2002 Explorer xls

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Sep 7, 2004 | 08:58 PM

Heated

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2002 Explorer xls

I was wondering if anybody with a 2002 explorer has experienced a loud like air sound when they first start there truck up. The only thing I can compare the sound to is like a leaf blower. it sounds like its coming from under the car but i could be wrong. If u let the truck sit for 2-3 minutes it stops, but if u dont let it sit and u put the truck in drive it gets really loud. Once the truck shifts from first gear it stops though. Ive taken it to the dealership but they said they heard nothing. Im just wondering is this normal and has anybody else experienced it.

Sep 8, 2004 | 02:42 AM

Jet Lizard

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From: Moscow, Russia

I got the same sympthoms when the alternator bearings came bad. Finally the alternator got stuck, and there were a lot of repairs: new bearings, new rotor and the labor, of course.

To check you should remove the serpentine belt, this is very easy. The only catch: do not let the belt tensioner to drop, it may damage itself.

Then try to rotate the alternator's shaft. It should rotate ABSOLUTELY freely and quietly. If you feel any roughness or clicking or any other sound -- you got the problem with the bearings.

But my truck had a significant age and milage before the original factory alternator's bearings went bad. So I doubt that this is your case.

With best regards,
Yuri

Sep 8, 2004 | 09:32 AM

JerrySimm

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From: Pauline, South Carolina

I have an '03 that makes the same noise. It appears to be the engine fan. I suspect that the fan clutch is engaging until it reaches steady state. I know the clutch should engage after the engine is warm to pull in more air, but I suspect that the fluid has to reach the proper conditions on start up to make everything just right. I know that mine is louder when I first take off in 1st gear simply because the engine is running higher RPM's, therefore the fan is running higher RPM's.

Sep 8, 2004 | 03:37 PM

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Thanx for your replies......so JerrySimm do you think this is normal or could these lead to a problem?

Sep 8, 2004 | 03:48 PM

JerrySimm

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From: Pauline, South Carolina

I think it's probably normal. I haven't brought it up to the dealer as a warranty issue. I've never listened to others of this generation to see if they do the same thing though.

Sep 9, 2004 | 09:37 PM

02ExplorerXLT

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I have an '02 explorer and experience nothing as loud as what you describe. I recently replaced my belt because the old one was worn and slipping (at 39,000 miles), but isnt at all near what you describe.

Sep 10, 2004 | 12:18 AM

chazglenn3

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From: Tacoma, WA, USA

My 2002 Explorer XLS will roar from the engine fan for the first couple of minutes until the fan clutch disengages. For what it's worth, my 1987 Toyota Supra does the same thing.