12 problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
1997 Explorer 4. 0 sohc purchased in 1999. Made knocking noise went to dealership several times under warranty and was told my motor was pulled and tensioner (pulley, cam tensioner) was replaced. After recieving notification from Ford of "in warranty" service bulletin,different dealer said it hadnt been replace or documented by previous service. So,it was supposedley replaced again (2 time). Still making the noise after so long, and told several times "we cant find anything wrong" kept driving. Now, I am in dealership for about 10th time and my tesnioners,possibly my timing chain,and possible other components (hopefully not motor)need to be replaced again(3time,more damage)??!!this time theres no warranty or reason why I shouldent "have to pay" so it is costing me $1600 so far. . . Possibly more if there was more damage. This must be documented because I have tried in good faith and numerous,tiring efforts to repair this from day one!do not want to have to replace motor in near future like others.
Without any warning, lost all power, engine totally shut off at 45 mph. Had towed and was told crankshaft broke. Ford knows of problems with the crankshaft and has actually replaced some but as more are breaking, refuses to deal with the problem. Had this happened the previous weekend while traveling rt. 95 this could have had serious consequences. Please look into the numerous complaints about the 1997/1998 Ford Explorer crankshaft problems.
Engine crank broke off at pulley. No previous warning, it happened while driving at low speeds. 110 miles on engine at time of catastrophic failure. Dealership laughed at request for repairs, "warranty expired". I paid for new "rebuilt engine" cost= $3000. 00.
Consumer took vehicle into inspection station and didn't pass inspection because of the timing belt was making noise. Dealer stated it would cost about $1500.
The vehicle was serviced on 4/1/03 for the check engine light. On 4/14/03 consumer entered a parking lot and turned off vehicle ignition. Consumer restarted the vehicle, heard a thump, and noticed the battery indicator light was illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the serpentine belt popped.
Timing chain belt broke while travling at 35 mph with no prior warnings . Has not contacted dealer.
Consumer was driving less than 30 mph and stalled. All lights came on. Towed to dealer who found crankshaft had broken. Crank pulley had broken off engine. No prior warning.
New engine needed. I have had Ford replace the cam tensioners, only to have had it fail now for the 3rd time in 8 mos. I am going to request the engine be replaced at dealer cost, as it was a recalled part. The warranty was extended to 72k miles back in Jan 0f '01. I now have 90k and the problem has reocurred. The problem was never really corrected, so its my opinion that Ford is obligated to correct this. Was told engine needs replacement. Have had a constant 'ticking' since purchased. Now very loud clattering and 'rapping' noises in timing chain area. I was told there are 6 chains on this engine and they only replaced the front, saying if the back ones are bad, the engine needs to be replaced. . . And that that is the problem since the first 2 replacements have gone bad again.
Faulty serpentine belt causes squealing noise at times, there is also an oil leak from the vehicle. Nlm.
While driving serpentine belt came off, and driver lost control of the vehicle. Also, when braking there was a grinding noise.
When driving consumer noticed a rattling noise coming from engine comparment. Vehicle cut off without prior warning. Consumer contacted dealer, dealer noted that engine had a hole which was caused by the timing belt that came off. Engine needed to be replaced.
Cranckshaf/pulley disconnected from engine.