30th Nov 2002, 23:15

I have a 1992 Explorer XLT that I just purchased. It has 185,000 miles on the original engine, and that is saying lots for being through the rough South Dakota winters. I am very happy with it, though. It looks brand new, the engine still runs smoothly and quietly. I've said this many times, no matter what make or model you buy, there will always be a few lemons.

9th Dec 2002, 13:31

I am the unfortunate owner of a 92 XLT Exploder. After going through 3 transmissions in 1999, a trip from Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. to Durango, Colorado. I have had enough of this, just cannot feel good selling my problems to someone else. I would like to drop it off at Mr. Fords house and let him have it for a while. Two months ago my overdrive went, when I phoned the dealership, they told me not to drive in overdrive, just the drive position. I drive mostly highway miles, and it is slpping and takes 15 minutes to warm up. Never again Ford.

Frank in Canada.

4th Apr 2003, 08:57

1992 Ford Explorer XL, manual transmission, 4WD.

Bought it at 245k for only CD$5500.

Still running strong at 285k.

Replaced most of the transmission, the clutch and the front wheel hubs. Despite the repairs which are no surprise to me after so many kilometers, I take my hat off for this car.

Driving in it makes you feel the King of the Road.

Bottom line: this car rocks!

6th May 2006, 08:18

I own a 92 ford explorer and the transmission burnt out yesterday. IF anyone knows how much it would cost to get a new one please email me. goko9999@hotmail.com.

I would really appreciate it.

Thank you,

Charmaine.

17th May 2006, 10:40

I own a 1992 Ford Explorer and LOVE it! It has only 83K miles on it, no major problems, we keep it maintained regularily. I have spent half as much $$$ maintaining this SUV as I have a 1997 Nissan Maxima w/100K miles... I just unloaded $530 yesterday to the Nissan dealer for parts only. we are having our mechanic do the labor on Maximato save some $$. Foreign cars are too expensive to maintain, you can't buy a lot of parts "over the counter", and get hood-winked into having to have the dealer do everything. So I'm keeping my Explorer. It is a great car, except for the AC and gas mileage.

24th Jul 2007, 19:49

I own a 92 Explorer, currently 275,000 kilometers. Up until now, I hadn't spent $800 on it since purchasing it in 1993 in maintenance ie. front rotors, fuel pump, brake pads & shoes and transmission flush.

I have just had the ring gear and front brake hoses replaced for $1,100.00, plus I still need a lower seal replaced in the power steering pump and new front rotors. This has been a great vehicle and really doesn't owe me anything.

I figure it works out to about a $133.00 per year in maintenance and repairs, which is a deal.

4th Aug 2007, 06:02

91 Explorer, manual, 125k, rocker rust, failed gas gauge, warped heads at 99k: this is used as my "boat" car as I am in the mobile marine business. The clutch has engaged for years at its far outer pedal limit. Lately it has been "eating" starters. I have put up with the clutch b/c it didn't seem dire or all that necessary. Repairers have lusted to put in a clutch for $1200 +/- and tell me now that the ring gears are what eats the starters. Now they say I need all: ring gears, clutch, starter, etc. For $1600 ? Anyone out there can can help confirm with starter issue with ring gear experience ??

14th Jan 2008, 21:42

Occasionally you will end up with a lemon, but that doesn't always mean they are all bad. Having said that, if you can't do preventative maintenance yourself, then expect your vehicle to break down.

I've had a couple of Explorers, the latest is a '93 with 146000Km's and a manual trans, and never had any UNEXPECTED mechanical problems. That could be because I'm a mechanic, but any person should know what type of maintenance their car requires and what potential problems might come up.

Ford automatics (A4LD) in the SUV's and light trucks are light duty units, so expect problems if you tow heavy loads, especially in the summer. Don't blame Ford, just buy a full size truck that's meant for that sort of thing.

When buying a used Explorer, get it checked at a reputable shop BEFORE you buy it, especially if it has an automatic. That way you can avoid potential problems.

15th Jan 2008, 16:08

Yes, maintenance is the key!

For example:

Sometimes the pinion gear seal in the differential leaks a little. No big deal if you check the differential fluid level every 12,000 miles, and add a couple ounces of gear oil, and change the fluid every 60,000 miles like the Haynes Manual says. Big deal if you never bother to check it and run it a quart (30%) or two (67%) low for 120,000 miles. Result, burned-out differential and endless whining -- by the owner, that is.

Ditto for the transfer case. The output shaft seals leak a little bit. No big deal if you check it every 12,000 miles and add a couple ounces of Mercon, and change the fluid every 60,000 miles. Big deal if you never check it or change it. Result, lots of metal shavings, worn out gears, and expensive repairs.

Ditto for the transmission. Change the transmission fluid and filter (NO FLUSH!!!) every 30,000 miles, refilling it with the CORRECT type of Mercon fluid (Not Dexron, not "Mercon is all the same", not "whatever's closest to the candy bars on the shelf"). Mercon I, II, III, IV, and V are all different.

Don't tow boats and trailers with a V-6, you'll ruin the transmission. In heavy city traffic, and climbing hills on backroads, turn off the O/D.

24th Jan 2008, 14:19

We own a used, high mileage 1992 Ford Explorer XLT that we bought in 2004. The steering wheel is leaking a black tar-like substance. Is this very common? What causes it? Is this problem limited to Explorers?

While driving, smoke poured from the vents while running a/c, this seems to be a common problem for this year Explorer.

At start up one morning, the rear windshield wiper came on by itself and I could not get it to turn off. Had to remove wiper from vehicle. Have not seen this problem listed anywhere yet.

We've had to replace the transmission and brakes and make other repairs, but these things are to be expected in an older, high mileage vehicle.

10th Feb 2008, 19:36

We have a 92 Ford Exploder also!! Currently in the driveway for sale! For real cheap!! We got the black tar leaking from the steering wheel too! I think it's from the sun melting the bonding agent under the leather casing of the steering wheel! We just put a steering wheel cover on it!!! Problem solved! Our rear view mirror also fell off, from the heat I think! Our transmission is shot, no longer have overdrive, just drive and it shimmies a lot! Somebody come buy it!!!"