2003 Ford Explorer TSBs
123 Explorer Technical Service Bulletins
Technical Service Bulletins, or TSBs for short, are notifications made directly by Ford to help automotive technicians diagnose and repair commonly reported Explorer problems. Interested in how this information is collected? Read more about TSBs.
Recent 2003 Explorer TSBs
STEERING
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Description: LOW SPEED OR STATIONARY NOISE/VIBRATION AT LOWER STEERING SHAFT AREA WHEN TURNING. *MJ
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING
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Description: NOISE FROM REAR WHEEL HUB BEARINGS. *TT
SUSPENSION:REAR
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Description: REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *SC
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
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Description: STABILITY ASSIST (ADVANCETRAC/IVD) SYSTEMS MAY NOT BE RECALIBRATED PROPERLY USING WDS. *TT
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:SWITCHES:BRAKE LIGHT
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Description: LAMP-BRAKE-INVADVERTENT DISABLING OF BRAKE SHIFT INTERLOCK. *MJ
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE
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Description: ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) LAMP ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) C1235, C1236, C1237 ON VEHICLES WITH DIFFERENTIAL-MOUNTED RAR WHEEL SPEED SENSOR. *TT
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK:ABS WARNING LIGHT
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Description: THE AMBER ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) WARNING LIGHT ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES C1235, C1236/C1237 STORED IN MEMORY. *TT
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Description: ANTI-LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH CODES C1235 AND C1236 OR C1237. *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
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Description: WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIP - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING. *TT
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Description: NO START/HARD START N HOT SOAK RESTART. *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE
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Description: SOME 1997-2008 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 4.6L 2V, 5.4L 2V, OR 6.8L 2V ENGINE--SPARK PLUG THREAD REPAIR PROCEDURE--NOT COVERED UNDER NEW VEHICLE LIMITED WARRANTY. *NJ THIS INCLUDES F-53 MOTORHOME CHASSIS. UPDATED 2/23/10. *PE
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Description: HARD START/NO START CONDITION DURING COLD AMBEINT TEMPERATURES AFTER SHORT HOT SOAK PERIOD-4.0L ENGINE. *SC
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Description: OIL LEAK FROM OIL FILTER ADAPTER - 4.0L SOHC ENGINE BUILT BEFORE 4/1/2004. *TT
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Description: ENGINE MISFIRE OR RUNNING - COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS - WDS COP KIT DIAGNOSTIC TIPS. TO INCLUDE VARIOUS 2005 MODELS. * AR THIS ARTICLE 04161 SUPERSEDES TSB 03-14-04.
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Description: GENERATOR NOISE IN COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *MJ
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Description: ENGINE-ROMEO BUILT 4.6L 2V-TICK NOISE FROM ENGINE-ENGINES BUILT BEFORE 9/17/2003. *MJ
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Description: ENGINE AUXILIARY OIL COOLER LINE AND THE RIGHT SIDE MOTOR MOUNT SQUEAKING NOISE FROM FRONT EXTERIOR WHILE DRIVING OVER BUMPS. *TT
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Description: MULTIPLE VEHICLES WITH 3.0L OR 4.0L ENGINES LACKS POWER/RUNS ROUGH/BLACK SMOKE. 2004 SPORT TRAC INCLUDED. *TT
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Description: SOME VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.6L 2V ENGINE, WITH AN ENGINE BUILD DATE PRIOR TO 8/29/03 MAY EXHIBIT AN ENGINE TICK NOISE THAT IS PRESENT AT ALL TEMPERATURES DURING IDLE. 2004 MODELS INCLUDED. *TT
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Description: ROUGH/ROLLING IDLE OR HESITATION AFTER FIRST STARTUP OR A ROUGH/ROLLING ENGINE SPEED WHEN RETURNING TO IDLE AFTER A SHORT TRIP. *TT
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Description: ROUGH IDLE / ENGINE SHAKE. *TT
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Description: ENGINE MISFIRE OR ROUGH RUNNING CONDITION WITH COIL ON PLUG (COP) IGNITION SYSTEMS MAY BE MORE ACCURATELY DIAGNOSED USING THE OPTIONAL WORLDWIDE DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEM (WDS) COIL ON PLUG (COP) KIT. 2003 SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT
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Description: DRIVEABILITY CONDITIONS DUE TO CALIBRATION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 4.0L SOHC ENGINE. IDLE AIR CONTROL (IAC) VALVE REPLACEMENT FOR THESE SYMPTOMS IS TYPICALLY NOT EFFECTIVE. *TT
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Description: ENGINE ROUGHNESS / ROLLING RPM WHEN RETURNING TO IDLE (I.E., COMING TO A STOP) AFTER A SHORT TRIP. *TT
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Description: ROUGH / ROLLING IDLE AND HESITATION ON ACCELERATION AFTER A FIRST COLD STARTUP. *TT
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Description: IDLE AIR CONTROL (IAC) VALVE DIAGNOSTIC SERVICE TIPS. *TT
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Description: VIBRATION CONDITION. CONTACT REQUEST ST. LOUIS REGION. OASIS. *TT
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Description: INCORRECTLY INSTALLED GEAR DRIVEN CAMSHAFT POSITION (CMP) SENSOR SYNCHRONIZER ASSEMBLIES CAUSING SURGE, LOST OF POWER, MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P1336, P1309 AND P0340. *TT
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:GAS RECIRCULATION VALVE (EGR VALVE)
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Description: CUSTOMER SATISFACTION PROGRAM 02M01 SUPPLEMENT #4. CERTAIN FORD 2000 THROUGH 2003 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A TUBE-MOUNTED EGR PRESSURE SENSOR - ADDITIONAL EGR PRESSURE SENSOR WARRANTY COVERAGE. *TT SUPPLEMENT #3. *MJ SUPPLEMENT #6
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
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Description: FUEL GAUGE SLOW TO UPDATE AFTER REFUELING. *EH
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
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Description: MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP COMING ON WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0171, P0172, P0174 AND/OR P0175 (FUEL SYSTEM TOO RICH OR LEAN). *TT
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Description: RUNS ROUGH OR MISFIRE - DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0300-P0308 OR P0316. *TT
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Description: MULTIPLE VEHICLES - FUEL LEVEL INDICATION CONCERNS - SERVICE TIP. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 SUPER DUTY F-SERIES, EXCURSION, EXPEDITION, EXPLORER, MOUNTAINEER AND AVIATOR. *TT
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Description: DISTANCE TO EMPTY NOT DISPLAYED. *TT
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Description: FUEL SIGNAL TO INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SERVICE TIP. *TT
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Description: MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATION WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES P0442, P0455, P0456, P0457, P1442 OR CHECK FUEL CAP LAMP ILLUMINATED WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0457. *TT
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:STORAGE:FUEL GAUGE SYSTEM
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Description: MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP ON WITH PCM DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0463 AND/OR IC DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE B1201 - FUEL GAUGE DROPS TO EMPTY OR SLOW TO UPDATE AFTER REFUELING. *TT
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Description: FUEL GAUGE SLOW TO UPDATE. *TT
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM
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Description: ROUGHNESS/ROLLING RPM WHEN RETURNING TO IDLE (I.E., COMING TO A STOP) AFTER A SHORT TRIP. *TT
POWER TRAIN
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Description: UPDATED REAR HALFSHAFT REMOVAL PROCEDURE. *TT
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Description: CERTIFIED REAR AXLE AVAILABLE. *MJ
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Description: REAR AXLE NOISE. ALSO INCLUDES LINCOLN AVIATOR 2002. *MJ
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Description: TCIL FLASHING WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0741 AND/OR NOISE FROM THE CONVERTER HOUSING. *TT
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Description: TCIL FLASHING WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE P0741 (TCC SLIPPAGE DETECTED) AND/OR NOISE FROM THE TORQUE CONVERTER HOUSING. *TT
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Description: A WHINE NOISE ON TIP-IN AT SPEEDS OF 45 TO 65 MPH. THIS MAY BE DUE TO DRIVELINE STACK-UP TOLERANCE WITH THE DRIVESHAFT AND REAR AXLE. *TT
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Description: FLUID LEAKS FROM THE REAR HALFSHAFT SEAL. 2002-2003 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEER/AVIATOR ADDED. *TT
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Description: AN AUDIBLE CREAK / CLICK / POP (NOT A CLUNK) FROM THE REAR DRIVELINE. *TT *JB
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM, PCM)
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Description: GENERAL (PCM) POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE PROGRAMMING PROCEDURES. *TT
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Description: 4X4 CONTROL MODULE NOT INTERCHANGEABLE ISSUES. *TT *JB
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:GEAR POSITION INDICATION (PRNDL)
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Description: GEAR SELECTOR LEVER - INCREASED EFFORT TO SHIFT FROM DRIVE TO PARK. *TT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:COOLING UNIT AND LINES
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Description: NEW TRANSMISSION COOLER FLUSHER - SERVICE TIPS. 2003 ESCORT AND SUPER DUTY F SERIES INCLUDED. *TT
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:TORQUE CONVERTER
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Description: A FLUID LEAK COMING FROM WITHIN THE CONVERTER HOUSING ON VEHICLES WITH 5R55S TRANSMISSION. *TT
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE
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Description: DRIVELINE 1ST ORDER VIBRATION/BOOM/DRONE. *TT
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Description: DRIVELINE VIBRATION ON DRONE/BOOM AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. *TT
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Description: REAR DRIVELINE PING/CREAK/POP NOISE. *TT
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY
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Description: LIMITED SLIP AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNING MANEUVERS. *TT
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Description: AXLE SEAL LEAKS. *EH
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Description: REAR AXLE NOISE REPAIR. *TT
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Description: AXLE WHINE HOWL. THIS INCLUDES 1997-05 FORD VEHICLES. *EH
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Description: AXLE WHINE HOWL SERVICE WITH INDIVIDUAL PARTS INSTEAD OF AN AXLE ASSEMBLY. *EH
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Description: REAR AXLE NOISE. OASIS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 EXPLORER, MOUNTAINEER AND AVIATOR. *TT
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Description: FRONT AXLE TUBE LEAK. *EH
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Description: CHATTER, SHUDDER, A BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNS ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE 9.75 INCH OR 8.8 INCH LIMITED SLIP REAR AXLE. *TT
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Description: MULTIPLE VEHICLES USING FEHP REAR AXLE FLUID. FLUID USAGE CHANGE. *TT
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Description: REAR AXLE DATE CODE INSPECTION AND SERVICE. VEHICLES MAY HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH AN IMPROPER MIX OF REAR AXLE LUBRICANT AND FRICTION MODIFIER ADDITIVE. IF SO, THE CUSTOMER MAY EXPERIENCE NOISE AND VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING. *TT *MJ
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Description: REAR AXLE CHATTER, SHUDDER, BINDING SENSATION, OR VIBRATION DURING LOW SPEED TURNS. *TT
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Description: REAR AXLE NOISE. *TT
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Description: REAR 3.55 AXLE NOISE. CERTIFIED REAR AXLE OR IMPROVED GEAR SET AVAILABLE. *TT
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Description: AXLE WHINE AT CRUISE OR DURING ACCELERATION/ DECELERATION. *TT
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Description: REAR AXLE VIBRATION/DRONE ABOVE 60 MPH. *TT
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Description: EXCESSIVE WHINE NOISE FROM THE REAR AXLE AT CRUISE, OR ON ACCELERATION AND/OR DECELERATION. *TT
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Description: ON SOME VEHICLES, INCLUDING SPORT AND SPORT TRAC, THE FRONT AXLE LEAKS FLUID FROM THE VENT TUBE. *TT
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT
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Description: FORD: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT OIL SEPARATION FROM THE INTERNAL LUBE FOUND IN THE UNITIZED CARTRIDGE SEAL. OIL SEPARATION APPEARS TO BE AND IS OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED, AS AN AXLE LUBE LEAK. *PE
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT:SEAL
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Description: FORD: SOME VEHICLES MAY EXHIBIT OIL SEPARATION FROM THE INTERNAL LUBE FOUND IN THE UNITIZED CARTRIDGE SEAL. OIL SEPARATION APPEARS TO BE AND IS OFTEN MISDIAGNOSED, AS AN AXLE LUBE LEAK. *PE
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Description: AXLE SEAL LEAKS. LEAKS FROM REAR HALFSHAFT AXLE SEAL. SERVICE TIPS. *TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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Description: OPEN FUSE F2.20 (5 AMP) AND/OR F2.1 (30 AMP) WHICH MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF FUNCTION OF SEVERAL SYSTEMS INCLUDING POWER SEATS, ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND POWER DOOR LOCKS. *TT
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Description: WARNING INDICATORS-PARKING AID-REVERSE SENSING SYSTEM (RSS) AND FORWARD SENSING SYSTEM (FSS)-FALSE ACTIVATION OF WARNING TONE-SERVICE TIPS. *MJ UPDATE. *TT
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Description: MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED - SYSTEM LEAN DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) - SERVICE TIPS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2004 F-SERIES. *TT
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Description: STREAMLINED DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURE FOR VEHICLES WITH MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTCS) P0401, P0402, P1400 OR P1401. ADDITIONAL SYMPTOMS MAY INCLUDE RUNS ROUGH, LACKS POWER, SURGE, POOR FUEL ECONOMY.
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Description: INTERMITTENT AIR BAG WARNING LAMP ON, MEMORY SEAT, AND/OR ADJUSTABLE PEDAL CONCERNS. *MJ
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Description: MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ON AND HARD START/LONG CRANK. *TT
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Description: INSTRUMENT CLUSTER LOCKING UP AND ACCESSORIES SUCH AS THE RADIO, POWER WINDOWS, POWER LOCKS AND MOONROOF INOPERATIVE. *TT
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Description: REMOTE KEYLESS ENTRY (RKE) - SERVICE TIPS. *TT
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Description: MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP (MIL) ILLUMINATED AND DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES (DTC'S) P0171, P0172, P0174, OR P0175. *TT
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Description: NO CRANK CONDITION. SERVICE TIPS. *TT
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Description: AN INTERMITTENT OR CONTINUOUS OPEN OF FUSE 1.15. *TT
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Description: CLUSTER LOCKING UP & VARIOUS ACCESSORIES SUCH AS THE RADIO, POWER WINDOWS, POWER LOCKS AND MOONROOF BEING INOPERATIVE. *TT
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Description: BATTERY LIGHT ON OR AN ALTERNATOR THAT IS NOT CHARGING. *TT *JB
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Description: BLINKING/HALF ILLUMINATED SUPPLEMENTAL RESTRAINT SYSTEM (SRS) AND/OR ANTI-LOCK BRAKE (ABS) WARNING INDICATORS AFTER COLD SOAK DURING AMBIENT TEMPERATURES COLDER THAN 30 DEGREES FAHRENHEIT. *TT
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Description: LOW OIL PRESSURE INDICATION/WARNING, A/C COMPRESSOR INOPERATIVE AND/OR NO CRANK CONDITION ON 4.6L EQUIPPED VEHICLES. *TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR
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Description: GENERATOR WHISTLE/HOOT NOISE IN COLD AMBIENT TEMPERATURES. *TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:STARTER ASSEMBLY
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Description: NO CRANK/NO START CONDITION WHEN VEHICLE TEMPERATURE IS BELOW FREEZING (32F/0C). *TT
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
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Description: OPEN F2.20 5 AMP FUSE WHICH MAY RESULT IN LOSS OF FUNCTION OF SEVERAL SYSTEMS INCLUDING POWER SEATS, ADJUSTABLE PEDALS AND POWER DOOR LOCKS. *TT
VISIBILITY:GLASS, SIDE/REAR
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Description: BACKGLASS DIFFICULT TO CLOSE AND AN INTERMITTENT DOOR AJAR LAMP. *TT
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Description: BACKGLASS RATTLE/NOISE OR HIGH EFFORT WHEN CLOSING. *TT
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS
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Description: REAR POWER WINDOW(S) INOPERATIVE. *TT
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM:WINDSHIELD:CONTROLS/WIRING
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Description: REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT
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Description: INOPERATIVE ELECTRIC REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER (HEATED BACKLITE) GRID LINES, INTEGRAL ANTENNA CONCERNS. *TT
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER SYSTEM:REAR WINDOW
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Description: REAR WINDOW DEFROSTER GRID/INTEGRAL ANTENNA DIAGNOSIS AND REPAIR - TERMINAL TAB REPAIR. *TT
AIR BAGS
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Description: ILLUMINATED AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WITH DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODE (DTC) B2292. *TT
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL
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Description: POOR FIT BETWEEN DRIVER AIR BAG AND STEERING WHEEL. *TT
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR
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Description: SAFETY BELT RETRACTION SPEED. *TT
STRUCTURE
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Description: SUN VISOR RATTLE / DETROIT AREA DEALERS CONTACT REQUEST. *TT
STRUCTURE:BODY
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Description: LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE DAMAGED/CRACKED. SERVICE PROCEDURE. *TT
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Description: ALUMINUM CORROSION - SERVICE TIP. *TT
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Description: A POPPING OR CREAKING NOISE THAT APPEARS TO BE COMING FROM THE FRONT EXTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE. *TT
STRUCTURE:BODY:DOOR
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Description: BROKEN REAR CARGO STORAGE DOOR LIFT HANDLE. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 EXPLORER/MOUNTAINEER. *TT
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Description: CONTACT ST LOUIS ASSEMBLY PLANT/ST LOUIS VICINITY ONLY. *MJ
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
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Description: LIFTGATE GLASS APPLIQUE DAMAGED/CRACKED - SERVICE PROCEDURE. *TT
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS
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Description: BREAKAGE OF A LIFTGATE WINDOW HINGE. *TT
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
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Description: UNINTENDED DOOR UNLOCKS WITHOUT KEY IN IGNITION (QSF). *TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
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Description: SPEED CONTROL INOPERATIVE OR NOT HOLDING THE SET SPEED. OASIS. VARIOUS MODELS INCLUDING 2005 EXPLORER, SPORT TRAC, MOUNTAINEER AND AVIATOR. *TT
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
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Description: SQUEAKING ACCELERATOR PEDAL WHILE DRIVING DURING COLD, HOT, DUSTY, AND DRY CONDITIONS. *TT *JB
TIRES
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Description: LOW TIRE INDICATOR ON - TPMS SYSTEM SENSOR WAKE UP. *TT
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Description: RUNNING CHANGE. *MJ
TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
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Description: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) LOW TIRE OR TIRE VERY LOW MESSAGE AND/OR THE TPMS LIGHT ON. *TT
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Description: TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS) MODULE CONFIGURATION - SERVICE TIP. *MJ
SEATS
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Description: FRONT SEAT(S) SLIGHT MOVEMENT WHEN ACCELERATING AND/OR DECELERATING. *TT
COMMUNICATIONS:BACK UP ALARM
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Description: FALSE PARKING AID WARNINGS. *TT
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Description: FALSE PARKING AID WARNINGS. *TT UPDATE. *TT
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL
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Description: MESSAGE CENTER DISPLAYS COMPUTING FUEL INSTEAD OF DISTANCE TO EMPTY. *TT
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:AIR CONDITIONER
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Description: AIR CONDITIONER HOOTING NOISE DURING LIGHT LOAD ACCELERATION AT LOW SPEEDS, FROM 1000-1300 RPM. *TT
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Description: HIGH SIDE PRESSURE FLUCTUATIONS ON VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A FIXED SCROLL A/C COMPRESSOR. *TT