I am looking at a 2004 Explorer E.B., 4.6L, almost 50,000 miles on it and I am wondering what do I need to be aware of? What problems are the most common? Is the 4.6L a Triton? I didn't see any markings of it saying it's a Triton. Thanks in advance!
Scott

 

Tranny shifting (check to see if it needed/had the additive installed); noisy rear end, especially if it has the tow package; wheel bearing noise. Not sure about the Triton question; I've seen those badges only on pick-ups.

Steve

 

RUN SCREAMING FROM THE DEALERSHIP RIGHT NOW !!!!!!!

No really, there is a MUCH higher chance of you having trouble with that vehicle than a newer style Explorer. If you can get an '06 or newer then I would definately look that direction. We have an '04 and I would not wish this thing on any one, except maybe the guy who designed some of the worthless parts on it. The list of issues for this car has been really disappointing from the '96 we had from new to 115K miles and never give any trouble. There are alot of people out there that have had no trouble at all but there is alot of people that have. do ALOT of research on the car that you are looking at if it is something that you have definately set your mind to getting.

 

Greg -

What issues have you had with your '04?

Steve

 

I have had this thing in and out of the shop more times than I can count. Usually it is for stupid things that really shouldn't happen. Keep in mind this car has 47K miles and most of these happened VERY early on, it kind of ruined my faith in this car.

Power steering Pump
Trans. Shudder 3 times. (Still does it ocasionally)
Trans. Updates on Software 2 times.
Added the Trans. Additive.
Head Light Leaked. (Replaced after an act of God)
Rear end Whine 2 times. (Finally completely Rebuilt, so far so good)
Radio replaced 1 time due to malfunctioning.
Speakers on the right side of car cut off. (Replaced a corroded connector in Drivers Door)
Rubber Boot around switch torn. (replaced)

These things are not necessarily in order but pretty close. I know some of these things seem simple and silly to some people but when you know as well as I do that you have to take these things in several times for them to be checked before they will actually do anything. That really gets annoying after a while. I work and my wife works and we need cars that are dependable and when you have problems like these when some are just simply poor quality parts, what do you do???

Hope I didn't rant to much but you ask.

I forgot to add. Ford did replace or repair all these items under warranty, so I can't complain there at all !!

 

Thanks for the updates Steve and Greg. I went over this Explorer pretty good a couple of times and it seems everything is in working order. The 4.6 is not a triton, its the same moter they put inthe Mustangs and Crown Vics. I wound up calling a Ford dealer to get an answer. I'll keep you updated after I pic it up later this week.
Scott