Sometime in late 2004 Jeff Singleton left UMD and they have removed access to the Explorer Maintenance pages that Jeff had setup there. Charles Bress had a copy of the pages from Jeff's April 2001 update, and he gave me a copy to put up on the web so Explorer owners would still have access to them. So here they are.
USE THESE PAGES AT YOUR OWN RISK. I (and UCI) am not responsible if you break something while working on your Explorer using the information provided on these pages.
I no longer have an Explorer, so your best bet to get help with something is to ask on the Usenet group rec.autos.makers.ford.explorer.
Mike Iglesias iglesias at uci.edu
Folks, I am not very much of a mechanic. I do my own work when I don't get too scared but that doesn't take me very far. I'll go in as far as changing any of the fluids, changing plugs and wires, changing brakes and brake parts. Any more than that and I think I'll pay someone. What I have done is collect a few of the tips and tricks that I have come across via various web and Internet sources. If you have a question that is not answered here, your best bet is to try out the Usenet newsgroup rec.autos.makers.ford.explorer!
These pages arose from the need for more information in regards to repairing our beloved early model Explorers (and Rangers). The factory service manuals (published by Helms) are pricey and some say deficient with respect to the tips and tricks of disassembly and reassembly. On the other hand, the third party manuals available for reasonable prices (published by Chiltons and Haynes) provide some helpful hints but often avoid the really difficult repair jobs. Thus we are left with these reader contributed procedures.
As you can see most of this information comes from dr. bob, some from myself, and some from unknown authors. As I update or add sections to this page I will make every attempt to acknowledge the proper sources. Some acknowledgments, however, may slip through the cracks. Thank you to all the contributors. Mostly, big thanks for this information should go out to all the posters on rec.auto.makers.ford.explorer!
Good luck and happy trails,
Jeff
General Items
Service Schedule - Dr. Bob's TLC for Your Explorer
Plugs and Wires - A Treatise
Engine and Electrical Systems
Battery Cables - Starter Won't Start?
Thermostat - How to Replace It
Coolant Loss - from a Cracked Head
Coolant Loss - from the Valve Cover Gasket
Cooling Fan - Removal and Replacement
Water Pump - Removal and Replacement
Converting the A/C System - Getting Away from R-12
Changing the Tail Lights - A Little Trick
No Oil Pressure - Flush the System
Fuel Systems
Fuel Pump & Sender Replacement - 1991 to 1994
Fuel Pump & Sender Replacement - 1995 - ?
Fixing a Dead Fuel Gage - Maybe It's the Float
Fuel Pressure Regulator - Check Engine Light Driving You Nuts?
Transmission
The Manual Transmission - Beware of Rubber Plugs
The Automatic Transmission - Changing the Fluid
The Automatic Transmission - The Speed Governor
The Automatic Transmission - Check Your Alternator Lately?
The Automatic Transmission - Modulator Valves
What Happened to My Overdrive?
Hubs, Diffs, and Transfer Case
The Differentials - More Fluids to Change
The Transfer Case - What to Check First!
The 4wd System - Overhauling the Hubs and Troubleshooting
The 4wd System - A Note on the Automatic Hubs
The 4wd System - Converting Automatic Hubs to Manual Hubs
Brakes
Front Brakes - Also some more hub stuff
Suspension and Tires
Shocks - Improving the Ride
What Tires To Buy? - A Net Consensus
Radius Arm Bushings - Those rivets are tough!
Radius Arm Bushings - A little sidewalk engineering!
Radius Arm Rivets - The Blue Torch Approach
Interior and Body
The Center Arm Rest - Fix it Yourself
Removing the Instrument Cluster
Fixing a Broken Lock on the Rear Liftgate
Replacing a Driving Light Lens
Fixing the Sagging Driver's Door
Noises, Bumps, and Everything Else
Vibrations - Where to begin?
If You See Lots of White Smoke - Check Here First
The Clanging Cat Shield - A Few Suggestions
Passenger-Side Heat Shield - Loud thumps from that side???
Fixing a Vibrating Luggage Rack
DISCLAIMER:
As is customary, all procedures detailed on these pages are without warranty of any kind. Use of these suggestions and hints are at your own cost and peril. It is your vehicle and your hands doing the work, so please be careful. This information has been posted to the web free of charge - Caveat emptor most certainly applies.
Errors in spelling, accuracy of procedures, and general information will be accepted and processed on a random schedule. Flames about Ford-loving SUV-driving yuppie scum will be sent to the big bit-bucket of death.
In no way are these procedures representative of the opinion of either Ford Motor Company, the University of Maryland, or the United States Government.
Last updated: Updated April 12, 2001
All contents of this site Copyright © 2001 Jeff Singleton. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.