1997 Ford Expedition

Introduction

The 1997 Ford Expedition is a full-size SUV that was available with a choice of two engines and two transmissions. The base engine was a 4.6-liter V8 that produced 215 horsepower and 290 lb-ft of torque. The optional engine was a 5.4-liter V8 that produced 230 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. Both engines were mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.

The Expedition was praised for its spacious interior, powerful engines, and comfortable ride. However, it was also criticized for its poor fuel economy and lack of off-road capability.

Engine

4.6-liter V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing coolant and oil to leak. Symptoms include coolant leaks, overheating, and poor engine performance. The solution is to replace the intake manifold gasket. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Timing chain tensioner failure: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip and the engine to lose power. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine, and poor engine performance. The solution is to replace the timing chain tensioner. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600+
• Valve cover gasket leak: The valve cover gaskets can leak, causing oil to leak onto the engine. Symptoms include oil leaks and a burning oil smell. The solution is to replace the valve cover gaskets. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

5.4-liter V8

• Spark plug blowout: The spark plugs can blowout of the cylinder head, causing a loss of compression and engine misfires. Symptoms include a rough idle, poor engine performance, and decreased fuel economy. The solution is to replace the spark plugs and cylinder head. Estimated cost to fix: $1,000 - $2,000+
• Intake manifold runner control (IMRC) failure: The IMRC can fail, causing a loss of power and fuel economy. Symptoms include a lack of power, especially at low RPMs, and decreased fuel economy. The solution is to replace the IMRC. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600+

Transmission

4-speed Automatic

• Transmission failure: The transmission can fail, causing a loss of power and mobility. Symptoms include slipping gears, difficulty shifting, and a lack of power. The solution is to replace the transmission. Estimated cost to fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
• Shift solenoid failure: The shift solenoid can fail, causing the transmission to shift erratically or not at all. Symptoms include harsh shifting, delayed shifting, and a lack of power. The solution is to replace the shift solenoid. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Suspension

• Front suspension noise: The front suspension can make a clunking or rattling noise when driving over bumps or rough roads. The solution is to replace the sway bar links or bushings. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+
• Rear suspension sag: The rear suspension can sag, causing the rear of the vehicle to sit lower than the front. The solution is to replace the rear coil springs or shocks. Estimated cost to fix: $400 - $800+

Electrical

• Battery drain: The battery can drain quickly, even when the vehicle is not in use. The solution is to replace the battery or alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $100 - $500+
• Alternator failure: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to drain quickly. Symptoms include a dim dashboard, flickering headlights, and difficulty starting the vehicle. The solution is to replace the alternator. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600+

Exterior

• Rust: The body panels can rust, especially around the wheel wells and rocker panels. The solution is to repair or replace the rusted panels. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $2,000+
• Headlight switch failure: The headlight switch can fail, causing the headlights to not work. Symptoms include no headlights, flickering headlights, or headlights that turn off randomly. The solution is to replace the headlight switch. Estimated cost to fix: $200 - $400+

Interior

• Dashboard cracks: The dashboard can crack, especially in hot climates. The solution is to replace the dashboard. Estimated cost to fix: $500 - $1,000+
• Climate control failure: The climate control system can fail, causing the air conditioning or heater to not work. Symptoms include no AC or heat, intermittent AC or heat, and difficulty controlling the temperature. The solution is to repair or replace the climate control system. Estimated cost to fix: $300 - $600+

Summary

The 1997 Ford Expedition is a spacious and powerful SUV that is known for its comfortable ride. However, it also has a number of potential issues, including engine problems, transmission failure, suspension noise, and electrical problems. The severity and cost of these issues can vary depending on the specific problem.