with alot of ford explorers which makes gas mileage terrible and vehicle stalls out and dies, not to mention the piece of plastic under the rear hatch window that always breaks.

Filed Feb 7, 2013 · Engine · 126,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2002 ford explorer. The contact stated that while traveling 45 MPH, the vehicle made a loud popping noise and the vehicle shook. The also contact stated that the check engine light, over drive, and message centers lights illuminated. The contact stated the vehicle had not been to the dealer or a mechanic. The failure and current mileages were 126,000.