Why does the check engine light in my Explorer turn on when I start my car?

Generally, your check engine light turning on upon ignition is not a bad thing. It’s just your Explorer firing up its circuits. The dash light shouldn't stay on. If it does, you might want to bring your vehicle in for service.

Why is my Ford Explorer making engine noise?

Strange engine sounds can be a sign something’s off in your Ford Explorer. Tapping or knocking could mean you need an oil change. Whistling could mean a belt is misaligned or there's an intake leak. Squealing may be caused by a loose fan belt, and grinding might be coming from the brakes, not the engine.

What could damage my Ford Explorer engine?

Certain driving habits can damage your engine and should be avoided. These habits include 'running on fumes,' revving your engine while the vehicle is in Park, or pushing 'the pedal to the metal' before the engine has warmed up. Steer clear of these habits to help protect engine performance and efficiency.

Can I add water to my Ford Explorer radiator?

It’s not recommended you put water in your Explorer radiator unless it’s an emergency. Under normal circumstances, use a 50/50 mix of water and coolant or a pre-mixed coolant. But, if you need to keep driving while out of coolant, using water is better than driving with an empty coolant reservoir.

What can cause the engine in my Explorer to suddenly stop?

If your Explorer car engine suddenly stops, it could be due to overheating, low fuel, a faulty ignition system, sensor problems, electrical system trouble, or mechanical issues.

Who repairs Ford Explorer engines?

For Ford Explorer engine repair, trust your local Firestone Complete Auto Care. You can make an appointment today at any of our thousands of locations across the U.S.

Engine Repairs for Your 2004 Ford Explorer

Learn about

2004 Ford Explorer Trim Options

Select your Ford Explorer trim level to learn more about Ford-recommended engine repair. Even Ford Explorer parts will get older and change.

V6/4.0L

V8/4.6L

Repairs for Your 2004 Ford Explorer

Nothing stays the same forever. Even your Ford Explorer’s engine parts and components will change. When something breaks or fails, we’re ready to help. Click on a repair below to learn more about 2004 Ford Explorer repairs.

We Care for Ford Explorer Engines

The Ford Explorer is respected for its reliability. You may have even been thinking about that when you bought it. However, the wear-proof engine has yet to be invented! Sometimes plans go sideways. When they do, you might find yourself searching for 2004 Ford Explorer engine repair or replacement parts. Luckily, you won’t have to look far, since Firestone Complete Auto Care has 1,700+ locations across the country. We've serviced millions of vehicles since 1926, and our professional technicians are trained to service Ford Explorer engines. If you think something’s wrong with your engine, schedule an appointment at your convenience. Firestone Complete Auto Care offers both trustworthy and affordable engine repairs.

Check Engine Light on 2004 Ford Explorer

As soon as your Explorer check engine light turns on, it’s time to get an expert’s opinion. A check engine light that’s on or flashing could be a symptom of a serious problem in your or emission system that won't go away on its own. Causes may include a faulty oxygen sensor, bad spark plug, a clogged catalytic converter, or an engine vacuum leak, to name a few possible causes. Bring your Explorer to Firestone Complete Auto Care to get computerized diagnostics and our expert techs will get the root of the problem. engine pinging noises, burning smells, or a sinking feeling that something’s wrong.

Ford Explorer Engine Repair

If your 2004 Explorer engine needs repairs, our technicians will provide you with a thorough explanation beforehand. We make recommendations, but you make the final decision. If a repair can wait, we'll let you know. We'll also tell you if it's necessary for your safety. We seek to give you all the info you need to make a smart decision about our services. By choosing Firestone Complete Auto Care for Explorer engine repairs and you can feel good knowing that we only use Ford-compliant replacement parts such as the timing chain or belt, engine oil seal, ignition coil, or another part.

Questions About 2004 Ford Explorer Engines

Why does the check engine light in my Explorer turn on when I start my car? Generally, your check engine light turning on upon ignition is not a bad thing. It’s just your Explorer firing up its circuits. The dash light shouldn't stay on. If it does, you might want to bring your vehicle in for service.
Why is my Ford Explorer making engine noise? Strange engine sounds can be a sign something’s off in your Ford Explorer. Tapping or knocking could mean you need an oil change. Whistling could mean a belt is misaligned or there's an intake leak. Squealing may be caused by a loose fan belt, and grinding might be coming from the brakes, not the engine.
What could damage my Ford Explorer engine? Certain driving habits can damage your engine and should be avoided. These habits include 'running on fumes,' revving your engine while the vehicle is in Park, or pushing 'the pedal to the metal' before the engine has warmed up. Steer clear of these habits to help protect engine performance and efficiency.
Can I add water to my Ford Explorer radiator? It’s not recommended you put water in your Explorer radiator unless it’s an emergency. Under normal circumstances, use a 50/50 mix of water and coolant or a pre-mixed coolant. But, if you need to keep driving while out of coolant, using water is better than driving with an empty coolant reservoir.
What can cause the engine in my Explorer to suddenly stop? If your Explorer car engine suddenly stops, it could be due to overheating, low fuel, a faulty ignition system, sensor problems, electrical system trouble, or mechanical issues.
Who repairs Ford Explorer engines? For Ford Explorer engine repair, trust your local Firestone Complete Auto Care. You can make an appointment today at any of our thousands of locations across the U.S.