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

Your engine might be about to overheat. If your low coolant light is on, pull over in a safe area and wait for your engine temperature to go down. Once it’s safe to do so, bring your car to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care to have the coolant system inspected.

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.

When should my Ford Explorer radiator be cleaned?

To keep your Ford Explorer radiator running well, it’s wise to get it cleaned out a few times a year.

Why is my Explorer overheating?

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?

If your radiator sounds like it's boiling or rumbling, you could have air pockets in the cooling system of your Explorer. You might also have a damaged radiator cap (super easy to fix!) or a clogged radiator.

Is it bad to have rust on my Explorer radiator?

Yes. Having rust in your Ford Explorer radiator can cause leaks, a reduction in cooling efficiency, and even radiator failure. If rust is left untreated, it can corrode the radiator's cooling passages, causing small cracks or holes that can significantly impact the radiator's ability to function. To help prevent rust from becoming a major issue, it's important to properly maintain your radiator system.

Radiator Service & Repair for 2004 Ford Explorer

Get Started

Schedule Ford Explorer Radiator Service

Are rising engine temperatures causing rising stress levels for you? Cool it! Schedule your 2004 Ford Explorer radiator service or repair today.

Schedule an Appointment

Is It Time for Service on My 2004 Ford Explorer Cooling System?

If you’re not sure what the purpose of a radiator is, it’s hard to tell when to have your Ford Explorer radiator serviced. Nonetheless, you need to know the signs of radiator malfunction. As part of your car’s cooling system, your radiator helps keep engine temperature regulated. When the radiator isn't working properly, your engine can overheat and potentially break down.

Regular, proactive service on the radiator in your 2004 Ford Explorer is essential for long-term engine health. Ford recommends that you replace coolant (also called antifreeze) at certain intervals, but it’s a good idea to keep your eyes open for any indication that your radiator is failing. You might be driving around (or about to be stranded) with a failing radiator if you see coolant leaks under your car, high engine temperatures, or a dashboard light that indicates low coolant. Visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care for a Courtesy Check at the first sign of one of these issues.

Ford Explorer Coolant Fluid Exchange

What happens during a radiator repair service? At Firestone Complete Auto Care, we start by performing a thorough inspection of your Ford Explorer cooling system. We then do a machine-powered radiator exchange, replenish flushed chemicals, sealants, and lubricants, and then pressure check for leaks.

If your radiator is acting up, odds are good that your water pump needs to be checked for proper function, too. The water pump is one part on your 2004 Ford Explorer engine that needs to be addressed ASAP once an issue is identified. This vital part keeps coolant moving through the engine, hoses, and radiator. Without it, your engine won't maintain its optimal temperature. Our trained technicians can inspect your car’s radiator hoses and pumps to help make sure everything is in working order. From the heater core to the radiator cap, your 2004 Ford Explorer is in good hands at Firestone Complete Auto Care. We stand behind our work with our Triple Promise: Fixed Right, Priced Right, Right on Time.

Ford Explorer Radiator Q&A

Wondering how to make your 2004 Ford Explorer radiator last as long as possible? Read on for answers to common questions, and visit your local Firestone Complete Auto Care when your engine shows any signs of a faulty radiator.

What does an illuminated coolant temperature light mean for my Ford? Your engine might be about to overheat. If your low coolant light is on, pull over in a safe area and wait for your engine temperature to go down. Once it’s safe to do so, bring your car to your nearest Firestone Complete Auto Care to have the coolant system inspected.
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.
When should my Ford Explorer radiator be cleaned? To keep your Ford Explorer radiator running well, it’s wise to get it cleaned out a few times a year.
Why is my Explorer overheating? 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? If your radiator sounds like it's boiling or rumbling, you could have air pockets in the cooling system of your Explorer. You might also have a damaged radiator cap (super easy to fix!) or a clogged radiator.
Is it bad to have rust on my Explorer radiator? Yes. Having rust in your Ford Explorer radiator can cause leaks, a reduction in cooling efficiency, and even radiator failure. If rust is left untreated, it can corrode the radiator's cooling passages, causing small cracks or holes that can significantly impact the radiator's ability to function. To help prevent rust from becoming a major issue, it's important to properly maintain your radiator system.