Eight problems related to engine cooling system have been reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Engine revvs and vehicle is thrusted forward at top speed from dead start or when slowing down. This is the second on this problem. Both times lead to property damage, and accident.
Air blend door failure. I only have hot air.
I bought the Explorer last April and the a/c worked fine, but when winter got here the heater would not blow warm air. I took it to a mechanic who replaced the thermostate and looked at other things, but could not fix it. I then took it to a second mechanic who looked at it and told me that he had just fixed the same problem on another 97 Ford Explorer--and it was the blend door. That the door was a factor defect and would cost about $650. 00 to replace it. I did not have the money to have it replaced, and it is a safety hazard when it is stuck on a/c air and you can not defrost your windshild while you are driving. It has not been fixed and restricts vision out of the windshield when fogged or iced which could cause me to have a bad wreck.
My heater "splitter door" failed to release heat about 4 mo. Ago and is still briken. I haven't had the 700. Oo to fix it.
Rear doors won't open from inside and it is not the child deterrent lever on door, heating system overrides a/c heater sometimes dosen't work. Recline lever broke off.
Vehicle overheated while driving. When checking the cooling system fluids were turning into slush. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to help.
While driving at 60 mph heard some noise and the consumer pulled over and noticed water and anti-freeze coming from the vehicle. Consumer turned vehicle off. When trying to start the vehicle back up, the vehicle won't start.
Water pump leak.