2006 Ford Explorer: check engine light

Filed May 27, 2025 · Driver assistance, Transmission · NY

Hi, I purchased my 2006 ford explorer in 2019 from a mechanic lot. Since then I’ve changed the muffler, all 4 of the o2 sensors. Recently, after changing parts like the cylinder, spark plugs and wires as well as another set of o2 sensors and the EGR Valve, Mass Air flow sensor and the EGR sylenoid valve I have been getting check engine light with the emissions code not passing inspection. At this point my registration is at hand and the mechanics that change the parts can’t seem to understand why the check engine light did not go off. However an additional code came on in regards to the heater. As per PEP Boys mechanic shop and Auto Zone the emissions keep failing and may need a new computer- however when a part is removed the computer is able to pick that up issuing out another code. Please assist Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 29, 2018 · Airbags · 175,757 miles · PA

My check engine light came on. I stopped to have the parts store get the codes it was throwing out. Two of the codes have to do with the air bag having a malfunction in the system. Need to know if this is a manufacturing issue. I have kids that ride in the vehicle so trying to take precautions. The codes are b1884 and b2290.

Filed Jun 19, 2018 · 128,000 miles · FL

2006 ford explorer, eddie bauer edition. The electronic throttle body (etb) fails, becomes defective, and has been replaced five times in less than two years. Without warning, the vehicle will display poor performance, erratic RPM's, loose power, and even stall. All indications point to the etb; codes and mechanic experience suggest replacing etb, only to have save issue arise again in two to three months, if not weeks, or even days, after replacement. Often, but not always, the "wrench" icon (limp home) turns on, and, often, however, not always, the check engine light. A restart of vehicle, the "wrench" icon turns off, and vehicle will drive, however, continues to perform poorly. The above occurs in all kinds of weather, and times of day, or year, without warning, no matter the diving conditions. The problems are inconsistent and irregular. The symptoms may occur on first start in driveway, on busy street, or idling in school pick-up line. When the etb is replaced, the vehicle drives as manufacture intended, demonstrating the issue is with the etb, as numerous mechanics have diagnosed, from the ford dealership to many name-brand and local auto repair shops. The replaced-electronic throttle bodies perform well for inconsistent time periods no matter of the manufacturer. Oem etb do not seem to last any longer than after-market etb's.

Filed Feb 8, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · 100,100 miles · MI

Got 2006 eddie bauer w/98,000, 1 previous owner (mother) all servicing via the same ford dealer (gene butman), except for a few oil changes from uncle ed's. Late nov 2016 took it in due to the heat was fluctuating, was told it needed the thermostat and housing replaced (even though it had the radiator replaced a few years earlier), also had brakes & rotors done, the 100,000 mile checkup said all was good. A week later the exhaust flute, etc broke lose, got that repaired & $2,000 later, friday 2/03/17 wrench light came on, then engine light, vehicle seemed to lunge forward, delay, doesn't engage..accelerate, feels like the transmission is hanging and then slams into gear. A thud feeling was also reported by my mother several times in previous years to the dealer, they could not find anything wrong, so she had then document it. Today I am told a transmission is needed, which is a unexpected huge & saddening surprise - in 2012 and 2013 there had already been transmission work on the vehicle. Checked and see all reports about this particular model has occurred on this one, cooling system/radiator/thermostat and housing issues, exhaust issues and now transmission issues -- there are thousands of reports for this exact model and other explorer and ford vehicles, all known issues, many explanations why it occurred with this model and that ford is aware of them and has provided no recalls for any of these serious defective matters, none - especially when each are very dangerous matters. Today I am told, that a new transmission will be: $5,400, 3 year warranty and a used transmission: $3,600 12 mos or 12,000 miles. Both options are very very expensive. What can the federal safety agency do, will a recall ever occur? It seems ford needs to step in and help with these repairs. It there any help with these matters & cost? Http://www.carcomplaints.com/ford/explorer/2006/ .

Filed Oct 18, 2016 · Brakes, Fuel system · 129,872 miles · CO

Driving down the hwy the powertrain malfunction indicator came on. I lost all use of the fuel pedal and brake. Had to get to the side of the hwy with out dying. If I turn the car off and back on the indicator is gone and works just fine. This situation has happened at least 5 times in the last 3 months. Nothing shows up when I plug in a code reader.

Filed Sep 8, 2016 · Engine · 109,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a complete loss of power. In addition, the contact noticed steam coming from the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the compressor failed and the check engine indicator was disabled. As a result, the electronic control module caused the vehicle to malfunction. The compressor was replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

Filed Jun 28, 2016 · Engine, Transmission · 16,200 miles · AL

Check engine lite and orange wrench lite which shuts car down no excelration pedal power steering gone and no brake control on freeway coming home. Trans. Will not shift and jumps when wrench lite is on very dangerous this has been going on since april took back to dealer sent to mechanic replaced 2 parts on excelleration module. Still not right.

Filed Feb 13, 2015 · Transmission · 236,000 miles · AZ

The transmission would not engage into the next gear. Then the engine maintenance light came on. Pressed the gas again it would not go forward. Pulled off to the side to park it and put it back in d - drive it still would not go forward. Engine light still on. Turned off the vehicle. 10 minutes later turn on the vehicle and put in d-drive and it engaged but was unable to shift into next gear. Able to make to parking lot and get help. I do agree why did ford make hard for consumer to add their own transmission fluid if it runs low. No dip stick for it as well to check if it is low.

Filed Sep 5, 2014 · Transmission · 125,000 miles · AL · crash

Cel light came on, code read 02 sensor which was replaced and cel light off now. Transmission jerking hard into reverse and drive and hangs up between gears, suddenly lunging forward. In stop and start or downtown traffic, with lights every block, it will sometimes lunge forward as I slow down to stop, idles rough, and then has died. It has twice sputtered and tried to stall trying to cross busy intersection. This vehicle is not safe!!!! And should not have to replace transmission at ridiculous cost that apparently does not fix problem as indicated by all ford forums.

Filed Jun 18, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 100,000 miles · NJ

I've had multiple problems with this car. First the car shifts hard approx between 10 MPH and 20 MPH, the car lunges, stalls, then shifts hard into gear. When it first happened, I took the car to a certified mechanic and they did a complete transmission flush... The car ran smooth for about 10 days, then it started leaking transmission fluid which resulted in my radiator being ruined. Replaced the radiator and a plug in the transmission. ($1,800) the car then ran fine up this past sunday. The car as me and my wife were driving home from a 400 mile trip with the AC running, the wrench light came on and the car started lunging and shifting hard again. I exited off the highway and the check engine light came on... The car started shifting hard between 2nd and 3rd gear and making a loud clunk noise. Took it to the mechanic and he did another transmission flush on monday june 16, 2014... Two days later and the car still lunges, stalls, and shifts hard. I called ford and they said because the car is out of warranty, there's nothing they could do. I even asked them because there are so many complaints about the 2006 transmission, they still couldn't help me. The second problem is the car even though in park, it tends to roll down the driveway into the street in the middle of the night/ early morning... This happened a couple of times... Told ford about the problem, and because the car is out of warranty there's nothing they could do... The last problem is every once and a while the car doesn't shift into reverse... Told ford about the problem and once again, because the car is out of warranty there's nothing they could do...

Filed Jun 16, 2014 · Engine · 97,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns 2006 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving at low speeds the vehicle stalled and the check engine light illuminated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure could not be diagnosed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 97,000.

Filed Apr 14, 2014 · Transmission · 100,000 miles · CA

Vehicle stalls without warning making in unsafe to drive. Vehicle loses all power including engine, air, light. Instrument panel displays wrench, and engine light. Dealer diagnosed as throttle body. Replace and continues to die. No formal complaints, but google search of "2006 ford stalling issues" shows that many of these vehicles have the same issue.