What does an illuminated coolant temperature light mean for my Ford?

Pay attention to the temperature gauge and lights on your dashboard. If a low coolant warning light comes on or your dashboard temperature gauge keeps rising, it’s likely that your engine is about to overheat (and could leave you stranded on the road). Wait for the engine to cool down, then have your coolant system checked immediately at your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care.

Is an antifreeze leak dangerous?

It's better to get it fixed sooner than later. Antifreeze is toxic if consumed, but its smell can attract cats and dogs. Keep your whole family safe by repairing antifreeze leaks ASAP and thoroughly hosing down your parking spot to get rid of any lingering residue on the ground.

Do Ford Explorer radiators need to be cleaned?

It could be a good idea to have your Ford Explorer radiator cleaned out a couple of times a year, maybe at the same time as a tire rotation or oil change.

What can cause my Explorer to overheat?

Your Ford Explorer engine could overheat due to low coolant, a clogged radiator, a damaged water pump, a malfunctioning cooling fan, or a faulty thermostat.

My Explorer radiator sounds like it's rumbling or boiling! What's up?

Air pockets in your Explorer’s cooling system may cause a rumbling or boiling noise. You could also have a clogged radiator or simply need to replace the radiator cap.

There’s rust in my Explorer radiator. Should I be worried?

Yes. Rust in the radiator of your Ford Explorer can impair its cooling efficiency, cause leaks, and even result in complete failure of the radiator. Over time, rust can eat away at the radiator's cooling passages, forming tiny holes or cracks that can affect its operation. To help prevent rust from causing damage, you should stay on top of radiator maintenance.

1996 Ford Explorer Radiator Repair & Service

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Service Your Ford Explorer Radiator

Keeping your cool is easier when your engine is cool. Schedule your 1996 Ford Explorer radiator repair or service today.

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When to Service Your 1996 Ford Explorer Cooling System

It can be tough to know when to have your Ford Explorer radiator serviced if you don't know what it does, but you need to know the signs of radiator malfunction. Your radiator is part of the cooling system. It helps regulate engine temperature. If your radiator isn’t functioning like it’s supposed to, the engine can overheat – or worse, break down.

Regular, proactive service on the radiator in your 1996 Ford Explorer is a huge factor in the longevity of your engine. In fact, Ford recommends replacing coolant/antifreeze at specific intervals, but it’s a good idea to keep your eyes open for any indication that your radiator is failing. You could be on the verge of a radiator-induced engine breakdown if you notice a low coolant light or higher-than-normal engine temperatures on your dashboard, or if you spot coolant leaks coming from your car. When you experience one or more of these issues, head to your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check.

Ford Explorer Coolant Fluid Exchange

What happens during a radiator repair service? If you bring your vehicle to Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start with a comprehensive inspection of your Ford Explorer’s cooling system. We’ll do a machine-powered coolant exchange on the system, and then we’ll top off or replace the fluids that were removed (like chemicals, lubricants, and sealants). Lastly, we’ll perform a pressure check to look for leaks.

If your radiator is acting up, odds are good that your water pump needs to be checked for proper function, too. Of all the parts in your 1996 Ford Explorer engine, the water pump is one that needs to be addressed ASAP once an issue is identified. The role of the water pump is to keep coolant circulating in your engine, radiator, and hoses. If it isn’t functioning properly, your engine won’t be able to stay within its optimal temperature range. Our technicians can take a look at your radiator’s components to help you stay ahead of any potential engine problems. When it comes to radiator service and repair, your 1996 Ford Explorer is in good hands at Firestone Complete Auto Care. Every job we do is backed by our Triple Promise: Fixed Right, Priced Right, Right on Time.

Common Ford Explorer Radiator Questions

Take care of your 1996 Ford Explorer radiator and it will last. Check out our top questions and answers about Ford radiators below, and visit your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care at the first sign of an overheating engine.

What does an illuminated coolant temperature light mean for my Ford? Pay attention to the temperature gauge and lights on your dashboard. If a low coolant warning light comes on or your dashboard temperature gauge keeps rising, it’s likely that your engine is about to overheat (and could leave you stranded on the road). Wait for the engine to cool down, then have your coolant system checked immediately at your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care.
Is an antifreeze leak dangerous? It's better to get it fixed sooner than later. Antifreeze is toxic if consumed, but its smell can attract cats and dogs. Keep your whole family safe by repairing antifreeze leaks ASAP and thoroughly hosing down your parking spot to get rid of any lingering residue on the ground.
Do Ford Explorer radiators need to be cleaned? It could be a good idea to have your Ford Explorer radiator cleaned out a couple of times a year, maybe at the same time as a tire rotation or oil change.
What can cause my Explorer to overheat? Your Ford Explorer engine could overheat due to low coolant, a clogged radiator, a damaged water pump, a malfunctioning cooling fan, or a faulty thermostat.
My Explorer radiator sounds like it's rumbling or boiling! What's up? Air pockets in your Explorer’s cooling system may cause a rumbling or boiling noise. You could also have a clogged radiator or simply need to replace the radiator cap.
There’s rust in my Explorer radiator. Should I be worried? Yes. Rust in the radiator of your Ford Explorer can impair its cooling efficiency, cause leaks, and even result in complete failure of the radiator. Over time, rust can eat away at the radiator's cooling passages, forming tiny holes or cracks that can affect its operation. To help prevent rust from causing damage, you should stay on top of radiator maintenance.