• RADIO REPAIR - BLANK DISPLAY, VOLUME CONTROL, CD EJECT ERROR

See the Radio Repair details below - CLICK HERE!
 

• OVERHEAD CONSOLE TEMPERATURE / COMPASS READOUT - BLANK DISPLAY, NON-OPERATIONAL REPAIR
  

See the Overhead Console Repair details below - CLICK HERE!

PICK YOUR PROBLEM:
(Access to all solutions below can be gained by making your payment of $9.99)

• The vehicle is hard to start.  It will start if you push on the gas pedal, but then will die immediately when you let off the gas (Idle Air Control problem).  Basically, the vehicle will not idle...a simple fix (this repair performed by the Manhatten-ite, Debbie Usvaltas, in the email story above),
  (Requires a 7mm & 8mm socket wrench, a screw driver, a clean rag, and a can of Throttle Body Cleaner which can be purchased at any automotive center for about $2). 
  
  Time For Repair:
  Mechanically Inclined - 20 minutes
  First Timer - 60 minutes
  
  This is a low challenge...as easy as changing your wiper blades (maybe easier).
  
  Cost to do it yourself (if you already have the tools):  About $2 (+ $9.99 for these instructions)
  
  Dealer Cost to Repair:  Between $150-$450 plus towing costs (~$100)
  
  I just recently had to do this for the second time at 151,XXX.  It took a total of 15 minutes from start to finish.  Anyone can do this in less time than it's going to take you to look up the number to the dealer and schedule an appointment.  If the detailed, picture intensive instructions don't help you fix your problem, you're more than welcome to a refund of your payment.  If you own one of these vehicles, you're going to have this problem sooner or later (and if you've already had it, you know what it cost to tow your vehicle and the charges of the dealer)...and there's no reason you can't do it yourself with just a  should do this yourself with a 7mm & 8mm socket wrench, a screw driver, a clean rag, and a can of $2 Throttle Body Cleaner...easy task and no knuckles should be scrapped in the process.
   

• If your gas pedal is sticking just ever so slightly so that when you first start pushing the accelerator, it's wanting to surge ahead...a simple fix.
  (Requires a 7mm socket wrench, a screw driver, a clean rag, and a can of Throttle Body Cleaner which can be purchased as any automotive center for about $2).
  
  Time For Repair:
  Mechanically Inclined - 30 minutes
  First Timer - 1 hour 20 minutes
  
  This is a low/medium challenge...lots easier than sparkplugs, but a little harder than changing your wiper blades; just an additional step than the Idle Air Control Valve cleaning explained above (do both of them at the same time, using the same tools).
  
  Cost to do it yourself (if you already have the tools):  About $2 (+ $9.99 for these instructions)
  
  Dealer Cost to Repair:  Between $80-$350
  
   

• Air Bag indicator is illuminated (this is common on vehicles with side impact air bags)...simple fix, but be careful.
  (Requires a small screwdriver and  tube of electrical conductive bulb grease which can be obtained for most any automotive stores).
   

• One of the Door Ajar sensors is not working...door ajar warning light stays on.
  (WD-40 Spray).

• The rear wiper stops working
  (No tools required).
   

• Tips on changing the spark plugs.
  (Typical tools for a spark plug change, plus, a car jack for the tip on getting at the hard to reach plugs, patience, willingness to get scrapped knuckles).
   

• Blend Door Repair
  (Required: Wrenches, drill, small nail, patience and dexterity)..
  Is your AC blowing hot air constantly, or is your heater blowing cold air constantly...then your likely to have a problem with the mechanism that diverts the air within your environmental control system.
   

• Rear Brake Pad Replacement
  Are you hearing a squeal from your rear wheels when you apply your brakes, then you are likely ready to replace your rear brake pads.  I did mine the first time around 80K (that was a lot of highway driving...you may see the need at 60K with more city driving).  This instructions include over 35 pictures and are better than what you'd find in a Haynes manual...in my humble opinion.  This is easier than changing spark plugs, yet many people still go to a brake shop to have this done when it can be done at home for a fraction of the cost and in about the same time it would take to change the oil.  The front brake pads are done basically the same way (those instructions to be detailed soon).
  
  Tools Required for Rear Brake Pad Replacement
  
  Figure 2 - Rear Brake Pad Replacement Supplies/Tools
  
  1. Car Jack (you can use the one supplied with your car, but why not splurge with the money you are going to be saving and add to your tool collection...also, it comes in handy more times than you realize)
  2. Jack Stand (for safety)
  3. Rear Brake Pads (Premium, Heavy Duty preferred...more details in the instructions)
  4. C-Clamp (with at least a 6" opening)
  5. Screw Driver
  6. 10mm Wrench
  7. Lug Nut Wrench (Tire Iron).
  OPTIONAL
  -Disc Brake Quiet (bluish glue to quiet any type of rattle from brakes pads)
  -Torque Wrench (for tightening lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs)
   

• Keypad Code - Locating the Factory-Set Key Code / Programming a new Personal Keypad Code
  
  Figure 3 - Tools Required for Key Code Retrieval -
  Either a Dental Mirror or a 7mm Wrench
   

• Thermostat Replacement
  If you are seeing your temperature gage go into the H (hot) Range and causing the red  "Look at Gages" light to illuminate, you may need a new thermostat.
  
  What I saw on my vehicle when I needed to replace the thermostat  (has happened twice now...first at 40,000 miles, then again at 140,000) I would first notice that my vehicle was kind of bucking when starting from a stop...as if the shifting wasn't working...it seemed to shift hard from 1st to second gear.  My first thought was my transmission is going out $$$!!!!  Luckily, once I started to watch my gages, I saw the temperature would go into the H (thermostat stuck), then the vehicle would act up and buck, then the temperature would finally drop back into the normal range and everything was good.
  
  The other time I had to replace the thermostat was during the summer months.  The car would seem to run funny (not smooth) and the air conditioner wasn't working (this vehicle will shut down the AC if the engine is getting too hot).  This time I thought my AC compressor was going out $$$!!!!  Thankfully, again, just a $26 do it yourself thermostat job.
  
  My other Ford, an 1988 Bronco II would go through thermostat about every 70,000 miles, however, it would fail by allowing the coolant to flow all the time, which resulted in taking longer for the engine to heat up (thus, in the winter, it took a long time to get warm air out of the heater).  This wasn't too bad on the engine.  It seems on this 2000 Explorer of mine, the thermostat wants to fail in the worse situation mode in which it sticks and doesn't let coolant through to cool the engine....if you run your engine too hot, too long, you can do severe damage to the engine...so watch out.
  
  Here's the tools I found necessary for this repair:
  
  1. Screwdriver
  2. Ratchet with 7mm socket
  3. 10mm Wrench (about 5 inches long works best)
  4. Swivel socket head (Universal Joint or U-Joint)
  5. 10mm socket
  6. 6 inch ratchet extension (Shown attached to ratchet).
  Not shown but useful:
  7. Rags for soaking up about 1 pint of antifreeze
  
  Parts/Supplies:
  
  1. Thermostat (costs about $15)
  2. Thermostat gasket (costs about $2)
  Not shown:
  3. Antifreeze (to replace about 1 pint that will leak out during the repair)
      I like to use the pre-diluted 50/50 Fast Fill (costs about $9 for a gallon)
  
  Time For Repair:
  Mechanically Inclined - 30 minutes
  First Timer - 60 minutes
  
  This is a medium challenge...lots easier than sparkplugs, but a little harder than changing your wiper blades.
  
  Cost to do it yourself (if you already have the tools):  About $26 (+ $9.99 for these instructions)
  
  Dealer Cost to Repair:  Between $150-$450
  
  These instructions are for a 6 cylinder, Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) engine.  If you have another type of engine, your procedure may vary slightly. 
  
  The exact parts as purchased from Advance Auto Parts for the 6 cylinder, Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) engine (if you don't have this engine, or not sure, just ask the parts guy where you are buying your parts...they'll look up the exact parts you need
  
  Thermostat                   Part # 13649    $14.94
  Thermostat Gasket     Part # 35617      $1.98
  New Prestone 50/50   Part # AF2100  $8.88
   

• Belt (Serpentine Belt) Replacement
  If you are noticing that your belt is squealing or looking a little worn, there's no reason for you not to replace this belt yourself.  The tools required are minimal, and it would actually likely take you more time to schedule an appointment with the dealer than it would take to actually do it yourself.  Even if you don't have all the tools (you may not have the drive wrench required), it would be cheaper to buy the tool(s) and do it yourself than going to the dealer.  The belt should probably be replaced at least every 100,000 miles, and more likely about every 60,000 miles to be conservative.  If the belt breaks while you're driving, you'll be stranded with a dead vehicle.
  
  Tools needed for this repair:
  
  1. Screwdriver
  2. Ratchet with 7mm socket
  3. Flexible Ratchet with 3/8" socket.*
  *I used one with a flexible ratchet with a 1/2" socket, as pictured above, and used a 1/2" to 3/8" adapter.  The tape measure, shows it to be about 17" long.  You should be able to buy something like this at the auto parts store as you are buying your belt...should be less than $20.  I have seen a 1/2" socket flexible ratchet, 15" long, at Wal-Mart for $14.83 plus you'd need to by the 1/2" to 3/8" adaptor for about $4.38.
  
  Parts required:
  
  Serpentine Belt (Drive-Rite 27/32" X 86-.50" 6 Serpentine Belt Part Number: 865K6)
  
  This belt costs about $18.88 from Advanced Auto.  They also have one for as much as $35 with a year  warranty (as opposed to a 90 day warranty)...ask the auto parts store employee which one will work for your particular car (make sure to get the proper belt for your size engine and vehicle configuration).
  
  Cost to do it yourself (if you already have the tools):  About $19 (+ $9.99 for these instructions) or about $40 if you need to buy the long drive wrench
  
  Dealer Cost to Replace:  Between $70-$250 (I was personally quoted $70)
  
  Time For Repair:
  Mechanically Inclined - 10 minutes
  First Timer - 30 minutes
  
  This is a low challenge...almost as easy as changing your wiper blades.  Good first timer type of job that you can pat yourself on the back for completing and $aving money.

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CONSOLE COVERING REPLACEMENT KIT!
For 1995-2000 (and maybe more) Fords

This Console repair kit will fit most:

Ford Explorers: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Mercury Mountaineers: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001

Explorer Sport Tracs: 2001, 2002, 2003

If your console looks like the one pictured in the pictures below, this would be the kit for you.

Is your console in need of repair?  Has the console that serves as an armrest cracked and/or become worn?  Has it cracked and faded from the sun.  If it's like mine, it is used as a step for my 5 year old daughter to step on to get to the front door to let herself out before I can get around to let her out.

Figure 4 - Typical Console / Armrest - Ford Explorer, Mountaineer, etc.
Before and After Replacement with Console Repair Kit
(Medium Prairie Tan Color Shown Above)

Here's what the customer of the above Prairie Tan Console had to say about our service on repairing these consoles (his console is actually pictured above in Figure 4...he sent his in for the $89.99 replacement...the do-it-yourself kit is the same product, you just install yourself for $24.99):

I shipped it to Duane on Saturday, he received it on Monday, he shipped it back on Tuesday and I had it thursday. VERY quick turn around time. My console looks good as new!!! I would recommend this process to anyone because if you go to the dealership its about $300 and all they do is take a console from an Explorer that was in the junkyard so you dont know how old the leather is, it may crack in a matter of months, this way you get new leather... Gonna last much longer and it is much cheaper.

Thanks again.
Ryan - ryanswed@NOSPAMyahoo.com (Remove the NOSPAM for a valid Email)
Phoenix, AZ

Figure 5 - Console / Armrest - Before and After
(Willow Green Shown Above)

The console covering replacement kit includes the console covering and the instructions to replace the covering on the console (it's an easy task and the kit will have the appropriate color covering to make it look exactly like new...no need to go match the color of the covering with glue repair kits.  These kits have a complete replacement covering to make your console lid new ...the detailed pictures and directions will show you how it will look and how easy it is to repair, step by step with plenty of pictures). 

Here's the feedback I'm getting on these kits...

Skeptics Become My Biggest Fans...
Duane,
I must admit I was very skeptical about your ad on the internet about fixing my 1995 Ford Explorer Console Lid! It sounded to easy and to good to be true but for $24.95 I had to try it and if it was a internet scam oh well just $25 down the tube and I have spent that 2 times over with Paint on Vinyl from Auto Zone and you know how that looks! Your kit (Leather) came in the mail just as you said in 3 days and the color matched perfect/ I was so surprised and the biggest surprise was the instructions were perfect and a total klutz like me did the job in about 30 minutes and it looks just like NEW! My Eddie Bauer is perfect in everyway other than the tear the lid had and now it looks GREAT! I just want to say thank you for your help and for actually offering a product with easy instructions/ you can use me forever as a reference and if you need a picture of my work let me know!

Danny Southerland - Katy, TX
danny.southerland@NOSPAMvelocityexp.com (remove NOSPAM for a valid email address)
 

Another woman taking on the console repair (and surprising her husband)...
I RECEIVED MY KIT TO FIX THE CONSOLE ON MY FORD EXPLORER. IT WAS GREAT. I DIDN'T TELL MY HUSBAND -I JUST FIXED IT AND LET HIM FIND IT. HE COULDN'T BELIEVE I DIDN'T GO OUT AND BUY A NEW COVER FROM THE FORD STORE. I THOUGHT IT WAS THE EASIEST THING I HAD EVER TRIED TO DO. I HAVE A FRIEND THAT WANTS ME TO ORDER IT FOR HER AND FIX HER CAR. THANKS FOR MAKING IT TO EASY.

RACHAEL  -  rgohagan@NOSPAMebanksc.com
 

Feedback on saving on the console repair versus what the dealer  wanted...
Thanks for sending my repair kit so promptly. I installed the replacement and it looks great! The two protruding plastic posts were broken when I removed my old cover. I tried gluing them back together with no luck. However I discovered that they really weren't necessary and I reinstalled the cover anyway.
 
My dealer wanted around $150 for a replacement cover. Needless to say, I'm thrilled to have it fixed for so much less....Thanks!

Tommy Holt - tholt@NOSPAMsbcglobal.net
Austin, TX

Applaud to those women that get tired of waiting on the "significant others" and do the repairs...the only tool for the console repair is a philips screw driver and regular screw driver...easy enough!
Thanks for such a wonderful product. It was soo easy. I love that the shape was precut with the slits already in place. If I'd know it was going to be this easy, I would have done it a lot sooner. My husband is thrilled with the results!
Thanks Again
Marquette Williams

Some great feedback on the Console Repair Kit (Brian gives some additional tips which appear within the installation instructions)
Hi Duane -

First of all, I would strongly recommend your kit for replacing a Ford Explorer console cover. For the price it can't be beat, and you make it almost idiot-proof...
The illustrated directions you provided were near-perfect as well. The whole process was simply unbeatable...
I really appreciate you having this available - mine looks (and looked) exactly like the before and after pictures you have on your website - the Willow Green one in figure 31.4. From a 32 year old bachelor who can barely wrap his own Christmas gifts, this was pretty much a no-brainer.

Thanks!

Brian Heathman - HeathmanB2@NOSPAMaol.com
Dallas, TX
 

Console Kit works on a 2001 Explorer Sport...

Console Feedback...

Always Good to Hear the Feedback...

Duane:
I just installed the pre-cut explorer armrest cover.  It worked perfectly! I couldn't find 1/4" staples that
fit my arrow stapler, so I just used the tape. It was easier than I imagined! thanks for the great moneysaving product!
Dave Torma - Dearborn, MI
nakeddave2000@NOSPAMyahoo.com

Upon asking permission to use Dave's email above, here's his response...

Please do...I think it is absurd for the dealer to charge $150 for this part. Keep up the good work!
Dave

Short and Concise Console Repair Feedback...

got my kit; installed it; looks good and saved me >$100
thanks

william rice - Tupelo, MS
willieri@NOSPAMaol.com

Console Repair Feedback...

Duane,
I received the much anticipated console repair kit today.  I had two tears about 1 1/2" long in my arm rest.  I replaced it using the staple gun method using 1/4" staples. I took before and after pictures. I will send them along once developed. No digital camera here yet.

Thank you for your service. It was as easy as described. A new arm rest was priced at $120 + tax at a Ford dealer. Used parts only sell the entire console.

I saved $95 + tax using your service. My 97 explorers' arm rest now looks as good as new!

Cary Gambrell

Console Repair Feedback...

Hi Duane,
I received the console Repair Kit Friday and installed today (Saturday). It
looks fantastic the color and grain match is perfect.
Thanks for your easy to understand directions and pre-cut material.
Robert - Robzz31125@NOSPAMaol.com
Hewlett, NY

Console Repair Feedback...

DUANE, I RECV'D KIT TODAY AND HAD IT PUT ON IN ABOUT 90 MIN. YOUR INSTRUCTIONS WERE VERY CLEAR AND EASY TO FOLLOW. LOOKS FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!! THIS IS A GOOD DEAL FOR THE DO IT YOURSELFER AND IT DOES WHAT YOU SAID IT WOULD. THANKS (oneshotonek - ebay)

Ron Godfrey - OLDGRANDDAD@nospamCOMCAST.NET
ELKRIDGE, MD
 

Console Repair Feedback...

The console kit worked excellent.  Thumbs UP!!!! Do you have a headliner kit available? Mine is trashed.

Thanks,

Cleve - cjrandolph@NOSPAMworldnet.att.net
Covington, GA

The kit is $24.99, which includes shipping and handling in the continental US....shipping to other locations, please contact me.  The kit includes everything you need to complete the job except for the additional tool requirement of only a philips head screw driver, a flat head screw driver,  tape, and scissors (there is an optional method described in the instructions that requires a staple gun and 1/4" staples...but not necessary).

Figure 1 - Tools Required for Console / Armrest Cover Replacement

Shipping typically gets your kit to you within 2-5 business days via US Postal Service). 

This is not a patch repair, but a complete cover replacement.

Figure 2 - Console / Armrest Replacement Cover Kit in Ford Explorer (Color - Prairie Tan)

Figure 2 above shows an actual replaced cover.  I tend to be very picky about my vehicle and while my arm rest was just barely starting to show a rip, I was very eager to replace the entire cover and I didn't feel like the vinyl glue repair kits would satisfy me...plus the thought of mixing the paint colors to match just didn't appeal to me.  With this kit, you get the complete covering to replace...no color matching necessary (except picking your appropriate color, example prairie tan).  While my own console required the close up setting of the digital camera to appropriately capture the rip, I've seen plenty of these consoles in way worse shape (see Figure 2.1 below) especially those not garaged...mine is even garaged and the wear/rip occurred. 

Figure 2.1 - Console / Armrest - Before and After (Willow Green - Mark Huff)

Figure 3 - Over 30 detailed pictures, like the one above, with instructions detailing the step by step process of the  repair/replacement.

Figure 4 - Finished Results using the Console / Armrest Replacement Cover Kit

You may use the label on the inside driver door to verify and determine the color of the kit you need. 

Figure 5 - Explorer Door Jamb Sticker Decoder Information...

The first character as circled in figure 5 above is for the interior trim (in this case F indicates leather sport bucket seats...see Interior Trim code below).

The second character as circled in figure 5 above (and the one used to define the console color) is for the interior color code trim (in this case X for  Medium Prairie Tan...see Interior Color Codes below).

Figure 5.1 - Explorer Door Jamb Sticker Decoder Information...

Figure 5.1 shows the door jam label for a 1995 Explorer.  In this type of label, the color code is under the word BODY.

Interior Trim

A — vinybucket seats (Explorer)
J — cloth premium bucket seats (Explorer/Mountaineer)
Z — cloth sport bucket seats (Explorer/Mountaineer)
G — cloth sport bucket seats — less power (Explorer)
F — leather sport bucket seats (Explorer/Mountaineer)
M — cloth split bench seat (Explorer)
1 — limited leather sport bucket seats (Explorer)
 

Interior Color Codes

X — Medium Prairie Tan (F-150, F-250, Explorer/Mountaineer, Ranger)

2 — Medium Graphite (Econoline, F-150, F-250, Explorer/Mountaineer, Ranger)

S — Willow Green (F-150, F-250, Explorer/Mountaineer, Ranger)

T — Dark Graphite (F-150, F-250, Explorer/Mountaineer, Ranger)

4 — Saddle (Explorer 1995, 1996)

E — Dark Denim Blue (Explorer/Mountaineer, Ranger)

To order your Console Repair Kit, you may submit your payment via PayPal:

PAYPAL USERS NOTE:  Microsoft's Outlook Express is sometimes set not to allow viewing of attachments due to security issues (this may have been set automatically without your knowledge by Microsoft).  If you are unable to read the attachment that is automatically sent to you once you donate via PayPal (or you do not see an email reply with a username and login within 10 minutes), try this:  In Outlook Express click Tools, Options, Security and uncheck the box by "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus".  This should allow you to see the email that was sent to you that has the attachment with your username and password.  You may re-enable this once you have the chance to get your login and password from the email attachment that is sent.

CLICK BELOW FOR MEDIUM PRAIRIE TAN KIT

$24.99 Console Covering Replacement Kit - MEDIUM PRAIRIE TAN
(Additional shipping charges may apply if shipment is outside of the US...please contact dharrison@fixyourford.com for exact charges outside of US)

CLICK BELOW FOR MEDIUM GRAPHITE KIT

$24.99 Console Covering Replacement Kit - MEDIUM GRAPHITE
(Additional shipping charges may apply if shipment is outside of the US...please contact dharrison@fixyourford.com for exact charges outside of US)

CLICK BELOW FOR WILLOW GREEN KIT

$24.99 Console Covering Replacement Kit - WILLOW GREEN
(Additional shipping charges may apply if shipment is outside of the US...please contact dharrison@fixyourford.com for exact charges outside of US)

CLICK BELOW FOR DARK GRAPHITE KIT

$24.99 Console Covering Replacement Kit - DARK GRAPHITE
(Additional shipping charges may apply if shipment is outside of the US...please contact dharrison@fixyourford.com for exact charges outside of US)

CLICK BELOW FOR SADDLE ('95, '96...) KIT

$24.99 Console Covering Replacement Kit - SADDLE ('95, '96...)
(Additional shipping charges may apply if shipment is outside of the US...please contact dharrison@fixyourford.com for exact charges outside of US)

CLICK BELOW FOR DENIM BLUE KIT

$24.99 Console Covering Replacement Kit - DENIM BLUE
(Additional shipping charges may apply if shipment is outside of the US...please contact dharrison@fixyourford.com for exact charges outside of US)

MAKE SURE YOUR EMAIL IS CURRENT AND CORRECT IN PAYPAL TO AVOID DELAY ON DELIVERY OF YOUR LOGIN AND PASSWORD. 

IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE AN EMAIL WITHIN 15 MINUTES OF SUBMISSION OF YOUR PAYMENT TO PAYPAL, THEN SEND ME AN EMAIL (dharrison@fixyourford.com)

If you realize that it was not current when you confirmed your PayPal contribution, please send me an email (dharrison@fixyourford.com)

NOTE:  Microsoft's Outlook Express is sometimes set not to allow viewing of attachments due to security issues (this may have been set automatically without your knowledge by Microsoft).  If you are unable to read the attachment that is automatically sent to you once you donate via PayPal (or you do not see an email reply within 10 minutes), try this:  In Outlook Express click Tools, Options, Security and uncheck the box by "Do not allow attachments to be saved or opened that could potentially be a virus".  You may re-enable this once you have the chance to get your login and password from the email attachment that is sent.