Ford Explorer Problems

Like you I tried a number of aftermarket outlets here to try to find one, but couldn't, so I would suggest you could hit the Internet and get one out of America. You could try JC Whitney who had them listed in their catalogue when I checked.

The V6 Escape is renowned for its thirst, but a 35 per cent increase in consumption when you run the air con does seem excessive. Have the air-conditioning system checked to make sure it is charged, check the compressor to make sure it is not faulty, and have an air-con specialist check the whole system.

While I agree with you that the transmission should not need replacing or rebuilding at such low kays, your Explorer is 10 years old and without a Ford service history you would be battling in my view to get any assistance out of Ford. I would have the transmission serviced, the transmission fluid is 10 years old and I would guess well past its use-by date.

IT CAN be converted successfully if the converter knows what they're doing. The Australian LPG Warehouse has done several of them using a vapour-injection system and has had no issue with them.

THE best system is the vapour-injection system, which is like the fuel-injection system currently fitted to your Explorer. The other system is a venturi/mixer system, which is like a carburettor if you think in petrol terms. Vapour-injection is more modern technology and has fewer problems, but it is more expensive.

PHONE George Peake at Victorian Autogas (1800 620 945) or Mick Morabito at Eurogas (03 9783 8300). Both should be able to help you. Or you can go to the LPG Australian website for a list of accredited installers: www.lpgautogas.com.au

THE problem you've experienced with the Explorer is not unknown, but I would have thought the best course of action would have been to repair it rather than replace it. In any case, I would have thought you had a legitimate claim against the insurer and you should pursue it through the small-claims tribunal or other body for problems such as yours. You will need to produce all relevant documentation about previous servicing and the cost of repairs for the engine replacement, and if you can do that, you should be able to prove your case.

THE Explorer probably wouldn't be my first choice. I'd opt for a Nissan Patrol, Toyota Landcruiser or Mitsubishi Pajero. But if you're towing only 1600kg I'd consider a smaller four-wheel-drive wagon such as a Pathfinder or a Prado. Even a Subaru Outback would tow your caravan, happily cope with the bush roads you want to go down, and be more comfortable. The Explorer is known to have problems with the auto transmission and the timing chains, which are at the back of the engine and costly to replace if they break.

The AU copped plenty of flak for the way it looked, but it wasn't a bad car. There is no reason to believe it is any better or worse than any other recent Falcon. The mechanical package is the same, so I wouldn't dismiss it on that basis. Looks are a different thing, and the value of AU series cars is way, way down on other similar cars. That's an advantage if you're buying, but a disadvantage if you're selling. It's hard to give you any advice about the Explorer without knowing what you intend to do with it. If you want a heavy-duty four-wheel-drive for some serious off-roading, then I would look to the big Japanese models, but if you want it for around-town use, I would go for one of the compact wagons on offer.