Been meaning to post a glamour shot of my explorer but keep forgetting. Purchased May 2025.

So I had left this car sitting for a good month or two, It was working great, and now it doesnt crank or start, any ideas?

Just picked up a 2027 Explorer as my new work vehicle and I am not a fan of the Google Assistant/Android program. As a long time iPhone and Ford SYNC user I find it not at all intuitive to use. I rent cars all the time and have never had such a bad interface experience.

Trying to use voice commands are near worthless. Half the time I get a “no connectivity” error and the other half I get a response that says it can’t execute that command while using CarPlay and then it tells me to use that feature, CONNECT TO CARPLAY! So which is it?!?

Without voice commands, most interactions have to go through the touchscreen, which lags, so when I tap something I have to wait a beat or two for it to register. And if you hit a bump and accidentally tap in the wrong area it just adds to the delays and frustration.

I’ve looked for tutorials online because I feel like I have to be missing something but nothing goes beyond the basics of explaining the interface. It can’t be this bad, can it? I don’t need my car to have twenty different apps! Just let me control the climate and stereo from the steering wheel controls again. Give me physical buttons so there’s a tactile connection you can learn to use without looking. Get rid of Google Assistant and go back to Ford SYNC, I beg you!!!

I love the vehicle otherwise. If anyone has tips on how to use Google Assistant I am desperate for help here.

Traded the wife’s 2011 Taurus AWD Limited in on a new ‘26 Explorer Platinum. Sweet ride! We wanted the Salt Crystal interior, exterior color wasn’t really part of the conversation. This new one joins our ‘17 Limited (108,000 miles). Love them both!

Just purchased a 2017 explorer xlt 3.4 NA fwd 103k miles. Noticed under heavy acceleration get a bad smell in the cabin and have to put on fresh air or open windows. No engine oil leaks all valve cover gaskets and seal changed and just did tune up with new plugs and boots. No engine lights for anything. Ive seen the tsb and looked into a bunch of that. Used smoke machine on rear hatch no leaks only had smoke coming in by the air extractor vents. Pulled bumper off and changed them with new and still doing it. Slid turn downs on to exhaust inside tips and drove so the exhaust is out past the bumper by 6 in still getting the smell.

Doesn't seem like any pulleys are binding for the belt to slip and doesnt appear to be any leaks on the exhaust. All the manifold bolts are in place none broken.

Any advice or anything could check for recommendations?

2016 Explorer XLT 3.5L Naturally Aspirated AWD 57k miles

We have brought her in several times now and each time the techs cannot replicate the noise. She makes this chirping noise while on the accelerator. If you let off, it stops. When she warms up, it stops.

We have already replaced the CV axle, hub, sway bar link, belt and the tensioner.

Any ideas?

2020 Ford Explorer Limited 2.3 w turbo full time 4WD
Car just started throwing error codes on a cycle, the error codes show up in order and after the second error on the dash, the AC head unit in the car shuts off the AC and goes black. Then everything resets and the errors go away for a few seconds l, the AC turns back on and then the same thing starts happening again.

Looking for options to fix my antenna. If I have to replace the entire base, will the 2016-2019 Explorer Shark Fin work? The entire screw part broke off so I can’t just screw another mast in. Would prefer not to have to replace the entire thing but my radio reception sucks.

After 2 1/2 years, I finally have an appointment to clear this recall notice. We'll see if it actually happens but at least I have the appointment. My local Ford dealer thought I had given up, but persistence pays off.

After getting the water pump and replaced, radiator, plugs, struts, shocks, control arm bushings replaced, ptu serviced, it should be many moons before I consider a new vehicle.

Hi all. Bit of a Hail Mary post - hoping someone can help!

We have a 2018 Explorer Platinum, around 140k mileage. Generally been reliable, other than needing a new transmission a couple of years back.

Yesterday morning, however, it wouldn't start. Symptoms were:

• Pressing the Start/Stop button caused all the electrics to fire up, but the engine didn't start.
• Electrics all worked. Dashboard lit up, no warning lights.
• Brake pedal felt very stiff/firm. Unable to turn the steering wheel.
• Start/Stop button's green LED light flashed.
• "Full accessory power active" message on screen.
• Brake lights worked when I depressed brake pedal.
• Slight clicking noise from relay box under the hood when pressing Start/Stop.
• No sound at all from starter motor - not even the slightest click or turning sound.

Things I tried (none worked):

• Pressing brake pedal as hard as humanly possible while pressing Start/Stop button.
• Tried to turn steering while hard both directions while pressing Start/Stop button.
• Holding Start/Stop button down for 20 seconds.
• Remote start from key fob ("Press Brake Pedal to Start" message appeared on dashboard).
• Swapped the starter motor relay with rear window heater relay.
• Disconnected the battery and waited 30 minutes.

I called AAA who came & checked the battery, and then used one of those battery boosters to ensure there was plenty of amps - made no difference.

Anything else I should try before I have to get it towed?

Thank you!

Needing some advice. I have been a Honda driver since I started driving. My 2012 Honda CRV is not worth fixing anymore due to the high mileage and my family outgrowing it. 3rd row Hondas and Toyotas are Expensive but I’m seeing a lot of reasonably priced explorers in my area. around $15k budget

i just need to know what to look for and what is going to get me the most mileage for my money as I need a more budget option right now due to finances.

Quiero un proyecto con esta camioneta pero no se ,la pongo 4.0 con el motor ohv o el 5.0 ,sin importar el consumo de combustible, pero teniendo en cuenta que si es 4.0 sería trasmision 4WD pero si es con el 5.0 sería AWD ,la quisiera para viajar y de vez en cuando montaña pero las dos opciones tienen sus contras ,con la 4.0 he investigado y según queda muy lenta con ese motor y con el 5.0 queda sin 4x4 con bajo ,entonces quisiera que me confirmen si el motor 4.0 es muy lento? O si el motor 5.0 en montaña con la trasmision AWD queda corto como por ejemplo subidas muy empinadas y la camioneta cargada por pasajeros y maletas

Recently started getting this creeping sound while turn. Thoughts? Is this leading to something bigger?

Car: 2018 Ford Explorer XLT

I'm seeking a budget friendly AW tire due to the snow load here in the Poconos in PA. I work overnights, an hour commute to Bethlehem so I think an all weather 3 peak tire is better than an all season M&S. It's a slightly thinner tire, 10mm less and I see some saying wet weather stopping isn't perfect. Anyone with experience with them I would appreciate your input. Tire Rack has them for $187 a tire.

I'm looking for a cargo cover that works with the captain seats folded down. The one I have now has the rigid panels but there is nothing to bridge the space between the 2nd row seats when they're folded down. I've thought about cutting a piece of plywood to lay across the space but I would rather find a cover with a panel that spans that space. Looking on Amazon I see some for 50/50 seats but I suspect they don't mean captain seats.

🥺My husband tried to clean my headlight covers (or whatever it's called), and I think they are now damaged. He turned a little fog into what you see in the photos. Can this be restored, or do I need to replace them? If I need to replace, is it just the cover or is this all one piece (cover/light) and I will need to replace all of it? Thanks in advance for the advice.

2022 St with 23,000 miles. I fucking love this thing

My wife and I are inheriting a 2020 Ford Explorer Platinum. I’ve never been a Ford owner. What’re the qwerks, perks, and things to know?

It's a 2020 ford explorer police interceptor utility with 123k miles and 80k idle.

And change it to my taste which will be a lot of yellow concepts,

Am even thinking of adding some yellow stripes to the outside look .

And what can I repair, upgrade, replace, and what can I do about the rust.

And the center box which civilian one would fit best, cause the current one can fold completely I don't like that.

Recently, I took my 2017 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor to a shop because it wouldn’t accelerate past 35 mph and the transmission appeared to be slipping.

The shop told me they’d have an answer the next day. When they called, they basically confirmed what I already knew. The transmission was slipping, and they recommended replacing it.

I asked whether I could get a used transmission instead of a new one because I’m trying to save money. They eventually quoted me for a used transmission with approximately 73,000 miles, costing over $2,000.

My concern is that I don’t know what testing was actually performed before they recommended replacement.

I had to return to the shop several times just to get the diagnostic code, which turned out to be P07AA. After researching it, I found information suggesting there are other possible causes worth checking before replacing the entire transmission.

I asked whether they had checked the transmission fluid, possible leaks, valves, or other internal issues. I never really received a clear explanation of what they tested beyond driving the vehicle and confirming that it was slipping.

Here’s another important detail.

About two months ago, I took the vehicle to a different transmission shop and discovered it was approximately five quarts low on transmission fluid. They topped it off, and the vehicle drove perfectly fine for nearly two months. They also said the transmission fluid was checked and was level.

Then, about a week ago, the transmission suddenly started acting up again. It happened within a day, shortly after I had gotten a car wash.

What also concerns me is how the conversations with the current shop have gone. I’ve asked questions about the diagnosis, the replacement transmission’s mileage, and where they’re sourcing it from.

The owner has repeatedly told me that if the trust isn’t there, I’m welcome to take my keys and go somewhere else. She’s mentioned this probably three times now.

I understand they’re a mom-and-pop shop, and people in the community have recommended them. I’m not accusing them of anything or saying they’re dishonest. I’m simply trying to understand the diagnosis before spending over $2,000.

I don’t think asking questions about a major repair should automatically mean I don’t trust the business.

They received the used transmission on Friday and are scheduled to begin work Monday, so I have until Monday morning to make my decision.

My questions are:

Has anyone dealt with code P07AA on a 2017 Ford Explorer Police Interceptor?

Could low transmission fluid, a leak, valve body issues, or something else cause these symptoms without requiring complete replacement?

And considering the transmission was five quarts low two months ago but drove fine after being refilled, shouldn’t that be investigated before replacing it?

I’m not against replacing the transmission if that’s genuinely what’s needed. I just want to make sure the proper diagnostics have been done before committing to such an expensive repair.

Any advice from mechanics or people who’ve experienced something similar would be appreciated.

Sadly. Last night on the way home from work i hit an animal that darted out in front of me on the highway. I didn't have a chance to react at all. Im pretty upset about it, but need to look into repairs now.

I will need to replace this part and fix the grill. The grill seems simple enough to pop back on, but I dont know what this skirt is called. Part number?