ANTAUS Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 While washing a friends '05 Mountaineer, I noticed this crack that formed in the window panel, of the liftgate. It runs from the bottom edge of the window, down to the Mercury logo, then around it to the bottom. Thinking this was just an isolated issue because of possible use or abuse, I kinda ignored it. Then saw another one, on a beige Explorer where it had the similar type of crack. Found it a bit odd...then walking down another parking lot, I noticed the same thing on another Explorer, and another. Granted, my friend has hers in black, so it does't jump out at you, but on the white and beige vehicles, it sticks out. It seems to only plague the '02-'05 Explorer/Mount. So just for the hell of it, I did a web search, and seems that there's really an issue on that. Not one addressed by the company unless your dealer wants to deal with it, but there's quite some complaints out there of it. Anyone seen the same thing, or could check their Explorer/Mount. ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LincolnFan Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 Ford liftgates are shitty as **** anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JW Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 Nothing on our '04. I was just messing with it yesterday because the wiper motor is out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alex D. Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 My Dad's '02 XLT had that very same problem. The plastic broke after about a year. And I did notice the same problem on an '05 just last week. So I'd have to agree I think this issue is widespread, especially in northern climates with frigid winters. The plastic just doesn't seem to hold up to the elements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pioneer Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 Wanna know what really sucks? You can't just replace the plastic piece. It is attached to the glass. It'll cost ya about $1100 to replace, as I have replaced mine. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2005Explorer Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 I had my liftgate trim piece crack on my '02 Explorer, but it has not cracked on my '05 yet. I think this is one reason they went back to a glass only liftgate in '06 and moved away from this design. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulltrout Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 (edited) Had the piece replaced under warranty on my 03 Explorer couple years ago. The replacement cracked last winter. Does anyone know how to access the adjustment wheel for the small drums that serve as emergency brakes on the Explorer? Edited September 4, 2007 by bulltrout Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANTAUS Posted September 4, 2007 Author Share Posted September 4, 2007 Wow, so this is actually more common than I had thought. How long does it take them to replace the piece, it sounds as it's quite labor extensive. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bulltrout Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 It's clearly a design flaw. Mine was quickly replaced. In and out in a day. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pioneer Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 Wow, so this is actually more common than I had thought. How long does it take them to replace the piece, it sounds as it's quite labor extensive. Mine was not replaced due to a faulty part. It was done by my stupidity, and a tow strap. :D Anyway, it took about three days for my dealer to order the part, paint the plastic, swap the wiper motor to the new piece, and reinstall. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardJensen Posted September 4, 2007 Share Posted September 4, 2007 It was done by my stupidity, and a tow strap. :D And thereby hangs a tale, no doubt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JW Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 Spoke too soon. Ours cracked this morning Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANTAUS Posted October 8, 2007 Author Share Posted October 8, 2007 Yeah I was able to find the TSB number for it, and my friend is taking care of it in the next few weeks. I'm guessing thats why they went with a different design for the new '06 Explorer... Ya know, at the end of the day, if it ain't broke, don't fix it....There was no need for them to introduce a plastic part for that window... I mean, only GM does Plastics well (case in point, Saturn!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JW Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 What's the TSB number for it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANTAUS Posted October 8, 2007 Author Share Posted October 8, 2007 I gave her the paper with the number, something like 0044? or something along that line. Do a search for it at NHTSA.gov and it'll come out for the '04 Explorer. Do a screen search for (CNTRL F) liftgate, and it'll pop out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bolita Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 I gave her the paper with the number, something like 0044? or something along that line. Do a search for it at NHTSA.gov and it'll come out for the '04 Explorer. Do a screen search for (CNTRL F) liftgate, and it'll pop out. Yeah, there is a TSB for this. I believe that you can replace only the plastic portion now - not with the glass. Still, sucks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANTAUS Posted October 8, 2007 Author Share Posted October 8, 2007 TSB 0485. or NHTSA 10008546 Yes it's for the applique, it's NOT for the glass.I haven't heard issues of the class, just the plastic applique. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_spaniard Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 My mother's 2002 Explorer had this problem as well. She was told by her dealer it's a fairly common problem in the area, due to temperature changes in the fall and spring. Admittedly, I have not read the TSB though. Unfortunately she also got the humming rear-end issue as well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Edstock Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 only GM does Plastics well (case in point, Saturn!) When the Saturn was introduced with all its plastic panels and cladding, this started its rounds: Question: What's the difference between a Saturn and a Jehovah's Witness? Answer: You can close the door on a Jehovah's Witness. :shades: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickF1011 Posted October 8, 2007 Share Posted October 8, 2007 When the Saturn was introduced with all its plastic panels and cladding, this started its rounds: Question: What's the difference between a Saturn and a Jehovah's Witness? Answer: You can close the door on a Jehovah's Witness. :shades: My first car was a Saturn. The doors closed fine. Of course, you never knew which interior panel was going to fall off when you did it though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ANTAUS Posted October 8, 2007 Author Share Posted October 8, 2007 When the Saturn was introduced with all its plastic panels and cladding, this started its rounds: Question: What's the difference between a Saturn and a Jehovah's Witness? Answer: You can close the door on a Jehovah's Witness. :shades: LOL Although I would caution you, one of my tenants is a Jehovah's Witness, and according to their religion if someone slams the door on their face, or does anything "rude" to them, they receive an extra "Jewel" in their crown, when they go to heaven. So I tell her "Damn, do you think ya'll can keep your head from falling over with all the jewels your crown will be carrying?". I did tell her how come her group never comes to knock on my door, since I live a few blocks from her house. She tells me that she WARNED them not to knock on my door, that I wasn't interested, nor "convertable". Really according to the religion, she tells me that about 400K of the blessed and most dedicated, will be allowed to enter their heaven, when the end of the world comes. So I asked, "Hmm and how many members do you have around the world?" She tells me MILLIONS, so I tell her "Hmm, there's a shitload of ticked off people then if you will only accept 400K...so if you already met your quota, why do you push it?". I told her I'm all for taxing all religious organizations, that would lower the countries debt quite a bit and cut the fat out. I knew I lost her after that one Ironically it has got to be the most boring of religions (mormons would probably come in 2nd)... You can only have sex missionary style, for procreation, nothing oral, never celebrate birthdays or any holidays, I mean...really? We are all suffering enough in this world, why make it worse? And if any of your family members are NOT in the cult, or leave it, you are NOT to ever speak to them again... I mean, she lost me with the Sexual aspect of it. LOL So when I hear drama going on in her life, I just give her this look of "Hm, well you got yourself in that predicament". And speaking of, for those into "Santeria" religious...of sacrificing animals and such. I notice all their rituals are done to promote money, and money and money...Yet, when does it work? Cause I always see how broke they are? Sorry, had to vent... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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