The 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is a versatile vehicle that offers a combination of functionality and style. However, like any other vehicle, it can encounter specific problems that potential buyers and current owners should be aware of. This article delves into the common issues associated with the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac, providing insights into their symptoms, potential causes, and possible solutions.

Engine Problems

Timing Chain Tensioners

Symptoms: Rattling or ticking noises from the engine, especially during startup or acceleration, loss of power, or engine failure.

Cause: Worn or faulty timing chain tensioners can cause the timing chain to become loose, leading to engine damage.

Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) Solenoids

Symptoms: Rough idling, poor fuel economy, reduced engine power, or engine stalling.

Cause: Malfunctioning VCT solenoids can disrupt the timing of the camshaft, affecting engine performance.

Intake Manifold Gasket

Symptoms: Vacuum leaks, rough idling, reduced engine power, or poor fuel economy.

Cause: A faulty intake manifold gasket can allow air to leak into the engine, disrupting the air-fuel mixture.

Transmission Issues

Shift Solenoids

Symptoms: Erratic shifting, transmission slipping, or failure to shift gears smoothly.

Cause: Faulty shift solenoids can prevent the transmission from engaging the desired gear correctly.

Torque Converter

Symptoms: Shuddering, slipping, or overheating during gear changes.

Cause: Problems with the torque converter can disrupt the proper flow of power from the engine to the transmission.

Automatic Transmission Control Module (TCM)

Symptoms: Transmission problems, such as delayed shifts, failure to shift gears, or erratic behavior.

Cause: Issues with the TCM can affect the electronic control of the transmission, leading to various problems.

Electrical System Concerns

Alternator

Symptoms: Dimming headlights, difficulty starting the vehicle, or complete electrical failure.

Cause: A faulty alternator can fail to generate sufficient electrical power, leading to battery discharge.

Battery

Symptoms: Difficulty starting the vehicle, electrical system malfunctions, or premature battery failure.

Cause: Weak or dead batteries can prevent the vehicle from starting or cause electrical problems.

Ignition Coils and Spark Plugs

Symptoms: Engine misfiring, rough idling, poor acceleration, or reduced fuel economy.

Cause: Worn or faulty ignition coils or spark plugs can disrupt the ignition process, affecting engine performance.

Suspension and Steering Problems

Ball Joints

Symptoms: Loose or rattling steering, difficulty maintaining a straight line, or uneven tire wear.

Cause: Worn or damaged ball joints can compromise steering and stability, affecting vehicle handling.

Control Arms

Symptoms: Alignment issues, premature tire wear, or a clunking noise when driving over bumps.

Cause: Worn control arm bushings can cause misalignment, affecting tire wear and vehicle handling.

Power Steering Pump

Symptoms: Heavy or unresponsive steering, loss of power steering, or a whining noise during steering.

Cause: A faulty power steering pump can affect the hydraulic system that assists with steering, leading to difficulty maneuvering the vehicle.

Other Common Issues

Brake Pads and Rotors

Symptoms: Reduced braking effectiveness, grinding or squealing noises, or premature brake failure.

Cause: Worn or damaged brake pads and rotors can diminish braking performance and lead to potential safety hazards.

Fuel Injectors

Symptoms: Rough idling, hesitation during acceleration, reduced fuel economy, or engine misfires.

Cause: Clogged or malfunctioning fuel injectors can affect fuel delivery, impacting engine performance and fuel efficiency.

Exhaust Manifold

Symptoms: Engine noise, exhaust odors, or reduced engine power.

Cause: Leaks or cracks in the exhaust manifold can allow exhaust gases to escape, affecting engine efficiency and causing unpleasant odors.

Understanding the potential problems associated with the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac is crucial for informed decision-making for potential buyers or current owners. By being aware of these issues, it becomes easier to identify potential signs of trouble, seek timely repairs, and maintain the vehicle’s performance and reliability. Regular maintenance, following manufacturer’s recommended service intervals, can help mitigate many of these common problems, ensuring a more enjoyable and safer driving experience.

2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac Problems

What are common engine problems with the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

Common engine problems include timing chain tensioner failure, variable camshaft timing (VCT) solenoid malfunction, and intake manifold gasket leaks.

What are transmission issues for the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

Transmission issues can include shift solenoid failure, torque converter problems, and automatic transmission control module (TCM) issues.

What electrical system concerns are there with the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

Electrical system concerns include alternator failure, weak or dead batteries, and worn ignition coils and spark plugs.

What suspension and steering problems can occur in the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

Suspension and steering problems may include ball joint failure, worn control arm bushings, and malfunctioning power steering pump.

What other common issues are there with the 2007 Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

Other common issues include worn brake pads and rotors, clogged fuel injectors, and leaking exhaust manifolds.

Component Common Problem Advice Key Points Engine Timing chain tensioners Replace tensioners promptly to prevent engine damage. Failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage. Engine VCT solenoids Monitor for rough idling, poor fuel economy, and reduced power. Malfunction can significantly impact engine performance. Engine Intake manifold gasket Check for vacuum leaks to maintain optimal engine performance. Leaks can cause engine performance issues. Transmission Shift solenoids Address any erratic shifting or transmission slipping issues promptly. Failure can result in major transmission problems. Transmission Torque converter Monitor for shuddering, slipping, or overheating. Problems can lead to costly transmission repair or replacement. Transmission TCM Diagnose and resolve transmission problems to prevent further damage. Issues can trigger a range of transmission issues. Electrical Alternator Check for battery discharge and electrical system issues. Failure can leave you stranded. Electrical Battery Replace weak or dead batteries to avoid starting and electrical problems. A functioning battery is crucial for reliable starting and operation. Electrical Ignition coils and spark plugs Monitor for misfiring and poor engine performance. Worn components can affect engine performance and reliability. Suspension Ball joints Inspect for steering and stability issues. Failure can compromise safety and handling. Suspension Control arms Check for alignment issues and premature tire wear. Worn bushings can affect tire life and vehicle handling. Suspension Power steering pump Monitor for heavy steering or loss of power steering. Malfunction can lead to reduced steering control and safety concerns. Other Brake pads and rotors Replace worn or damaged components to maintain braking effectiveness. Neglected brakes can lead to premature brake failure. Other Fuel injectors Diagnose and resolve engine performance and fuel economy issues. Clogged or malfunctioning injectors can impact engine operation and fuel efficiency. Other Exhaust manifold Check for engine noise and exhaust odors. Leaks can affect engine performance and emissions.