2004 Ford Explorer Coolant leakage

HHOOKS

MEMBER
2004 FORD EXPLORER
4 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
140,000 MILES

My antifreeze is leaking and everytime I go and get an oil change or top off they tell me it's low. I smell it and I noticed the temperature gauge began to rise to almost hot while I'm sitting, and when I start to drive it goes back down. Is this something that is costly to have repaired, I'm not a mechanic but I'm assuming there's a whole somewhere in order for the antifreeze to be on my garage floor.

10 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

The leak may be a hose, radiator, welsh plug or water pump, if you get a cooling system pressure test done this will help locate the leak, start here.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 7:30 AM

HHOOKS

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6 POSTS

Hello,

I appreciate your response. Are any of these repairs very costly, I just want to prepare financially for this, I'm hoping it won't be.

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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 8:48 AM

HHOOKS

MEMBER
6 POSTS

Thank you so much, you've been very helpful!
I guess the timing isn't bad, better to get this resolved than the horrible winter time!

Does this have to do with your heating also, I had some problems with the heater where there was a horrible clicking sound and I got that repaired thank goodness at the time it was under warranty it was a hefty price, I was told Explorer's are notorious for the heat problems. I don't ever want another used car again, this is the 2nd time, and each time I had to purchase one because of an emergency of my vehicle being at the breaking point. My last car a mercury sable I had over 200,000 miles on it, and it last for 11 years.

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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 9:04 AM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

With the loss of coolant you can get air trapped in the heater core and this will affect the heating ability, often you can hear a liquid like swishing sound in the dash, thi sis low coolant and air in the heater core and heater hoses.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 9:09 AM

HHOOKS

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6 POSTS

That's good to know, again I appreciate the knowledge you are providing me. If I can hold out for 2 more years with this vehicle that would be a great relief for me and less of a burden.

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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 9:21 AM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

OK, well you know where to go for all your car care questions, thank you for using 2carpros, your feedback is always welcome.

Mark (mhpautos) in Australia.

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Thursday, September 9th, 2010 AT 9:26 AM

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