Can Ford drivetrain maintenance help me save money?

Yes. Servicing the drivetrain system can help you avoid more significant repairs. A bad drivetrain can put more stress on other vehicle components.

What are signs my Ford drivetrain is damaged?

Hear noises toward the back of your Ford Explorer? See fluid leaking? Having issues turning? These could all be signs of drivetrain damage you don't want to ignore. Take action quickly to catch repairs or replacements before something more severe happens.

How often will I need Ford Explorer differential service?

Double check your owner’s manual and talk with a technician. Differential service frequency varies from car to car. At a minimum, we recommend getting your differential inspected and the differential fluid changed as a part of your regular vehicle maintenance routine since your vehicle cannot function without a differential.

Why is my Explorer malfunction indicator light (MIL) on?

Engine problems, transmission problems, faulty sensors, electrical issues, misfire issues, and connector problems could all cause your Explorer’s malfunction warning light, or better known as the check engine light, to illuminate.

Can you reset your Explorer’s malfunction warning light at home?

Resetting a malfunction warning light at home may be possible sometimes, but it is never recommended. The check engine light is commonly triggered by a misfire, fault or malfunction in one of the vehicle's systems. It is important to identify and fix the underlying problem to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle. Resetting the check engine light without addressing the underlying issue may temporarily remove the warning, but it will not fix the root cause of the problem.

Is a drivetrain malfunction in my Explorer serious?

If you experience a drivetrain malfunction in your Explorer, it is important to have it inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible to identify the underlying cause and perform the necessary repairs. Driving with a malfunctioning drivetrain can be dangerous and cause further damage to your car.

Does my Explorer drivetrain include the transmission?

Yes, the drivetrain system in your Explorer includes the transmission. Other components in the drivetrain are the driveshaft, axles, and differential. Together, these components deliver power from the engine to the wheels to push your Explorer forward.

1997 Ford Explorer Drivetrain Service

Get Ford Drivetrain Repair

Get Ford Explorer Drivetrain Service

Maintain your vehicle power by maintaining your drivetrain. Firestone Complete Auto Care technicians are equipped to fix 1997 Ford Explorer drivetrain systems. Schedule your appointment.

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All About 1997 Ford Explorer Drivetrain Service

Your Explorer’s drivetrain has a very important job. It transmits power from the engine to the wheels. It spans the full length of your Ford, from back to front. It’s a very intricate system of moving parts and is comprised of everything after the engine transmission: differentials, driveshafts, joints, axles, and wheels. When you maintain the drivetrain in your 1997 Ford Explorer, you help maintain your vehicle's power. Follow Ford's recommendations for lubricating bearings/gears and checking/changing differential fluids to minimize repairs over time.

Ford Explorer Drivetrain Repairs

Drivetrains for front, rear, and all-wheel-drive and 4WD vehicles are not all the same. You don't want to go to any random shop for drivetrain repair. You want to go to Firestone Complete Auto Care. We can help repair all of your 1997 Ford Explorer drivetrain components including the driveshaft, CV axles, and CV joints. Your Ford Explorer may need driveshaft attention if you feel clunks when shifting, vibration as your vehicle accelerates, resistance when turning, or heavy vibrations in your floorboards. There isn’t necessarily a concrete timeframe for when drivetrain repair will be needed. The system’s parts and pieces don’t have a set expiration date. So much depends on the climate and your driving style. Your best bet is to visit Firestone Complete Auto Care when you first notice a problem with how your Ford Explorer drives.

You might be wondering: how much will it cost to fix the drivetrain in your 1997 Ford Explorer? Some smaller differential fixes, like seal or gasket replacement, are usually pretty affordable. Big repairs, like bearing or gear replacement, can be a little more expensive since the labor is much more intensive.

Questions About 1997 Ford Explorer

When you have drivetrain problems, you have driving problems. Check out our top 1997 Ford Explorer drivetrain Q&A below, and visit your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care with any drivetrain concerns.

Can Ford drivetrain maintenance help me save money? Yes. Servicing the drivetrain system can help you avoid more significant repairs. A bad drivetrain can put more stress on other vehicle components.
What are signs my Ford drivetrain is damaged? Hear noises toward the back of your Ford Explorer? See fluid leaking? Having issues turning? These could all be signs of drivetrain damage you don't want to ignore. Take action quickly to catch repairs or replacements before something more severe happens.
How often will I need Ford Explorer differential service? Double check your owner’s manual and talk with a technician. Differential service frequency varies from car to car. At a minimum, we recommend getting your differential inspected and the differential fluid changed as a part of your regular vehicle maintenance routine since your vehicle cannot function without a differential.
Why is my Explorer malfunction indicator light (MIL) on? Engine problems, transmission problems, faulty sensors, electrical issues, misfire issues, and connector problems could all cause your Explorer’s malfunction warning light, or better known as the check engine light, to illuminate.
Can you reset your Explorer’s malfunction warning light at home? Resetting a malfunction warning light at home may be possible sometimes, but it is never recommended. The check engine light is commonly triggered by a misfire, fault or malfunction in one of the vehicle's systems. It is important to identify and fix the underlying problem to ensure the safety and reliability of the vehicle. Resetting the check engine light without addressing the underlying issue may temporarily remove the warning, but it will not fix the root cause of the problem.
Is a drivetrain malfunction in my Explorer serious? If you experience a drivetrain malfunction in your Explorer, it is important to have it inspected by a professional mechanic as soon as possible to identify the underlying cause and perform the necessary repairs. Driving with a malfunctioning drivetrain can be dangerous and cause further damage to your car.
Does my Explorer drivetrain include the transmission? Yes, the drivetrain system in your Explorer includes the transmission. Other components in the drivetrain are the driveshaft, axles, and differential. Together, these components deliver power from the engine to the wheels to push your Explorer forward.

1997 Ford Explorer Repair

Nothing lasts forever. Even your Ford Explorer's many parts and pieces. When something breaks, we're ready. Click on a repair below to learn more about 1997 Ford Explorer repairs.