Tire Pressure Monitoring System problems of the 2005 Ford Explorer

Tl- the contact owns a 2005 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the panel under the rear window split around the outside of the window, which extended to the Ford emblem. The damage became progressively worse over time and the contact was concerned that the window could explode when she drove through a car wash. The contact also stated that heat could be a factor in the failure. In addition, the rear latch failed to engage when she attempted to close the rear window. The dealer was contacted and advised that she would be responsible for the repair costs since there were no recalls for the failure. Also, the tire sensor gauge remained illuminated at all times. The tire mechanic stated that the failure was a common problem that could have been caused by the spare tire. The contact stated that she had to check the air pressure of the tires on a continual basis. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 72,000. Kmj.

My 2005 Ford Explorer came with metal valve caps on the tires, when I brought it in for service with a low pressure signal on, the dealer told me that the valve caps were frozen onto the stems, and if he tried to take off the caps, they would snap the sensors in the tires, and it would cost approximately $600. To replace all four sensors. I responded that it would cost $600. To put air in the tires because of a design defect? the response was yes. My point, if you did not have the money to correct a mfr's design error, you are riding on under-inflated tires, creating a potentially hazardous situation.

I was removing caps on valve stems to check tire pressure when the valve stem broke off in the cap. It immediately deflated the tire completely! I was lucky that I was not driving. The tire was completely flat and coming off the rim. I had the spare tire put on. When I went to the Ford dealer said that they had alot of vehicles in that the valve stems had broken off. Very dangerous. I am now afraid that the valve stems on the other tires could do the same thing. Because they also have tire sensors in valve stems it is very costly to replace and only a Ford dealer can get the part and recalibrate the computer for the sensors.