r/FordExplorer Jan 23 '26

Mod Post New rules, please read.

22 Upvotes

Hello Explorer owners and fans! We are now in week 2 of our new moderation team. Below are the new subreddit rules we've developed. These have been posted on the sidebar for a few days now. We have not yet removed content based on these new rules, other than those that already applied to Reddit sitewide. So, we don't believe these will change much in terms of the content and discussion we already enjoy. This is more about setting expectations that weren't really there under the previously absent moderation team. Without further ado:

Rules

  1. Follow Reddiquette - Many of our rules are from the reddiquette. Any violation of the reddiquette can be removed by the moderators, especially ones included here.

  2. No personal attacks, bigotry, or harassment - You may strongly disagree with others, but you may not attack them personally. Bigotry or Hate Speech based on race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, age, etc. will be removed.

  3. Spam/self-promotion - You may post your blog posts, articles, videos, photographs, etc that you have written or created, but that should not be the only thing you do here. You should also participate in discussions (on your posts or others). Dealer/vendor posts are at moderator discretion.

  4. Illegal, sleazy, or dangerous activity - Any posts or comments with illegal or dangerous content will be removed.

  5. Uncivil political discussion - Civil political discussion is allowed as long as it pertains to the automotive industry. Political trolling, flame baiting, slurs, off-topic politics, and harassment will be removed, especially if it violates Rule 2.

  6. No AI Content - Posts containing AI-generated text, images, or videos are not permitted.

  7. Moderator discretion - Any post or comment may be removed by a moderator even if it does not explicitly violate a rule listed here.

Now, as I've said before we're becoming more familiar with our roles and the moderator tools, so we are going to try these out for a while. If we end up needing to add, removed, or modify any of these we will make a sticky post letting everyone know what we've done.

Ultimately our goal here is to foster a friendly, helpful, and productive community. So please help us do that by adhering to the rules and reporting content that you feel breaks them. Likewise, if you feel content was removed unfairly, please send us a message through ModMail so we can review it. For the most part we'll simply be removing content, but for habitual line-steppers, we'll be utilizing the ban function based on the severity of the discretion.

If you'd like to provide feedback on these rules, please do so here! No ideas will be ignored. This is also your chance to ask for clarification on any of these rules, we will not take it personally.

Thank you and happy Exploring!


r/FordExplorer Apr 08 '26

Mod Post If your post gets blocked, read this!

5 Upvotes

I wanted to take the time to explain what happens if you submit a post or comment and it doesn't post right away.

Essentially we have a series of filters and rules set up for new content that allows us to help prevent trolling and spamming. Those filters may choose to block content from users that have low karma, low reputation, or appear to be spam or trolling. Unfortunately, these filters may also block content from new users with low karma, but are creating legitimate content.

When posts are blocked, we look at each of the submissions individually, and if the content is legitimate, we will approve it. Reddit does not give us notifications when this happens so it's up to the mod team to check this queue regularly. Like you guys, we also have lives and so sometimes it can be several hours before we can check this queue. Please be patient, we will get to it eventually and please do not submit your content twice!

In other housekeeping news, we want to remind you that we really count on your help to report content that breaks the rules. I've lowered the threshold for reporting so now every single report comes right to ModMail for us to evaluate. We can't read every single comment and post, so your help on this matter is appreciated. Reporting is anonymous.

Happy Exploring!


r/FordExplorer 22m ago

Buying Advice Ford Explorer 3.5 ecoboost valve covers

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Upvotes

Hi so I have an explorer 2016 platinum I need to replace the valve covers to it my question is has anyone tried using the ones on Amazon and how well does this fit the explorer I have to option the ones form miliparts which are made from aluminum or mocar7 just plastic like oem both run for the same price will this fit great on my explorer?


r/FordExplorer 2h ago

Repair Advice Need help with a dead screen.

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1 Upvotes

Ok so my GF radio went out on her 2016 explorer. I tried the reset trick and no luck. Also changed the fuse and still nothing. I looked at factory replacement and it’s pricey. Her climate controls still work. Anyone know of a plug and play option? I did the one in my told Tacoma myself. So I’m hopeful there’s a plug and play option that doesn’t suck. She wants to keep the manual climate controls. She hates controlling the AC on the screen. Thank you guys


r/FordExplorer 18h ago

Repair Advice Engine shaking on 2025 Ford Explorer ST

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15 Upvotes

I was parked, then put it into drive and the whole vehicle started shaking and wouldn’t accelerate. I tried to turn the engine off and it wouldn’t turn off. Got out, popped the hood and took this video. What’s wrong with it? I bought it brand new and haven’t had any issues. There’s only 24,000 miles on it.


r/FordExplorer 5h ago

Repair Advice Starter engaging longer than normal on 2014

1 Upvotes

Have a 2014 Explorer limited with the 3.5 non turbo V6. I'm having an issue where when I start the engine sometimes the starter will stay engaged for too long and continue to crank after the engine is started. It doesn't make a grinding sound like it would if you tried to start it when the engine is already running. Just sounds like the starter cranking for a second after the engine starts.

The starter was replaced and it did not make a difference. Wondering if it's the ignition switch or possibly something else I'm not considering.


r/FordExplorer 8h ago

Technology/Features Google/Radio

1 Upvotes

I have a new (to me) 25 platinum. After 3 weeks of ownership it’s suddenly failing to change to the correct radio station.

ex: hey google, change radio to 96.5 fm

the screen then shows the correct request but will change the station to some other random station. when I manually scroll to that station, it comes in just fine. it’s not a reception issue. and, it doesn’t seem to matter the station I request- it always shows the correct request but changes to a random station.

again, this is a sudden change and it worked just fine previously.

anyone else experience this? do you know how to troubleshoot? thanks!


r/FordExplorer 17h ago

Show And Tell 16 Limited Repair Update

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3 Upvotes

I did get my flex pipe replaced and my car is definitely quieter. Took the shop about an hour to get it swapped out. Only current issues are a leaking passenger axle seal, leaking turbo line fitting and fixing another damaging my boost control solenoid hoses and putting everything in the wrong spot. Otherwise at almost 114k miles (2.3l) I can't complain about my ownership.

Also here's a picture of my limited i took earlier today 🚘


r/FordExplorer 1d ago

Buying Advice 1998 Ford Explorer 63k oh Miles, should i buy?

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6 Upvotes

I have a 1998 ford explorer posted on local FB marketplace, it’s about to hit 63k. I’ve been pretty into this color of some of the early gen fords but just wanted some general advice. seller is asking 6k and claims everything is pretty good no mechanical issues.


r/FordExplorer 1d ago

Buying Advice Is it a good price new car

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6 Upvotes

Looking to get a ford active and was wondering if the price is negotiable from online posted price


r/FordExplorer 21h ago

Buying Advice Low mileage 2016 Ford Explorer XLT

1 Upvotes

Hey everyone I hope you're doing well, I recently found a very reasonably priced XLT with considerably low kilometers for its model at around 80k. This is my first time actually wanting to get a Ford but all I hear from everyone is that the explorers are just waiting for everything to go wrong, is that truly accurate? The one I found has a lot of good features but I don't want to get a car just for it to spend more time at the shop than home


r/FordExplorer 1d ago

Buying Advice Wanting to buy a ford explorer 2011

1 Upvotes

Hi, my first post here.

Im looking and wanting to buy a ford explorer from 2011 for a while now. Ive been driving ford since a have my license 23 years ago.

But recently i found out about the issue that some ford explorer have had a problem in the past with carbon monoxide leaking inside the cabin. Some drivers experiencing headaches and illness feelings

Anyone else heard about this issues and anyone here with a explorer from this generation having any leakage issue? How was this fixed? I read that ford disnt do a recall foe this as this was mainly happening on the police cars in the US?

Im really wanting to buy this ford but i dont want to poison my kids with this car.

Looking forward for anyone that knows more about this issue.


r/FordExplorer 1d ago

Repair Advice Stuck in second gear

2 Upvotes

08 V6 4x4 225,000 miles

My explorer had been sitting a while before I got it towed in. Tow truck guy disconnected the shift linkage to get it on the flat bed. Finally got it running and it's like it's stuck in second gear.

Of corse the tow company says there's now way they could've done it wrong, and that the likely from sitting to long.

I think they're blowing smoke but I could be wrong


r/FordExplorer 1d ago

Repair Advice Windshield wiper issue

3 Upvotes

I have a new st line, with the weirdest issue. The drivers side wiper works fine on the upswing, but on the downswing it leaves a horrible smear that blurs my vision. I figured it might be the wiper, so I swapped it...and it still does it. Is there a certain wiper brand or something that needs to be adjusted? Like I said, its really weird.


r/FordExplorer 1d ago

Repair Advice Would need to check if I’m getting ripped off for the price?

1 Upvotes

Ford explorer 2014 PIU
Replace Engine Cooling Fan — $592.29
Replace Under Hood Fuse Box — $700.90
Replace Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Solenoid Gaskets — $255.76
Replace Oil Pressure Sensor — $177.92
Oil Change Service — $129.19

College kiddo trying to figure out the best for himself rn…


r/FordExplorer 1d ago

Technology/Features Which fuse to use

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2 Upvotes

So, this may very well be a dumb question, but I’m not out to screw anything up. I want to put a dash cam in my 2018 Explorer. I looked up the fuse panel to see what’s what, and noticed fuses in spots that should be empty. Are these just spares? Also, does it matter what locations I run power from for the camera?


r/FordExplorer 2d ago

Maintenance Advice Question for 5th GEN owners. Should I replace or keep maintaining my 2019?

5 Upvotes

A few weeks ago I thought I was ready to replace my 3.5L NA 2019 Limited 4WD w/ 152,000 miles. However, it’s been paid off for over three years now and that weighs heavily on my conscience, so mentally I have been unable to pull the trigger.

I’ve done all the preventative maintenance for its entire existence and to date it has been absolutely trouble free. So far not one second spent in a repair shop other than normal maintenance.

I’m still on the original water pump as well as every other major component. My question is, do I go ahead and replace the water pump, timing chain components, get the PTO serviced and keep going or do I count my blessings and trade it in while it’s still in great condition and has trade-in value?

Have any of you gone the long haul with your 5th GEN? If so, do you regret it or was it a good decision? How many more miles can I reasonably expect if I make those preemptive repairs and maintain basic maintenance?

Thank you.


r/FordExplorer 2d ago

Technology/Features Behind rear view cable nothing to plug it into 2022 Kr

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2 Upvotes

My 2022 has this cable I have noticed when I got the car and forgot about it, there's no plug on my rear view mirror, or would this be to power a dash cam? Does everyone have this or did the previous owner install this?


r/FordExplorer 2d ago

Show And Tell Project vehicle - 91 Ford Explorer

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28 Upvotes

Came across this 91 Explorer that had been in police storage since 1997. It has 12560 miles but I’m pretty sure it rolled over at some point.

Several engines seals already replaced, brakes and suspension replaced. Next is front L and rear R window motors replaced due to stuck windows. This’ll be a long haul repair to bring it back to its original glory.


r/FordExplorer 2d ago

Repair Advice Want to replace my thermostat.

2 Upvotes

I have a 2015 sport. Every video I find on YouTube says its under the air filter. But I don't see the radiator hose going to that side of the engine bay. Has anyone ever done one on the 3.5 ecoboost?


r/FordExplorer 2d ago

Repair Advice Leaking water pump?

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6 Upvotes

I have a 2014 Ford police interceptor utility. I noticed after my car had been off for about 45 minutes or so, water dripping from the bottom. I touched it and smelled it and it felt really thin with no antifreeze smell or feel. I was running g my ac full blast so is this condensation or water leaking from the weeping hole water pump?


r/FordExplorer 2d ago

Show And Tell New shoes!

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0 Upvotes

Can’t wait to see how these look on the sport. Definitely not traditional but will be much better ripping through the woods in WVA and the snow. Hopefully the road noise is kept to a minimum 😬


r/FordExplorer 3d ago

Repair Advice I messed up and put E85 in my 2016 2.3L Explorer

0 Upvotes

I put a full tank of E85 in and have been driving it around. Yes the check engine light came on and threw the lean fuel trim code. I was able to put about 5 gallons of ethanol-free gas in it to dilute it. Am I hosed?

(BTW, it's at about 147k miles, I'm the one and only owner, all maintenance has been performed on time, never had any fuel issues/repairs in the past)


r/FordExplorer 3d ago

Repair Advice A/C, radiator fan intermittent 2014

0 Upvotes

I'm not very good with cars but I am with my hands, so I'm asking.
Model 2014 PIU.

Having a/c Issues since last night. I turned the car on and it blew room temp air. My research hinted that a potential issue is the radiator fan. Visual inspection on opening the hood was both radiator fans were not spinning. About half an hour later, I start the car up again and theThere was cold air. Stationary Vehicle. Open the hood, the driver side fan was spinning on and off, start stop. The passenger fan wasn't.

Question: Is this normal for the One fan to be blowing only? cold startup, no heavy engine load.

Thinking it could have been a one off incident, so I drove the car home and parked it. This morning on the first 3 trips it was ok, the air blew normally. The fourth trip the same issue happened again upon startup. The time difference between the third trip end and fourth trip start up was approximately 8 minutes.

I pop open the hood and no fan was spinning. A restart of the car did not help. Head over to my next destination and when I put the car up to 30 mph, the a/c blew very much noticably cooler. My inference is not the natural intake air cooling but rather it could be the passenger side radiator fan that kicked on. When car was stopped, the normal room temperature air came on again. Affirm from end of trip four that visual inspection of the fans, no fan was spinning.

So Im looking for a possible explanation and the degree of financial sodomy.

Add: Notable observation when i was playing with the a/c module on the fourth startup, in the manner of turning it on and off the a/c, I noticed the Engine rpm jump and move between 500-750 in 4 or 5 distinct bursts.


r/FordExplorer 3d ago

Repair Advice A/C, radiator fan intermittent 2014

1 Upvotes

I'm not very good with cars but I am with my hands, so I'm asking.
Model 2014 PIU.

Having a/c Issues since last night. I turned the car on and it blew room temp air. My research hinted that a potential issue is the radiator fan. Visual inspection on opening the hood was both radiator fans were not spinning. About half an hour later, I start the car up again and theThere was cold air. Stationary Vehicle. Open the hood, the driver side fan was spinning on and off, start stop. The passenger fan wasn't.

Question: Is this normal for the One fan to be blowing only? cold startup, no heavy engine load.

Thinking it could have been a one off incident, so I drove the car home and parked it. This morning on the first 3 trips it was ok, the air blew normally. The fourth trip the same issue happened again upon startup. The time difference between the third trip end and fourth trip start up was approximately 8 minutes.

I pop open the hood and no fan was spinning. A restart of the car did not help. Head over to my next destination and when I put the car up to 30 mph, the a/c blew very much noticably cooler. My inference is not the natural intake air cooling but rather it could be the passenger side radiator fan that kicked on. When car was stopped, the normal room temperature air came on again. Affirm from end of trip four that visual inspection of the fans, no fan was spinning.

So im looking for a possible explaination and the degree of financial sodomy.

Add: Notable observation when i was playing with the a/c module on the fourth startup, in the manner of turning it on and off the a/c, I noticed the Engine rpm jump and move between 500-750 in 4 or 5 distinct bursts.