First off I really like my truck, however this vehicle has been in the shop more than any other I have ever owned....this is my first Ford.

I've had....

Horn replaced (started sounding like an import)
One of the engine sensors (sorry, name currently escapes me)
Oil Sensor Sending Unit Replaced

In the near future I'll be getting (currently waiting on parts)...

New Ring and Pinion Gear Set in Rear End (whining under load)

and most troubling I have a head gasket that's leaking oil externally, this has me troubled as it could be a sign of something very sinister. I have the 4.6, it's leaking on the right side. There appears to be a history on this in the engines forum.

The dealer has been great, however I'm certainly not thrilled with the reliabilty of the vehicle, I'm hoping my luck turns around with this vehicle or .....

 

Sorry to hear that. I am on my 2nd screw & so far all is well(knock on wood). My first one was good too.

Have you checked into the lemon law at all. I don't know if your truck warrant's this type of action,but just a thought. Also call your Ford regional rep. Your dealer should be able to give you his name. Thank God you have a good dealer.

 

I thought the head gasket problem was only with the 5.4L?

 

Having the same troubles as you with my 2001. The oil pressure gauge shows nopressure and warning light are on at startup. After a couple of minutes, goes off & O.K. Had the sending unit changed, no improvement.

Also, truck currently in shop for head gasket repair. 21,000 miles. Dealer indicated a common problem. Requires engine pull for repair.

 

I had to replace a horn on a 98 Explorer... it was doing the same thing...

RP

 

Last Tuesday I took the truck in. The first repair was the replacement of the ring/pinion in the rear end.

Then on to the oil leak….after disassembly it was determined that the head didn't have a flat mating surface. I was told a new head was the fix.

There’s a chance I’ll get my truck back on Monday, when I get my vehicle back I'll try to get an update on the board.

I'm concerned about the long term with this vehicle, I'm wondering what the next few remaining months of my warrantee hold, and of course even more concerned about the long term problems this vehicle has in store for me post warrantee expiration.

So far my first Ford has not been what I had hoped…
Cheers
Fergy

 

The common head gasket oil leak on the 1998-9 (I think it was just these two years, maybe only 1999) was a milling problem on the passenger side of the block surface, not the head.

Had my horn replaced a few weeks ago..... funny little sound it was making. General Manager of my dealership lives down the street, I was on the way to the gym one morning, he was on the front porch, I honked the horn a couple times to say good morning... he took it in for me the next day to fix it....