16th Jun 2008, 15:30

But, did you check the differential fluid every 12,000 miles, and change the differential fluid every 60,000 miles? Did you check it at all? Did you change the transmission fluid and filter every 30,000 miles? Did you check the transfer case fluid every 12,000 miles, and change the fluid every 30,000 miles? If not, that is why you burned out the rear end, and your O/D light was flashing.

I agree, serpentine belt, brake rotors, plugs, and wires are simply routine maintenance and not a repair.

The check engine light and stalling is probably due to an oxygen sensor or mass air flow sensor. The check engine light is on because it's telling you that you need to check the OBDII and find out why it's stalling.

The rear wiper didn't work because water got into the shaft and corroded it and ruined the motor. It helps to spray a little WD-40 on the shaft to keep it from corroding.

Older vehicles require some care and maintenance. You got 100,000 miles out of this vehicle, which sounds like a success story to me.

18th Jul 2008, 06:00

I bought my 1999 Ford Explorer Sport (88,700 miles) in 2005. Honestly, I've been blessed not to have had any of the problems that some of the stories that I've read on here! I did have the ball joints replaced because it ruined my tires and the back wiper doesn't completely wipe the whole window. Also my CD player went out as well so I went to a junk yard found a premium ford radio and plays like new. I must admit that I'm slightly nervous reading these stories...LOL. If my transmissions goes out... so will the truck. I'll just get a new one.

23rd Dec 2008, 20:37

I'm hoping to buy a 1999 Ford Explorer Sport tomorrow.. but all these stories are scaring me.. ha!

26th Jan 2009, 17:04

I also have a 1999 Ford Explorer XLT. The transmission slips at about 25 to 30 mph. The OD light also flashes constantly.

The automatic locks work sometimes and sometimes they don't.

The back windshield wiper gets caught constantly.

When the OD light is flashing the transmission works better. Can anyone tell me if this means that I will have to replace the transmission? I'm afraid!!

28th Jan 2009, 17:09

Maybe not. The first thing you should try is to have the transmission fluid and filter changed. This is not the same as a flush. Do NOT get a flush! Changing the fluid and filter is cheap, and could solve the problem. As long as they have to remove the pan to change the filter, they can also check the module that engages the overdrive, which could be another relatively inexpensive problem. That might save you the several thousand dollars to rebuild the transmission.

One note; make sure that whoever looks at the transmission refills it with the correct type transmission fluid. There are five different kinds of Mercon, and you must use the right one. If nothing else, you can extend the life of the transmission by being gentle with it.

21st Feb 2009, 18:03

The transmission just went out in 1999 Ford Explorer Limited. It made it 204,865 miles before it went out. The tie rods are wearing out, the front hub on the passenger side is going out. The overdrive light went off and on for over 25,000 miles. I took it three different places and they couldn't fix it. The rear wiper worked properly for the first two weeks that I had it. Then never again. I am tired of the recalls and all of the problems. I have taken very good care of my Explorer. I did all of the maintenance as told too. I am not sticking anymore money into my Explorer. I loved my Explorer. I am going to miss it. I wish all the rest of you Explorer owners the best of luck with yours.

28th Feb 2009, 21:46

I bought my 1999 Explorer Sport 4x2 manual transmission new with 4 miles on it. It just passed 208,000 miles, and is still going strong. Every spring I bleed the brake system to completely change the brake fluid. I still have my original calipers on the front and rear. I flush the cooling system every other year. I change the oil every 3000 miles. I flush the rack and pinion fluid every 2 years. I change the manual transmission fluid every 30,000 miles.

To date I've had to do the front brakes 3 times and the rears twice. I've had to replace the clutch at 125,000 miles. I replaced the radiator are 140,000. I replaced the lower ball joints at 150,000.

What is the point of all of this? If you maintain your car, any brand, it will last a long time. If you just change the oil once in a while and put gas in it it will not hold up! Ford had the highest initial quality in several categories in 2008 according to JD Powers. Take care of your car and it will take are of you.

13th Dec 2010, 16:25

I purchased a 1999 for Ford Explorer Sport in 2001. Excellent car. At 103,00 miles, sure to get plenty more.

10th Mar 2011, 18:35

March 2011.

I purchased a 1999 Ford Explorer Sport in 2006, and it had 98,000 miles. Six months later, I had my serpentine belt replaced, and also a gas filter.

Besides putting in gas and driving it, I was real happy with my truck. I loved how it handled in any type of weather. I also replaced a stabilizer bar. But I had this noise coming from the engine. I thought it was the power steering, but it was not. It was the transmission, and now at 119.000 miles, I need work on the transmission, and I think I will never get another Ford. I do like Chevy, but I thought I would add my problem to the list of issues with the Ford Explorer Sport.

2nd Feb 2012, 19:27

That is funny; I own a '99 Explorer Sport, and my rear wiper motor didn't go out, but the wiper will not lay flat on the rear window, gave up on that a long time ago.

More recently, my driver's door actuator solenoid malfunctioned driving the core too far up. The door is not broken, I can still open it with the handle, and the lock still works as well.

I have just crossed 147,500 k, the transmission was serviced by myself personally at 107,800 miles (filter, gasket, pan cleaning and fluid for the pan only). The fluid has never looked bad, yet if you were looking to get the most out of your Exploder for the least out of your pocket, change the filter and reverse the gasket, and you will save on fluid.

I have never trusted flush machines, especially for a transmission. Ford only recommends to check your fluid every 30k miles.

5th Feb 2012, 12:58

Just as with brake pads, shops constantly dupe car owners into transmission flushes. This can actually do far more harm than good. I've never changed the fluid (filter yes, fluid no) in any of my cars, and none have ever had a single transmission problem in as much as 300,000 miles of use.

3rd Oct 2012, 15:25

I LOVE my Ford Explorer Sport! It's a 99, 300000 original miles. I did have to put a new tranny in at 299999. My parents have been trying to get rid of it for years. The car was literally built to last.