Overheating problem with 96 Ford Explorer?

Question

I have a 96 Ford Explorer that has been having a overheating problem for a while now. Here is a list of the things that have been replaced off the top of my head - some of which has nothing to do with heating, but just so you know.

Fly wheel
transmission
spark plugs, wires and the box they plug into
water pump
thermostat
motor

Those are the major things, but there may be more that I can't think of right now.

Anyway, the problem is that after driving for about 30-45 minutes, the temperature gauge gets higher and higher. The problem isn't as bad if I don't turn on the heat inside, but it doesn't make the overheating stop, either. Also, when you turn on the heat, it doesn't get warm, no matter how far you're driving it. What else could be causing a problem?? What should I check next?

I'm supposed to take it tomorrow (1/5/10 at 1 PM EST) to a garage that has done most of the work above to it, but I want some other people's opinions before I go if possible. Any assistance and advice would be greatly appreciated and I'll be willing to provide more information if needed.

Answer 1

might have air trapped in the system ,after you change a thermostat or open any of the coolant system where you caused coolant to come out you usally get air trapped in system and need to pull a hose from the highest point usally a heatercore hose or some vehicles have bleeder ports to get the air out but your symtoms sound like that or maybe your low on antifreeze

Answer 2

Flush the heater core for the heat.



The over heating is a bad thermostat or a plugged radiator



And the same thing the guy said about burpin' the air out and antifreeze.





There's a bleeder plug on the theromstat housing and if that's not it pull the radiator cap off and squeeze the hose when it's warm.

Answer 3

It may be a combination of things , however directly referring to your symptoms. When you turn the AC on the switch engages the clutch , and thus in turn slows the motor because of the added strain of having to turn the AC compresser. Normally this should have no effects of reduced cooling, but a few possibilities come to mind, 1 the water level is low and the system is burping air pockets through it's circulation. 2 the water pump blades may be worn internally, and your seeing the first signs of there wear. A water pump dose not always leak when it goes bad. If you live in colder regions , even with anti- freeze the water system can develop an icy slush. and over time the slush wears the pumps blades down. 3 you may have a stuck thermostat not fully opening. Running the heater dose not put a strain on the motor like the AC dose , the heater works off of the electrical system. the AC's compressor is belt driven by the engine.

Answer 4

you have 2 problems the over heating is caused by a clogged raditor which will have to be replaced the second problem of no heat is caused by the pluem door under your dash were it attaches to the electric motor control that switches between heat and a/c the is a fix you can find on the internet by searching no heat explorer or ford explorer pluem door this is a common problem with explorers of certain model years

Answer 5

check the front of the radiator and make sure there is no rubbish there to stop the airflow

Answer 6

Most likely its the radiator.