2004 Ford Explorer made loud noise toward middle of vehicle

Asked by Tim Sep 06, 2018 at 09:02 AM about the 2004 Ford Explorer XLT V6

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I have a 2004 Ford Explorer that made a loud noise toward the middle of the
vehicle and could not drive after. I had to coast to stop. My suspicion is
transmission as I've had to replace the transmission 3 times in this vehicle.
What is best way to determine the issue?

3 Answers

159,085

Could be transmission, transfer case (if 4 wheel drive), drive shaft, u-joints, differential or axle problem. I would start by checking the fluid and condition at the transmission, transfer case (if 4 wheel drive) and the differential. Have someone put it in gear, engine running, and carefully look under the vehicle to see if the drive shaft is turning. If the driveshaft is turning with the engine running and the wheels ON the ground then the problem is likely at the rear end. If drive shaft is NOT turning then it is likely the transmission or transfer case.

2 people found this helpful.

It's a 2 wheel drive. Thanks for information. I'll drive over to where it's parked and check those items mentioned.

159,085

Take a close look at the transmission fluid, if it is brown or black it is not a good sign.

Your Answer:

Explorer

Looking for a Used Explorer in your area?

CarGurus has 2,065 nationwide Explorer listings starting at $2,999.

Postal Code:

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    31,070
  • #2
    TransAm77
    Reputation
    7,890
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    7,340
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford Expedition
23 Great Deals out of 821 listings starting at $7,888
Used Ford F-150
321 Great Deals out of 14,968 listings starting at $1,712
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
24 Great Deals out of 911 listings starting at $11,900
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
109 Great Deals out of 3,238 listings starting at $4,995
Used Dodge Durango
46 Great Deals out of 2,266 listings starting at $5,500
Used Toyota Highlander
32 Great Deals out of 738 listings starting at $2,495
Used Honda Pilot
40 Great Deals out of 1,271 listings starting at $4,495
Used Toyota 4Runner
10 Great Deals out of 304 listings starting at $9,700
Used GMC Yukon
16 Great Deals out of 929 listings starting at $1,225
Used Chevrolet Silverado 1500
202 Great Deals out of 5,975 listings starting at $2,975

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.