2001 Ford Explorer Sport Consumer Discussions

Ford Explorer Suspension and Steering

• 2003 Explorer Sport 2dr 4x4 - Limited Slip Differential question

  Written by: ebsavelle on Jul 19, 2010 2:01:21 PM

  My previous 2001 Explorer Sport was able to accept some factory parts to make the standard Rear End become a Limited Slip Rear. Now that I am buying a 2003 version, can I do the same? I don't believe there was ever an actual option, but my local Ford Dealer did the mod and it's been awesome. Is the Rear the same?

Ford Explorer Engine and Diagnostics Problems

• Im just a kid

  Written by: itzbrock on Aug 13, 2009 3:39:00 PM

  I recently bought a used 2001 Ford explorer sport. For the first month or so its been doing great, and only had a few minor problems that were fixed. About a week or so ago ive been having some problems with my transmission. For example. I would start it up fine, take it down the road and after about a min or so of driving it wouldnt go anymore. You could ... Read More

Ford Explorer Sport Alarm system is going off for no reason.

• Re: 2001 Explorer Sport Alarm system is going off for no reason. [sport624]

  Written by: sport624 on Apr 22, 2009 9:29:13 PM

  7 months ago, I asked this question... Edmunds has yet to answer my question, and I am certain I have not been alone in having this problem>>> My 2001 Explorer Sport's alarm system went off for no reason. I used my key-fob to turn it off but when I released the button it went right back on. This happened in a parking lot during the mid-day sun. This has never happened ... Read More

• 2001 Explorer Sport Alarm system is going off for no reason.

  Written by: sport624 on Sep 2, 2008 1:41:48 AM

  Yesterday my 2001 Explorer Sport's alarm system went off for no reason. I used my key-fob to turn it off but when I released the button it went right back on. This happened in a parking lot during the mid-day sun. This has never happened before. I thought it was just a fluke, but this morning - EARLY THIS MORNING - at 3:49 AM EST my alarm woke me from a ... Read More

Ford Explorer Transmission Questions

• Transmission Shot at 36.7K

  Written by: mccroary on Dec 15, 2007 7:38:03 AM

  Transmission Shot at 36.7KHas anyone had any luck getting Ford to stand behind its product? Their Customer Care is a joke, and given the known transmission problems with the 2001 Explorer Sport Trac, we were offered ZERO assistance even at 36.7K miles. Since we put low mileage on the vehicle, we are past the time deadline on the warranty. We loved the truck up until now but after researching Ford's all-around ... Read More

Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer Real World MPG

• Reducing tire size for mileage feasible?

  Written by: zevoruko on Jul 29, 2007 8:03:24 PM

  I have a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. It still has the original Michelin 235/75R15 tires on it but after 6 years its time to change them. That bring in 2 questions: 1)Is it possible to install thinner tires.. maybe like 215 or 205 if i respect the original height? -Would this make the vehicle any less safe? -Would they fit the original rims? -Would gas mileage really be reduced a little ... Read More

• 2001 Explorer Sport V6

  Written by: zevoruko on May 25, 2007 3:16:09 PM

  at over 2200 meters above sea level I get around 17 mpg in city driving, havent taken it on the highway yet. 2001 Ford Explorer Sport with 39 000 miles on a V6 4.0 200hp engine.

Ford Explorer Tires and Wheels

• Safe Tire Pressure on Michelins ???

  Written by: zevoruko on May 24, 2007 4:13:21 PM

  I have recently bought a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. The previous owner (in my family) actually bought it with the Firestone tires and they shredded to pieces one day at low speed (no damage to anyone or anything thank God). Ford immediately replaced the tires for some P235/75R15 Michelin that were always kept at around 30 psi. Nonetheless, now that i got this car, and after reading the manual and the ... Read More

Ford Explorer AWD 4WD Questions

• 2001 ford explorer sport

  Written by: redline6 on Mar 25, 2007 9:29:15 AM

  inappoprite abs activation at 20mph-0

• Re: 2001 Ford Explorere (sport) [tmac4]

  Written by: nvbanker on Feb 18, 2007 1:28:49 PM

  Need a little more data, like mileage on truck and previous performance, how often you use the 4WD, etc. However, it sounds as if your shift motor has failed, that's the most common reason for this malfunction. It's about a $500 repair to have it done. The part is around $300. It could be electrical, like a fuse, but that's quite rare. If your explorer has over 75,000 miles, I'm betting ... Read More

• 2001 Ford Explorere (sport)

  Written by: tmac4 on Feb 17, 2007 11:43:23 PM

  I can't get my explorer in to 4 wheel drive? When I turn the switch, nothing happens, the 4X4 light won't even come on?

Ford Explorer Maintenance and Repair

• Re: 01 explorer w hood latch failure & more! [ersari]

  Written by: fordexploder on Jan 31, 2007 2:10:59 PM

  Do you happen to have a Sport or Sport Trac that would qualify? There's a recall repair that if performed might solve your problem?? **** "2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT TRAC STRUCTUREHOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS Recall Date: 11/28/2000 Summary: VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES WITH STEEL HOODS AND CERTAIN PICKUP TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH SHEET MOLDING COMPOUND HOODS. A WIRE FORMED HOOD STRIKER COULD BE SUSCEPTIBLE TO FATIGUE FRACTURES. IF THE HOOD STRIKER FRACTURES, ... Read More

• stalls when idling

  Written by: drh5 on Oct 6, 2006 10:04:33 AM

  I have 2001 ford explorer sport 2wd.when you crank it up and let it idle for a little bit. it will stall and start right back up.it's been doing it for a week and does quite often.

• Re: 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT AIR BAG LIGTH IS ON [lugo_189]

  Written by: electricdesign on Feb 10, 2006 1:35:26 PM

  It indicates that there is a malfunction in the air bag system. It may or may not be disabled. It is much too dangerous for an unqualified person to work on it. It has to be diagnosed with a special code reader for the purpose. I can NOT recommend that you to work on it, as the danger creates a large liablity. Take it to a dealer or a qualified shop ... Read More

• Re: 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT AIR BAG LIGTH IS ON [lugo_189]

  Written by: bioman on Feb 10, 2006 1:35:24 PM

  If you mean that the airbag warning light on constantly, that means that you have a problem with the airbag circuitry and you should take the truck in and have it checked out ASAP. If you mean that the airbag is literally coming off of the steering wheel or the dash, the problem may be more urgent because you are dealing with a potential bomb that could cause fatal injury and ... Read More

• 2001 FORD EXPLORER SPORT AIR BAG LIGTH IS ON

  Written by: lugo_189 on Feb 10, 2006 9:06:40 AM

  Hello all. Can somebody tell me why the air bag is comming off?

• Problem w/power door locks.

  Written by: carsar on Jan 27, 2006 7:40:11 PM

  While driving home my door locks started making a noise as if they were closing and opening by themselves. The noise continued for sometime after the car was stopped. I am able to open the door manually. However, I am unable to open or close the door lock by pressing the open or close button on my 2001 Ford Explorer Sport. If you have any ideas as to what caused this ... Read More

• Stalling out after being on for a couple seconds

  Written by: stunnin20s17 on Dec 30, 2005 3:32:16 PM

  I own a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport which keeps stalling out. The truck turns on and then right after that it stalls, I try to keep it running for a while by holding it at 2500 rpm but as soon as I take my foot of it stalls again. If you have any ideas of what might be wrong or suggestions please help. Thanks

Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer 2005 and earlier

• Re: 2001 Explorer Sport [fdthird]

  Written by: steve_ on Jul 11, 2005 8:35:30 AM

  I think the Sport discussions faded away since Ford quit making the Sport. My understanding is that a lot of the mechanicals on yours are the same as the pre-2002 four-door Explorer, so ask away in here. Or check out the Ford Explorer: Problems & Solutions discussion. Steve, Host

Ford Explorer Maintenance and Repair

• Re: Possible Front Driveline Problem [ckeator]

  Written by: mdoug25 on May 13, 2005 6:55:27 AM

  I own a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport (75K Miles) and have 2 friends, one also with a 2001 Ford Explorer Sport (85K Miles) and the other, a 99 Ford Explorer (AWD) (60K miles). All three Explorers are making the same front drive-line noise. Both Explorer Sports have had the wheel bearings on the right side replace but the noise remains. I am pretty sure they all share the same front drivetrain ... Read More

Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer 2005 and earlier

• 2003 Leather Seat Quality

  Written by: jodar96 on Apr 18, 2005 2:27:24 PM

  I bought an 03 XLT Sport with leather seats with 34K miles that was put in service in Nov 2002. The driver side seat bottom has a little hump/ bulg on the left side of the cushion. It feels like foam under the leather is folding/bunching. The right side has the same feel but to much lesser extend. I feel it is a defect. The dealer says that Ford is very ... Read More

Ford Explorer Maintenance and Repair

• 2003 Explorer Transmission Fluid drain and fill.

  Written by: jodar96 on Mar 21, 2005 12:23:52 PM

  Chuck1, thanks for the warranty info. I ended up buying the 2003 XLT Sport 4x4 V-6. It has 33K miles, and on the 250 mile trip back home, doing 70-75mph, it got 20.8 mpg. For its size, it is not bad. My wife's 2001 RX300 2WD gets about 24. I could not hear anything unusual from the rear axle. Do you, Explorer owners, expect the rear end whine show up later? ... Read More

Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer 2005 and earlier

• RE: Posts 1573 and 1575

  Written by: fx4 on Oct 1, 2003 1:56:20 PM

  Post #1573--we are on Ford suv number 10 and T/B number 3. It is hard to believe, but my daughter's 1997 T/B, 4.6L that was built in September 1996 still has the original battery, 115,000 miles. This is after a major fender bender near the battery's location. Similar very long life with the 650 and 850 CCA Ford batteries on Broncos, Expeditions, Explorers. Even the best Die-Hard, Douglas, Deka, or Exide ... Read More

Ford Explorer Maintenance and Repair

• rusting of sidestep bars

  Written by: ana5 on Sep 23, 2003 4:34:12 PM

  has anyone had any problems with rusting of sidestep bars on their 2001 ford explorer sport.

Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer 2005 and earlier

• advice

  Written by: oldsman01 on Aug 20, 2003 8:14:29 AM

  How is everyone liking their 02/03 Explorer and Mountaineer? I'm seriously thinking about replacing my 2001 Oldsmobile Intrigue(which is a complete lemon) and am actually considering an SUV. I'm not a big SUV fan, but have always liked the Trailblazer and Envoy(looked at them when they came out 2 years ago) and I'm really starting to like the Explorer. Other than riding in a co-workers rental Explorer last year, I haven't ... Read More

Ford Explorer Maintenance and Repair

• 3rdTime

  Written by: jrc346 on Feb 6, 2003 8:47:34 AM

  It looks like there is a TSB on this problem. It says only to 2001 Explorers. However it sounds like you have the same problem. Here it is. The best of luck. A/T - Slipping Shifts/Delayed Engagements/DTC's Set Article No. 02-13-8 07/08/02 TRANSMISSION - 4R44E - 4R55E - 5R44E - 5R55E - LOW LINE PRESSURE READING AT WIDE OPEN THROTTLE (WOT) - SLIPPING SHIFTS AND/OR DELAYED ENGAGEMENTS - POSSIBLE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE ... Read More

Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer 2005 and earlier

• Response to twoof1 and jrc346

  Written by: wilsonze1 on Feb 16, 2002 8:02:57 PM

  There is no doubt that the folks writing and responding favor Ford products as I have for many years considering I still have my first 1984 SVO, 2000 Saleen supercharged convertible and 2001 Explorer Sport. I traded my Cadillac Escalade for the Mountaineer because like the enthusiast on the Lincoln Navigator chat section I like the looks inside and out, size, power, new suspension and since I have two children the ... Read More

Ford Explorer Maintenance and Repair

• The real story on the 4wd systems.

  Written by: g159 on Jan 14, 2002 8:02:05 PM

  Unfortunately, there appears to be some misinformation on previous posts. The 91-94 Explorer used a part time system for use on slick roads. The 95-2002 use the control trac system that uses computer monitors to apply an electromagnetic clutch (except the awd v8 from 96-2001)(and except the 2001 two door) to put power to the front wheels. Originally the dial on the dash had three spots, 2wd, automatic 4wd, and 4wd ... Read More

• 2001 Explorer lemon

  Written by: stewert on Aug 28, 2001 6:10:01 PM

  As i said earlier, My 2001 Explorer sport was having trouble starting. Well guess what.I came out of work and it would not start at all! Wait it gets better!! I called Ford roadside assistance and i talked to a foreign lady i could barely understand and she could not understand me at all. She said she called a tow truck and it would be there in 45 min. After 1 ... Read More

• 2001 Explorer Sport

  Written by: stewert on Aug 25, 2001 9:25:27 PM

  Hi, I have a 2001 Explorer Sport with 15000 miles on it and it ran fine until the other day when i went to leave to go to work and it wouldn't start. It just kept cranking but would not turn over. After calling ford roadside assistance and waiting nearly 3 hrs for a tow truck, It was towed back to the dealer and was found to have a faulty fuel ... Read More

Ford Explorer Mercury Mountaineer 2005 and earlier

• 2002 Tire Recall

  Written by: rcinsc on Aug 2, 2001 8:28:00 AM

  Have any of you had problems with the new tires? I just rec'd this email from safetyalerts.com SafetyAlerts August 1, 2001 2002 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer Recalled Detroit, MI (SafetyAlerts) - The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has published a recall affecting certain 2002 Ford Explorer and Mercury Mountaineer automobiles manufactured between August 2000 and April 2001. On certain sport utility vehicles, the right side tires may have horizontal ... Read More

• Rear Window

  Written by: melodious on Jul 17, 2001 5:30:10 PM

  Closing the back window on my 2002 Explorer XLT last night, was not the problem... it was opening it! I heard a snap as I lifted the rear window, paused and looked at the wiper, and then heard another pop and the window EXPLODED!!! There was a 15' radius of glass shards on me and the driveway around me! I am, thankfully, okay but rattled. My 15 day old truck is ... Read More

• I couldn't believe it!

  Written by: mattrichter on May 5, 2001 12:30:49 AM

  My wife are looking to replace our 94 Explorer Sport. We've narrowed it down to a 2002 EB AWD V8, 2001 Pathfinder LE and Acura MDX. The MDX dealer said that we were almost up so we dicided to go on some more test drives to really figure out which we wanted. Our first stop was Capitol Ford in San Jose CA. They had almost no selection, so we had to ... Read More

• 2001 leftovers

  Written by: IntrepidJC on Mar 17, 2001 11:22:41 PM

  well, no 2002 Explorer for me. I just picked up a 2001 XLT Sport package today. Couldn't pass up all the rebates available and the great interest rates. Also was able to take advantage of some rebates i had available from my ford citibank card and also from my employer, who is part of a program called XPLAN. You get a $1000 rebate on any 2001 model on top of any ... Read More