Ford Explorer FAQ » 2002 Explorer

RDS on 2002 Explorer Funny

admin — Fri, 07 Jan 2005 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I’ve got the 6 disc with RDS on my 2002 EB. Anyone else notice the RDS is basically worthless? It will give you the song name and artist if the station provides it. But when the next song comes on it doesn’t update the information until you referesh the display by changing the volume or hitting some other button. I have been in Dodges and GM’s that know how to update. What is the story with Ford RDS?? "Stay away from the star destroyer, but don’t look like your staying away from it." "AARRFF!" "I don’t know, fly casual" Jason Wiseman WWW home page: http://www.eecs.uic.edu/~jwisem/welcome.html

Response:

> I’ve got the 6 disc with RDS on my 2002 EB. Anyone else notice the RDS is > basically worthless? It will give you the song name and artist if the station > provides it. But when the next song comes on it doesn’t update the information > until you referesh the display by changing the volume or hitting some other > button. I have been in Dodges and GM’s that know how to update. What is the > story with Ford RDS??

I have the radio with RDS and a single Disc player. The RDS works just fine, not many stations here in Southern Calif using it, but it works well on the ones that have it, also in Las Vegas, Nv.

Response:

Yup, I noticed it the other day when my son was here. Annoying, isn’t it? Fortunately I don’t have much use for the RDS anyway … Bill Jeffrey – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’ve got the 6 disc with RDS on my 2002 EB. Anyone else notice the RDS is > basically worthless? It will give you the song name and artist if the station > provides it. But when the next song comes on it doesn’t update the information > until you referesh the display by changing the volume or hitting some other > button. I have been in Dodges and GM’s that know how to update. What is the > story with Ford RDS??

Response:

ABS Light came on

admin — Tue, 28 Dec 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Thanks, The next day when I cranked it up, the light was off and has been off ever since. We had a lot of snow and ice here. Could that have caused the problem? Mark McCoy www.mccoysmarket.com

Response:

Which sensor is the ABS sensor?? Sounds like you had a problem with a wheel speed sensor….. These systems aren’t as simple as you thimk they are. If they were, I’d be out of a job…. Not you in particular, but it amuses me to look at an electronics ‘experts’ VCR and see that it is always "12 o’clock – 12 o’clock – 12 o’cloc…"

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> possibly your ABS sensor, I had a problem with mine where the wire broke in > the wheel well. > Searcher1 > Tonight my ABS light came on. It’s a 2002 Explorer 2wd with about 52,000 > miles > on it. Any ideas what may be the problem? The brakes seem to be working > normal.

Response:

possibly your ABS sensor, I had a problem with mine where the wire broke in the wheel well. Searcher1

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Tonight my ABS light came on. It’s a 2002 Explorer 2wd with about 52,000 > miles > on it. Any ideas what may be the problem? The brakes seem to be working > normal.

Response:

Before you panic, check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Next try washing out the area of the front wheel hubs with a high pressure washer. Then check the rear sensor (in the rear axle). Diconnect it and check for continuity. Regards, Ed White

> Tonight my ABS light came on. It’s a 2002 Explorer 2wd with about 52,000 miles > on it. Any ideas what may be the problem? The brakes seem to be working

normal.

Response:

Tonight my ABS light came on. It’s a 2002 Explorer 2wd with about 52,000 miles on it. Any ideas what may be the problem? The brakes seem to be working normal.

Response:

Help! Mouse in my ventilation system

admin — Sat, 18 Dec 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Hmmm… I just replaced my blower motor today and it had a mouse nest within the squirrel cage fan. I wonder how the heck in got in there? A few days ago I opened the hood and there was a big rat sitting in his/her nest on top of my battery. I’d been driving the truck every day.

Response:

>the vents, especially the defrost vents in the dsah. > I can only suppose that a mouse got into the sytem somehow,

This happened to my 2002 when I was parked up at summer camp. I ended up with a nest inside my HVAC squirrel cage and one in the air cleaner box. LUckily no dead mice. Mine also started shooting little bits of dried out leaves and grass out the defroster vents. The guy at quicklane was pretty amazed when he went to check the air filter.

Response:

Good lord! That might be my problem! My wife saw baby field mice in our garage on night.

Response:

That’s not a mouse — that’s one of the hamsters that was making your Exploder go…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > My 2002 Explorer was strored for a few months in a garage that had a > mouse problem. > When I started driving it again I got a bad smell out of the > ventilation system. After about 6 months it subsided biut recentlt I > get a bit of dry debris including what seems to be whiskers coming from > the vents, especially the defrost vents in the dsah. > I can only suppose that a mouse got into the sytem somehow, died and is > now mummified. Where is the air intake for the vent system located? Is > there some sort of filter or screen that would have prevented the > culprit from getting too far into the system? > Any suggestions? > Thanks, Rob

Response:

My 2002 Explorer was strored for a few months in a garage that had a mouse problem. When I started driving it again I got a bad smell out of the ventilation system. After about 6 months it subsided biut recentlt I get a bit of dry debris including what seems to be whiskers coming from the vents, especially the defrost vents in the dsah. I can only suppose that a mouse got into the sytem somehow, died and is now mummified. Where is the air intake for the vent system located? Is there some sort of filter or screen that would have prevented the culprit from getting too far into the system? Any suggestions? Thanks, Rob

Response:

Hamsters? I thought they ran on squirrels. I was sure one of the squirrels died and that was what was rattling inside my engine. Maybe it’s the V8 that has squirrels…

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> That’s not a mouse — that’s one of the hamsters that was making your Exploder > go…. > My 2002 Explorer was strored for a few months in a garage that had a > mouse problem. > When I started driving it again I got a bad smell out of the > ventilation system. After about 6 months it subsided biut recentlt I > get a bit of dry debris including what seems to be whiskers coming from > the vents, especially the defrost vents in the dsah. > I can only suppose that a mouse got into the sytem somehow, died and is > now mummified. Where is the air intake for the vent system located? Is > there some sort of filter or screen that would have prevented the > culprit from getting too far into the system? > Any suggestions? > Thanks, Rob

Response:

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> My 2002 Explorer was strored for a few months in a garage that had a > mouse problem. > When I started driving it again I got a bad smell out of the > ventilation system. After about 6 months it subsided biut recentlt I > get a bit of dry debris including what seems to be whiskers coming from > the vents, especially the defrost vents in the dsah. > I can only suppose that a mouse got into the sytem somehow, died and is > now mummified. Where is the air intake for the vent system located? Is > there some sort of filter or screen that would have prevented the > culprit from getting too far into the system? > Any suggestions? > Thanks, Rob

Response:

2002 Explorer radio pinout

admin — Tue, 21 Sep 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

> >can I buy a >harness that will connect to the changer and provide a 1/8" stereo >connector that I can connect to? > http://peripheralelectronics.com/2002/aux_in.asp > http://autosoundgear.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&grp=57

Thanks, I got one through PIE electronics: http://www.pie.net/frdn_aux_inst.htm Walter

Response:

>I got one through PIE electronics: >http://www.pie.net/frdn_aux_inst.htm >Walter

Which stereo do you have the 6-disc or the cd-cassette?

Response:

Hi, I am a new Explorer owner, and am trying to hook up the audio output from a portable DVD player to my factory radio. I would like to use the CD changer input, but don’t know the pinout. Does anyone know the CD changer pinout, or even better, can I buy a harness that will connect to the changer and provide a 1/8" stereo connector that I can connect to? Thanks in advance, Walter —

Response:

>can I buy a >harness that will connect to the changer and provide a 1/8" stereo >connector that I can connect to?

http://peripheralelectronics.com/2002/aux_in.asp http://autosoundgear.com/tek9.asp?pg=products&grp=57

Response:

2002 Explorer Headlight

admin — Tue, 31 Aug 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Does anyone know if there is an easy way to change the left low-beam bulb on a 2002 Explorer? The access from behind is blocked by the battery. Thanks in advance

Response:

> Does anyone know if there is an easy way to change the left low-beam bulb on > a 2002 Explorer? The access from behind is blocked by the battery. > Thanks in advance

Take out the battery?

Response:

There’s two black "tabs" to grab on the top rear of the assembly with your hand-I use pliers- and pull both straight up and the whole hl assembly will release and fall out. I believe it shows this in the owners manual. wth

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Does anyone know if there is an easy way to change the left low-beam bulb > on a 2002 Explorer? The access from behind is blocked by the battery. > Thanks in advance

Response:

>> Does anyone know if there is an easy way to change the left low-beam bulb >on > a 2002 Explorer?

There are two clips that hold the unit in place. They are at the top of the headlight assembly. You just pull up on them and it releases the assembly. Your owner’s manual will show you how. It’s very easy. Takes about 10 seconds. DO NOT touch the glass part of the bulb you are installing. oils from your skin can make the bulb burn out prematurely. Clean the bulb with alcohol if you accidently touch the glass part. Mark McCoy
McCoy’s Market Bumpus Mills, Tennessee
http://www.mccoysmarket.com

Response:

You beat me to it, doggonit.

Response:

2002 Explorer Eddie Bauer 4×4 – 4.6L

admin — Wed, 05 May 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

See other posts in reference to 2002 Explorer problems. I curious to know if you have a rear end "whine" and a clunking noises like myself and others. I don’t know about he AC filter, sorry. Thanks

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > I’m the "new" owner of a 2002 Explorer Eddie Bauer 4×4 with the 4.6 V8. > It’s a great truck and we’re happy with it so far. A few things will need > attention before the warranty expires but I’m keeping my fingers crossed. > I’m a die-hard Honda man and NOT getting a Honda Pilot was a tough decision. > Anyway, I have a question…..is there a pollen filter available for this > model? If not, is there a way I could possibly retrofit one? > Thanks! > — > Best Regards, > Jim

Response:

Hi, I’m the "new" owner of a 2002 Explorer Eddie Bauer 4×4 with the 4.6 V8. It’s a great truck and we’re happy with it so far. A few things will need attention before the warranty expires but I’m keeping my fingers crossed. I’m a die-hard Honda man and NOT getting a Honda Pilot was a tough decision. Anyway, I have a question…..is there a pollen filter available for this model? If not, is there a way I could possibly retrofit one? Thanks! — Best Regards, Jim

Response:

Programming Key FOB for 2002 Explorer

admin — Sat, 10 Jan 2004 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I’m sure that the instructions in the WSM are no different from those in the owners manual…… be excrutiatingly sure that you have followed the instructions to the letter including any preparatory steps…. this includes using an existing fob to unlock the doors or using the drivers door switch to unlock the doors before moving to the next step. The key cycles MUST be done within ten seconds but we also need to be sure that there is enough time for the modules to see the "ons". The doors will lock and then unlock to indicate that you have entered programming mode. Additionally, the locks will cycle when the module has learned the fob signature. I have seen instances where programming a new fob has erased existing fobs……. I would suggest having all the fobs at hand and performing a full reprogram just to be safe. I assume that the system works properly with the existing fob(s) and we are just adding an additional fob???? Jim Warman

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Anyone know how to program keyless remote for 2002 Explorer? Any help would > be appreciated. Tried the instructions in owners manual (cycle key from off > to on eight times) with no luck. > Howie in Vegas

Response:

I finally got it to work last nite. Your right Jim, I think its all in the sequence of events. I only had one of the remotes with me when I finally got into the programming so I need to redo the programming again. Thanks to all appreciate your help. Howie in vegas

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I’m sure that the instructions in the WSM are no different from those in the > owners manual…… be excrutiatingly sure that you have followed the > instructions to the letter including any preparatory steps…. this includes > using an existing fob to unlock the doors or using the drivers door switch > to unlock the doors before moving to the next step. The key cycles MUST be > done within ten seconds but we also need to be sure that there is enough > time for the modules to see the "ons". The doors will lock and then unlock > to indicate that you have entered programming mode. Additionally, the locks > will cycle when the module has learned the fob signature. > I have seen instances where programming a new fob has erased existing > fobs……. I would suggest having all the fobs at hand and performing a > full reprogram just to be safe. > I assume that the system works properly with the existing fob(s) and we are > just adding an additional fob???? > Jim Warman > Anyone know how to program keyless remote for 2002 Explorer? Any help > would > be appreciated. Tried the instructions in owners manual (cycle key from > off > to on eight times) with no luck. > Howie in Vegas

Response:

Is this a third key or just a new key to replace a lost key? I believe you have to have the two original keys to program a third or fourth key.

Response:

It’s NO KEY… he’s talking about the REMOTE .. Anyway, do you hear the locks cycle indicating programming mode ? or does it not even do that?

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Is this a third key or just a new key to replace a lost key? I believe you > have to have the two original keys to program a third or fourth key. > Anyone know how to program keyless remote for 2002 Explorer? Any help > would > be appreciated. Tried the instructions in owners manual (cycle key from > off > to on eight times) with no luck. > Howie in Vegas

Response:

Anyone know how to program keyless remote for 2002 Explorer? Any help would be appreciated. Tried the instructions in owners manual (cycle key from off to on eight times) with no luck. Howie in Vegas

Response:

2002 Explorer Front Brakes

admin — Tue, 23 Dec 2003 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

The kind of stop-and-go driving I did on my ‘99 (before I had my ‘02), especially in cold weather with road salt, caused its rotors to warp after only 25,000 miles. But changing rotors and pads together takes about half an hour. It’s really pretty easy.

Response:

It’s the "if they look OK" that worries me…. we need to remember minimum thickness as well as runout, parallelism and surface condition. Pad slaps are OK to a point, but for a truly great brake job, replacing rotors or machining to a non-directional finish is the icing on the cake. The current crop of offshore rotors (I realize that will stick in the throats of some patriots) is proving to be both economical and of good quality. We can try to start our cars as many times as we want, Santa comes once a year but we only get one chance to stop…. Have a very merry and very safe Xmas… one and all. Jim Warman

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Will be replacing front brakes on my 2002 EB this weekend. First time they >have been touched,(only 37,000 miles).Any known surprises on this, or is it >pretty straight forward? My plan is to replace pads & rotors. Any comments >appreciated. >Tx > Is there some reason you want to replace the rotors? If it’s stopping > good without pulsation and they look OK I’d just change the pads.

Response:

I’m still curious, is there an actual problem with how the truck brakes? Are the pads worn down to the point that "it’s time"? I’m not trying to talk you out of what you want to do, just curious. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >My plan was to replace the rotors. I was crawling around under it today, and >noticed through the small "window" on the inside of the rotor, that the >inside of the rotor appears signs of scouring. It may be another story once >I get it all apart, but for now, I think I will be replacing the rotors. > >Will be replacing front brakes on my 2002 EB this weekend. First time >they > >have been touched,(only 37,000 miles).Any known surprises on this, or is >it > >pretty straight forward? My plan is to replace pads & rotors. Any >comments > >appreciated. > >Tx > Is there some reason you want to replace the rotors? If it’s stopping > good without pulsation and they look OK I’d just change the pads.

Response:

Unrelated to your question… My 02 Explorer is almost at 36,000 miles and so far, brakes are working just great. Perhaps I’m easier on them than you? who knows, but now I will be extra careful.

Response:

My plan was to replace the rotors. I was crawling around under it today, and noticed through the small "window" on the inside of the rotor, that the inside of the rotor appears signs of scouring. It may be another story once I get it all apart, but for now, I think I will be replacing the rotors.

Response:

> Will be replacing front brakes on my 2002 EB this weekend. First time they > have been touched,(only 37,000 miles).Any known surprises on this, or is it > pretty straight forward? My plan is to replace pads & rotors. Any comments > appreciated.

Don, The replacement of front brake pads at 37,000 miles is not uncommon and thankfully a rather straightforward process. Did we understand correctly that you also plan to *replace the rotors*? Brian Humphrey

Response:

>Will be replacing front brakes on my 2002 EB this weekend. First time they >have been touched,(only 37,000 miles).Any known surprises on this, or is it >pretty straight forward? My plan is to replace pads & rotors. Any comments >appreciated. >Tx

Is there some reason you want to replace the rotors? If it’s stopping good without pulsation and they look OK I’d just change the pads.

Response:

Will be replacing front brakes on my 2002 EB this weekend. First time they have been touched,(only 37,000 miles).Any known surprises on this, or is it pretty straight forward? My plan is to replace pads & rotors. Any comments appreciated. Tx

Response:

2002 Clutch

admin — Thu, 22 May 2003 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

I have a 2002 Explorer Sport. It has always been a little touchy on the clutch particularly in reverse. When I bought it I felt the free play wasn’t right so I took it to the dealer who said (we can all repeat this together) "they are all like that". Now at 20K the clutch pedal suddenly (one second to the next) developed essentially 2" of free play. It still released and did not slip. I drove it about twenty miles to the dealer. While the clutch was a little harder to use there was not trouble shifting and no slippage. The dealer called, the clutch is "completely burned up". He says the hydraulics failed and took the clutch out. They are replacing it under warranty so that is not a big deal but the whole thing doesn’t add up. If the clutch was slipping why no smell. If the clutch was okay before the hydraulics went I would think there would be some burning to take it out in twenty miles. Oh yes – the clutch is on back order one week down time. Anyone have any thoughts?

Response:

I have noticed the same on my 2001 F150 xl 4.2l. It typically goes away after a day or two. I never noticed any difference in the clutch so I never took it in. Seems to happen more in the summer months as I can’t recall it doing this in the last couple months. I am now over the warranty so I’ll just be gentle from here on out. Scott – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I have a 2002 Explorer Sport. It has always been a little touchy on the > clutch particularly in reverse. When I bought it I felt the free play > wasn’t right so I took it to the dealer who said (we can all repeat this > together) "they are all like that". Now at 20K the clutch pedal suddenly > (one second to the next) developed essentially 2" of free play. It still > released and did not slip. I drove it about twenty miles to the dealer. > While the clutch was a little harder to use there was not trouble shifting > and no slippage. > The dealer called, the clutch is "completely burned up". He says the > hydraulics failed and took the clutch out. They are replacing it under > warranty so that is not a big deal but the whole thing doesn’t add up. If > the clutch was slipping why no smell. If the clutch was okay before the > hydraulics went I would think there would be some burning to take it out in > twenty miles. > Oh yes – the clutch is on back order one week down time. > Anyone have any thoughts?

Response:

Service Manual on CD

admin — Sat, 03 May 2003 00:00:00 +0000

Question:

Does anyone have seen a service manual for a 2002 Explorer Sport Trac on CD? If so where can I get one and at what price? I was also wondering if you could comment on the contents of the CD. Thanks, Sam

Response:

> Does anyone have seen a service manual for a 2002 Explorer Sport Trac on > CD? If so where can I get one and at what price? I was also wondering > if you could comment on the contents of the CD. > Thanks, > Sam

Search for "Alldata" on Google. They sell a subscription to an online manual or will sell you a CD with one or more manuals activated depending upon how much you pay. — Earl F. Parrish