engine problem
7.7
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$3,479.00
Average Mileage:
71,864 miles
Number of complaints:
12 complaints
Most common solutions:
- not sure (7 reports)
- replace engine (3 reports)
- replaced the timing chain (2 reports)
Helpful Websites About 2002 Ford Explorer timing chain tensioner problems
2007Mar 27
(reported on)Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 63,000 miles
Basically Ford Sucks. They acknowledge the problem exists, however refuse to help me out. I wasn't even sticking it to them. I asked them to help with the costs of replacing an engine because they cheeped out on a timing part, and refuse to let anyone know that this is an "issue" that they will fix if your car is under 75,000 miles.
Cost is 6500 to replace the ENGINE not fix it, because ford designs interference engines now. Good job. glad to see we use a 20 cent piece of plastic to ruin a 3500 engine.
2008Feb 02
Explorer XLT
- Manual transmission
- 75,873 miles
Wake up one morning and out $6500. Car was working fine and then it just freaking blew up
2006Feb 02
Explorer XLS 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
Hey everyone my name is David and I have posted on here before on other problems that I have had and decided I could add to this one as well.
About a year ago I noticed a rattling noise coming from under the hood and at first thought it was the belt tensioner going bad so I replaced it. Long and behold that wasn't the problem. Yes the tensioner needed to be replaced anyways, but the noise was still there. So I let the engine run and I was listening to it, and determined that it sounded like it was coming from inside the engine, right under that stupid little plastic pillow ford has in there. Anyways I told my car to a friend of mine that used to work for ford and asked him about it and he said it was the Timing Chain Cassette. He also said that ford was going to charge out the butt to fix it. The part alone is $600 and they are going to record 17 service hours. Knowing this I said the heck with it. Now with 190,000 miles on my explorer I know that it really isn't that big of a problem. Yes i still occasionally hear the noise when the engine is cold, but i can deal with it. I think of it as a turbo or something like that when people ask. :) I'll get around to fixing it when i have the money for the part.
I don't waste my time with Ford, I fixed all the problems that I have myself. So If you have questions people, email me and I just might be able to help you.
2007Oct 22
(reported on)Explorer Eddie Bauer 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 59,000 miles
As the original owner of a 2002 Ford Explorer Eddie Bauer I've a real problem with it. The vehicle has 59000 miles on it and always maintained. Looks showroom. With no warning the vehicle's timing chain broke and distroyed the engine. Repairs would have been more than a remanufactured engine with a 75000 mile warranty. I cannot believe this would happen at 59000 miles. The Ford garage is of little help other than they gave me a free rental while they replace the engine. They said to write to Ford. Big deal. Anyone know to whom I can send a letter or E-mail. After owning 12 Fords I see no reason to get another at this point. Perhaps they really don't care about market share. Our kids have cars with 100000 to 250000 miles on them(all foreign). Guess that's the answer lacking anything from Ford.
2007Jun 07
(reported on)Explorer Limited 4.6L V8
- Automatic transmission
- 132,000 miles
Its aggravating that this is apparently a problem in 2002 Ford Explorer since 6 people have written about it just on this site. Why doesn't Ford do something about it? It's not like it is a cheap fix, it cost me $1100.00 to fix a stupid timing chain that cost $54.00 but because you have to remove the engine to fix it you're spending more on labor than on parts.
2007Aug 14
(reported on)Explorer XLT 4.6L
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
THANKS you guys I had 5 people look at that problem and they thought the noise was the Nylon composite intake manifold that was recalled, now I know what to bitch about to FORD
2007Jun 30
(reported on)Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
i have a really annoying engine noise in my 2002 explorer that i thought was "knocking" but now i find out its the timing chain tensioner that ford has known for a long time they had a problem with. my car had about 68,000 miles on it when i first noticed the problem. as a long time ford man (we owned 9 fords over the years) i'm very disappointed to say the least. my local dealer says it will cost $1500.00 to repair this problem.
2007Mar 28
(reported on)Explorer XLT 6 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 66,000 miles
Loud engine noise sounds like a knock or rattle at idle and increaszes during acceleration. $70 just to diagnose and then learned I need a new timing chain and tensioners! I've had toyotas and hondas that I replaced them at 100K as preventative only (no noise). This is ridiculous! Am waiting for an estimate on this, but have heard anywhere from $150 to $1,150 to fix. Buyers beware...
2007Feb 27
(reported on)Explorer XLT V-6
- Automatic transmission
- 35,500 miles
Have a 2002 Ford Explorer XLT that I purchased as a 2003 leftover.
At about 33000 miles I started hearing a noise that sounded like an engine knock. I needed rear brakes so I made an appointment with the dealer to replace brakes and check out noise from transmission or engine area that sounded like an engine knock while excelerating in 2nd and 3rd gear.
Technition indicated that the noise was probably a timing chain tensioner that would cost @ $1000./$1100.00 to fix.
I explained that this was not possible because there is only 35500 miles. I'm going to get another opinion and write a letter to Ford!
Any other ideas?
Vince
threvin@comcast.net
2007Jan 03
(reported on)Explorer V6
- Automatic transmission
- 24,000 miles
This is the third time we have replaced the belt due to it squeaking very loudly. I dont know why it's wearing but it's very annoying, maybe the tensioner is bad I don't know. but changing the belt takes care of it for about 20,000 miles. This belt should last for years. This and many other problems is why Toyota will or has surpassed Ford in customer satisfaction and sales, this is my last Ford
2006Jul 13
(reported on)Explorer XLT
- 74,000 miles
So irratated with my Ford!! I have wanted a SUV for a long time, I liked the Ford Explorer particularly, I've had a Ford F150 in the past that was a awsome truck, so I figured I would have good luck with that again. I WAS WRONG!! I bought my Explorer not even 3 wks ago and it is in the shop with rear differential problems and timing chain tensioner problems.... I've read enough on this site and other sites to know that there are LOTS of people with the same problem... Someone said on here that Ford has obviously got a problem with their drive train - this makes the damn thing work, you have problems here, and you are in trouble!! Not only do these problems put your truck out of comission, it puts LOTS of money out of your pocket - obviously I'm not rich, or I would have bought a new Lexus SUV instead of a used Ford. This is the thing, there are no recalls on the drive train, but, from everything I have read, there should be. If you would go to this site and post your complaints, maybe we can get Ford backed into a corner where they have to acknowledge these problems... I know that there are a few people on here that have done this already, but, unfortunately just a few of us can't get much accomplished. Please take 5 min - no more time than it took you to post your problems on here - and go to www.safercar.com and place a complaint on their site, if we ALL do this, maybe we can get something done. In the mean time we are all screwed with crappy drive trains that are repeatedly breaking and causing us costly problems!! This sucks, I'm so damn disappointed that I don't know what to do!! Please help me make Ford do something about this!!!
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A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007May 01
Explorer XLT 4.0L V6
had the timing chain replaced and now not even a year later the new one is making more noise than the old one. once again no solution from the dealer. This is the biggest piece of crap ever made and the worse mistake i have ever made. I'll was going to buy a new shelby mustang because my first car was a mustang but i'd rather give my money to the Japanese. I am going to buy a Tundra for my everyday driver and and maybe a new skyline when they hit the market.
Romeo F.
George Town, BWI, Cayman Islands
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