I'm a little embarassed, but I don't know all of the features on my Explorer.

I just bought a used 1998 Explorer Sport. The truck is loaded, but I'm not sure what all it even has. For a while we were finding a new feature everyday. The uncertainty was well worth the price. I got a great deal on it.

Anyway, does anyone know how you can put in your VIN somewhere and get like a listing of what it contains? or do I have to go spend some quality time with my favorite dealer?

I thank everyone in advance for their patience with me.

-Melanie

 

Hey itgeek, welcome to FTE. I also have a 98 X Sport so feel free to ask me any questions. I'm not aware of any place that you can find out your features based on the vin #. I have a brochure (I collect them) for it so if you tell me the things you know you have, I might be able to help you discover some other features based on the way they were packaged.

 

[updated:LAST EDITED ON 26-Oct-02 AT 02:43 PM (EST)]

Thanks so much for your help!

Here's a list of known features.

CD/Cassette player (the one with the fading issue )
6 CD Changer, but I don't have the magazine
Back Seat Sound and Air
Cupholders underneath the rear sound and air.
Leather Interior
2-wheel drive Automatic
4.0L V6 SOHC
Power Driver Seat
Power Lumbar on both seats
Sunroof
Keypad Entry
Keyless entry? (I don't have the keychain, if it has it.)
Power Windows, Mirrors, Locks
I don't know which version of sound it has. (normal, premium, MACH, etc)
Only my key will start the car. (the copy will not) There is certainly an alarm because we've already set it off accidentally. (And the 'theft' light blinks.)

Thanks so much for your help!

-Melanie

 

>Here's a list of known features.
>
>CD/Cassette player (the one with the fading issue )
>6 CD Changer, but I don't have the magazine
>Back Seat Sound and Air
>Cupholders underneath the rear sound and air.
>Leather Interior
>2-wheel drive Automatic
>4.0L V6 SOHC
>Power Driver Seat
>Power Lumbar on both seats
>Sunroof
>Keypad Entry
>Keyless entry? (I don't have the keychain, if it has it.)
>Power Windows, Mirrors, Locks
>I don't know which version of sound it has. (normal,
>premium, MACH, etc)
>Only my key will start the car. (the copy will not) There is
>certainly an alarm because we've already set it off
>accidentally. (And the 'theft' light blinks.)

Hey, your's has more toys than mine!

Okay, I'll start from the top.

-I'm guessing your's has the Premium Sport group as most of the loaded ones did. This includes the wheelip moldings and bumpers in a glossy grey color, grey side step bars, 15" chrome steel wheels (mines a 4X4 so I have 16" wheels), rear tow hook under the left side of the bumper, 3.73 rear axle ratio

-privacy glass (tinted in the cargo area windows)

-luggage rack

-luxury group: This includes the high-series floor console you described (you might not know that there's a tissue dispenser built into the slanted part) as well as a front overhead console w/ outside temp, compass, maplights and the button to your power moonroof, the Electronics group (see below) and fog lights

-Electronics group: This includes 2 remote keyless entry transmitters (if you don't have the remotes, you can get them on ebay), keyless entry keypad on the driver's door, anti-theft system, autolock/relock (doors lock when you start driving, this CAN be disabled if you don't like it), and puddle lamps underneath the outside mirrors

-Power equipment group: PW, PL, PM as you mentioned, also there's a accessory delay feature. When you turn off the ignition but before any door is opened, you can open/close the windows and moonroof. There's also a power lock button in the cargo area by the left rear window.

-You most likely have the convenience package. This includes rear wiper/washer/defroster, speed control, leather-wrapped steering wheel, speed-sensitive front wipers (adjust delay to your speed)

-You also most likely have the automatic day/night rearview mirror (dims by itself-great feature) and automatic headlamps (lights turn on when it's dark and it includes a delay to light your way into your house, there's a slider swith for it on the rearview mirror)

-You have atleast a premium stereo. You'll know if you have the Mach system by if there's a subwoofer in the right rear panel of the cargo area instead of a stroage hole with a net.

-Your automatic is a 5 speed tranmission

-You have dual airbags and 4 wheel antilock disc brakes

-The reason the key doesn't work is all 98+ Explorers have an engine immobolizer (Passive Anti-theft System). This means that only a key with the correct code will start it. Since only one key works, you'll have to go to the dealer so they can reset the computer and program both. Once you have two that work, you can easily program additional ones on your own.

-with the rear seat sound control, they can listen to a different source with headphones than those in the front (ie rear can listen to a tape while you and the front passenger listen to a cd). Regular headphones with a 1/8" jack work.

I hope you can absorb all that

Enjoy your new X

 

Looks like I forgot to mention a lot of things that I knew about.

I'm pleased to know what that slot is for on the console. Tissue dispenser, who knew?

I also didn't know what the switch on the bottom of the rear view mirror was for or that my windshield wipers would adjust to my speed.

I have premium sound because I have the little cargo net.

Overall, I'm very pleased. I just bought a keyless remote on E-bay, and we'll have to get another of the security keys. ( I have to let my husband drive it every now and then )

Thanks again for the welcome to FTE and your help.

-Melanie

 

 

Matt,

What a great description - do you know which model or option had heated exterior mirrors? I have to replace one and the puddle lamps come in two varieties, one heated, one not. Anyway to tell?

Jeff

 

i too have to replace a mirror, they have puddle lights and are powered. i was told that if they are heated, they have a little icon on the mirror glass that shows a defrost symbol... the same icon that is on the rear defrost button?????? not 100% sure i am still trying to find out myself..... good luck

 

Jeff, only Limited models have the heated exterior mirrors. Eddie Bauer didn't get heated mirrors until '02 model year...3rd gen.

You can tell that it's heated from the writings on the mirror. The mirror should write "Heated" in scripted letters. And also, if the mirror is the cheaper of the two, then that one isn't heated. Heated mirrors are more expensive.

 

If there's a defrost symbol on the mirror, then it is heated. But that type of mirror wasn't available until 2002 model year with the 3rd gen Explorers. If you have a 2nd gen Explorer, the mirror glass should have the word "Heated" in scripted letters. Here's an easy way to check if you have it or not. Turn your rear defroster on. Leave it on for about 10-15 minutes. Then use your hand and touch the glass. If the glass is hot, then you have heated mirrors, if not, then you don't have them. Eventhough there's a defroster symbol, there're might not be any wirings to it.

 

Thanks for the info, guess mine are the "cool" kind

 

I just bought my explorer 3 weeks ago and i'm very happy with the features as well. (once i figured out what all the buttons are for) The only things i think im missing for the 95 model year for options is the positive locking floor mats, Heated leather seats, and moonroof. Very pleased with it but it likes gas a lot.

LOL

Stoney
1995 Eddie Bauer 4dr 4x4

 

It does have positive locking driver's side floor mats. Heated seats didn't come out until '99 model year and power moonroof has been an option since '95. It does drink a lot of gas. Mine is around 17 mpg 70% highway driving.

 

I appreciate the info, I guess mine is also the cool kind..