The Ford Explorer is classified as a sport utility vehicle. The Explorer, like any other vehicle, develops noises and needs maintenance over time. To help defray repair costs, it helps to know what the problem is before taking it to a shop or mechanic. To troubleshoot potential problems with the Explorer, listen to the engine during its ignition and as it runs to gain clues to the origin of the engine problem.
Start the Explorer and feather the gas pedal while the rig is in neutral or park. Bring the RPMs up to 2,500 and listen for consistent knocking. If present, the problem may be with engine rods. Rod knocks are most prevalent around 2,500 RPMs.
Try to differentiate between a hard metal on metal sounding knock and a muffled knock that sounds like a rod hitting cloth. The latter indicates piston troubles, while the former indicates rods.
Listen for any stuttering or misfires when the gas pedal is feathered and the engine is revved. This indicates corroded or dead spark plugs.
Feather the gas pedal and listen for lulls in the pedal depression and engine revs. If present and a noticeable gap in the timing is present the timing belt may need adjusting.
Feather the gas pedal and listen for knocking. While listening for the knocking, look out the rear window for any large white clouds of smoke coming from the tailpipe. This could indicate a cracked engine block or gaps in the rods.
