I bought a 1995 Explorer XLT 2wd new from a dealer. My previous experience was with foreign cars, mostly Hondas. I follow the maintenance schedule. With these cars, I put over 100,000 miles with no problems. I do not drive these under extreme conditions.

My explorer just hit 47,000 miles. Yesterday the O/D off light started flashing. I took it to the service department of the same dealer that sold it to me. They say I need a "Soft Overhaul" of the transmission for $2,050. I also had them check a value on the top left side of the engine that was leaking coolant. It needs to be replaced for $275. They also said that during diagnostics emission problems were revealed that would cost $370. That is three problems costing me over $2,600 ... all before 50,000 miles.

Needless to say, I am in shock. I thought that the quality of American cars had increased enough that it was safe to buy American (which I would prefer). Ford even used it in their marketing campaigns (Quality is job 1). Now I find three problems at a time where there should be no problems!

Is anyone familiar with the "Soft Overhaul" of the transmission? What is involved? Doesn't $2,000 sound expensive?

Has anyone else had similar experiences? Is everything I heard about Ford's quality true?

I found a TSB (#98031698516), how can I find the document to read the details?

I am expecting the birth of my second child any day now. I told them to fix it because I am going to need the vehicle back. I would just like feedback on the frequency of the problems or reasonability of the costs. Any feedback would be appreciated!!!

Thanks,
Pat


Thanks,
Pat

 

Needless to say I am also shocked..I have never heard of a "soft overhaul" of a transmission.. it sounds to me that there is more to this...Its not under warranty anymore? I have had my Explorer for almost 3 years. I am very leary about Ford Dealerships ever since an experience I had with a mechanic there. I took my Explorer in for inspection and emissions and was amused when the mechanic came back with an estimate of $1070 to replace O2 sensors and a broken U Joint.. I acted all female like and tilted my head and asked him to show me the broken U Joint first. He pointed to my sway bar end pin and told me that that needed to be fixed before he could pass inspection..upon closer inspection I noticed what he was pointing to was a small (and I mean minute) crack in the rubber. I shook my head and asked him what was broken again? He told me the U Joint.. I told him to take the truck off the lift and that I'd take it to a qualified mechanic because I know the difference between a U Joint and a Sway bar end pin and he didn't.. and besides.. a small crack in the rubber wouldnt make it fail inspection... also... I told him to recheck the emissions AFTER he did the required and requested oil change and leave those O2 sensors out of it... I run high octane gas and keep my engine clean... the O2 sensors were found not to be a problem after those things were done.. after leaving the mechanics area, I walked back into the brand spanking new state of the art service/reception area with new computors and (what looks to be) a million dollar coffee/espresso machine I wondered who was paying for all of this granduer.... then it hit me.... I was supposed to....using all of Fords genuine parts... now I love my Ford Explorer and I love Ford... but.... as far as dealerships go.... they now know that when this girl walks into the service dept that they are in for a migrane that will last them until I leave..because I no longer take what they say as truth....

sorry so long..

 

http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/tsb/Servicemmy5.cfm