2002 ST Tune Up For Dummies please

[Tim OLeary]

Is there a concise guide to performing a "tune-up"?
When I was younger, a "tune-up" was plugs, points, condenser, plug wires and air filter, but things have changed, and that was decades ago.

I read where the ST spark plugs are easily broken. There are several sensors which should be routinely cleaned; Air & gas filters which should be replaced. I do not know how to identify many of these items, or what are the best kind to get to replace.
I live in FL so the vehicle and I are no longer exposed to salt or freezing.

Up until now, on those rare occasions it needed it, I took my truck to my shop (who are great) but also heavily booked. Recently I began doing my own oil changes and several other maintenance and repair tasks to save money and fit the work into my schedule, and be assured the work was done to my satisfaction.

If the vehicle fails to start or run, I will cave in and take it, but otherwise would prefer to perform "tune ups" myself. Any suggestions on manuals, online resources, diagnostic tools would be appreciated.

 

[DILLARD000]

2002 so you've got a V6~4.0L~SOHC + 5r55e Tranny + RearDiscBrakes... TransferCase? Diffs?
This is what I call a "100k Mile TuneUp":
~ OilPressurized TimingTensioner Change
~ Oil+Filter Change
~ Air Filter Change, Inspect+Clean FilterBox+MAFSensor+AccordianTube
~ Fuel Filter Change
~ Tranny PanDrop, ATF Drain, VBBolt ReTorq, Band Adjust, New Solenoids+Filter+PanGasket+7qtsMerconV
~ PCVValve Change, Inspect All PCV+Vac Hoses for Cracks\Leaks
~ ThrottleBody Clean+Lube+ReSeal, ThrottleCable Clean+Lube+Tighten
~ IAC Valve Clean+Lube+ReSeal+Test
~ IntakeManifold Clean
~ EGRValve+Tube Clean+Lube+ReSeal
~ DPFESensor+RiserTubes Clean+Inspect, Replace RiserHoses
~ Plugs+Wires Change; These Plugs Are NOT Easier Broken Than Any Others
~ CoilPack Clean++Inspect+OhmCheck, Replace If Needed
~ OxygenSensor Change, 3 Places
~ Renew CoolingSystem: New Radiator+Pump+Hoses+Clamps+HeatValve+TStat+Housing+Fan+Clutch+Belt
~ TransferCase Drain+Refill, MerconLV (not MerconV)
~ RearDiff CoverRemoval+Drain+Clean, Inspect+Replace ClutchPack If Needed, New RTV\Gasket + 75w140
~ FrontDiff CoverBoltRetorq+SuctionOutGearOil, New 75w90
~ Suction+Refill Steering Reservoir
~ Suction+Refill Brake Reservoir, Pads+Disc Inspect, Replace If Needed, Bleed Lines
~ While Doing Brakes, Remove Front ABSSensors & Push Fresh Grease Into BearingHubs
~ While Doing Brakes, Rotate+Inspect Tires
~ Full UnderBody Inspection For Rust & WornOut Suspension+Exhaust, Replace+Repair As Needed
~ Clean+Lube All Locks+Hinges+Windows+LowerBodyPanels+UnderBodyHardware
~ Remove Dash CenterPanel+InstrumentCluster+ColumnCover, Clean+Inspect:
) Replace All Dash Bulbs
) Lube Speed+OdoMeter
) Clean+Lube OverDriveButton, Inspect+DoubleInsulate Cable
) TIghten+Lube SteeringColumn Hardware
) Tighten+Reinsulate+Reinforce Electrical Connections
~ Check+Repair All Exterior+Interior Bulbs+Functions As Needed

That should be it; likely forgetting something.
Several upgrades can also be done: TStatHousing, Radiator, Hoses, HeatValve, Belt, HeadLamps...

 

[Tim OLeary]

2002 so you've got a V6~4.0L~SOHC + 5r55e Tranny + RearDiscBrakes... TransferCase? Diffs?
This is what I call a "100k Mile TuneUp":
~ OilPressurized TimingTensioner Change
~ Oil+Filter Change
~ Air Filter Change, Inspect+Clean FilterBox+MAFSensor+AccordianTube
~ Fuel Filter Change
~ Tranny PanDrop, ATF Drain, VBBolt ReTorq, Band Adjust, New Solenoids+Filter+PanGasket+7qtsMerconV
~ PCVValve Change, Inspect All PCV+Vac Hoses for Cracks\Leaks
~ ThrottleBody Clean+Lube+ReSeal, ThrottleCable Clean+Lube+Tighten
~ IAC Valve Clean+Lube+ReSeal+Test
~ IntakeManifold Clean
~ EGRValve+Tube Clean+Lube+ReSeal
~ DPFESensor+RiserTubes Clean+Inspect, Replace RiserHoses
~ Plugs+Wires Change; These Plugs Are NOT Easier Broken Than Any Others
~ CoilPack Clean++Inspect+OhmCheck, Replace If Needed
~ OxygenSensor Change, 3 Places
~ Renew CoolingSystem: New Radiator+Pump+Hoses+Clamps+HeatValve+TStat+Housing+Fan+Clutch+Belt
~ TransferCase Drain+Refill, MerconLV (not MerconV)
~ RearDiff CoverRemoval+Drain+Clean, Inspect+Replace ClutchPack If Needed, New RTV\Gasket + 75w140
~ FrontDiff CoverBoltRetorq+SuctionOutGearOil, New 75w90
~ Suction+Refill Steering Reservoir
~ Suction+Refill Brake Reservoir, Pads+Disc Inspect, Replace If Needed, Bleed Lines
~ While Doing Brakes, Remove Front ABSSensors & Push Fresh Grease Into BearingHubs
~ While Doing Brakes, Rotate+Inspect Tires
~ Full UnderBody Inspection For Rust & WornOut Suspension+Exhaust, Replace+Repair As Needed
~ Clean+Lube All Locks+Hinges+Windows+LowerBodyPanels+UnderBodyHardware
~ Remove Dash CenterPanel+InstrumentCluster+ColumnCover, Clean+Inspect:
) Replace All Dash Bulbs
) Lube Speed+OdoMeter
) Clean+Lube OverDriveButton, Inspect+DoubleInsulate Cable
) TIghten+Lube SteeringColumn Hardware
) Tighten+Reinsulate+Reinforce Electrical Connections
~ Check+Repair All Exterior+Interior Bulbs+Functions As Needed

That should be it; likely forgetting something.
Several upgrades can also be done: TStatHousing, Radiator, Hoses, HeatValve, Belt, HeadLamps...

Thanks! I have some research to do! What's a good shop manual

 

[Phil Frady]

I would stick with the basics:
Oil & Filter change
Air & Fuel filter change
Plugs & Wires
Serpentine Belt

Then branch out to other areas based on maintenance intervals you are familiar with, i.e. tires, brakes, tranny fluid/filter, rear end fluid, coolant.

 

[Doug Kaye]

modern (since the 90s sometime is my guesstimate) cars really don't have the tune-up concept anymore.. electronic ignition so no points to wear out, fuel injection so no carb jets to clean out, choke to adjust, etc.

Our 1st gen Sport Tracs have plugs that go 100 000 between changes. They are perfectly normal sparkplugs, IIRC it is only some of the 2nd gen that have the weird multipiece plugs.
Changing them is painful, I have scars on my hands from the passenger side change.. wear gloves.

My list is much shorter than Dillard's, now I'm worried ;-)
Got mine at 98k, so far based on the driver manual and various forum suggestions, I've been doing:

100k plugs and wires, coolant change and check all hoses etc, new pcv valve
120k repack wheel bearings
150k trans fluid change and new filter, diff fluid change, coolant, serpentine belt

will do trans fluid and filter change, rear diff change, every 30k from now on.
repack front wheel bearings every 50k, 200k next. I had to replace one rotor for ABS problems and put in new bearings, then a bearing went bad on the other side and replaced that side too.

was doing oil at 6k intervals with ordinary, now doing 9-10k with synthetic. I may drop that interval back down to 6-7k now given the age of the engine.. can't hurt. Air filter 30k.

For any particular service I start by searching here.
Then try Youtube, 1A Auto has quite a few videos for Sport Trac and Ranger.
Many parts and procedures are common to our Tracs, Ford Ranger and Explorer.

I used to buy the Haynes manual together with any new-to-me car, these days just Youtube it..
They have the manual online now, Ford Explorer Sport Trac Haynes Repair Manuals & Guides
It's the same manual as for the Explorer 1991-2001.
I've used the online one for my wife's MDX when doing the valve adjustments, it was OK.

 

[christopher shears]

I am very impressed with dillardooo 100 k work list. Mine is not even close.
All my S/T s gen. 1 have over 200 k.have 5S/T s
I have never changed a spark plug…not one . They might have been changed before I got them used. Don’t know.
Turkey baster for P/S and brake fluid.
Every 6 months
Changed front brake hoses10$ each
Brakes. Extra extra clean slide pins.
Oil 3 k syn 0/40 Mobil winter
Walmart 5/30 syn summer
Oil filter 20 k. I’m Getting old
Grease ball joints 3 k drive shaft
Radiator fluid add 30percent fla truck
Rear end 50 k. Tranny 50 k
Tranny fluid from upper radiator hose
Run to bucket. Till spits then add more new fluid
Wait till red …close back line
Little messy
Never changed a tranny filter..
To lazy and to old …never
Spray tranny fluid on all chassis parts and rubbers ball joints ect every couple months
Everywhere everywhere squirt on full frame and doors and driveshaft and
You name it I spray it
Tranny fluid doesn’t hurt rubber seals
Use marine gas. Expensive in fla 3.75 gal don’t drive far to work
Told doesn’t hurt rubber gas lines
Don’t know.
Fuel filter 30/40 k
Air filter 10k
That’s it

 

[Ed Fenwick]

Christopher, thanks for the info on transmission and rubber seals. I was told AT 205 but that is hard to get. Good to know that I can use trans fluid. I did hear that it is good at stopping rust.
God bless Ed

 

[bk10s]

2002 so you've got a V6~4.0L~SOHC + 5r55e Tranny + RearDiscBrakes... TransferCase? Diffs?
This is what I call a "100k Mile TuneUp":
~ OilPressurized TimingTensioner Change
~ Oil+Filter Change
~ Air Filter Change, Inspect+Clean FilterBox+MAFSensor+AccordianTube
~ Fuel Filter Change
~ Tranny PanDrop, ATF Drain, VBBolt ReTorq, Band Adjust, New Solenoids+Filter+PanGasket+7qtsMerconV
~ PCVValve Change, Inspect All PCV+Vac Hoses for Cracks\Leaks
~ ThrottleBody Clean+Lube+ReSeal, ThrottleCable Clean+Lube+Tighten
~ IAC Valve Clean+Lube+ReSeal+Test
~ IntakeManifold Clean
~ EGRValve+Tube Clean+Lube+ReSeal
~ DPFESensor+RiserTubes Clean+Inspect, Replace RiserHoses
~ Plugs+Wires Change; These Plugs Are NOT Easier Broken Than Any Others
~ CoilPack Clean++Inspect+OhmCheck, Replace If Needed
~ OxygenSensor Change, 3 Places
~ Renew CoolingSystem: New Radiator+Pump+Hoses+Clamps+HeatValve+TStat+Housing+Fan+Clutch+Belt
~ TransferCase Drain+Refill, MerconLV (not MerconV)
~ RearDiff CoverRemoval+Drain+Clean, Inspect+Replace ClutchPack If Needed, New RTV\Gasket + 75w140
~ FrontDiff CoverBoltRetorq+SuctionOutGearOil, New 75w90
~ Suction+Refill Steering Reservoir
~ Suction+Refill Brake Reservoir, Pads+Disc Inspect, Replace If Needed, Bleed Lines
~ While Doing Brakes, Remove Front ABSSensors & Push Fresh Grease Into BearingHubs
~ While Doing Brakes, Rotate+Inspect Tires
~ Full UnderBody Inspection For Rust & WornOut Suspension+Exhaust, Replace+Repair As Needed
~ Clean+Lube All Locks+Hinges+Windows+LowerBodyPanels+UnderBodyHardware
~ Remove Dash CenterPanel+InstrumentCluster+ColumnCover, Clean+Inspect:
) Replace All Dash Bulbs
) Lube Speed+OdoMeter
) Clean+Lube OverDriveButton, Inspect+DoubleInsulate Cable
) TIghten+Lube SteeringColumn Hardware
) Tighten+Reinsulate+Reinforce Electrical Connections
~ Check+Repair All Exterior+Interior Bulbs+Functions As Needed

That should be it; likely forgetting something.
Several upgrades can also be done: TStatHousing, Radiator, Hoses, HeatValve, Belt, HeadLamps...

For the T-Stat housing, what band is preferred? Thank you -

 

[DILLARD000]

For the T-Stat housing, what band is preferred? Thank you -

There's basicly 2 versions of the Alumnum TStatHousing available:
~ 1Piece LowerBody by SimmonsAutoSportz\SAS.
~ 2Piece LowerBody by all other vendors; ToddZ\ZAP\ATK in this forum sells this version.
2Piece version is typically less expensive;
each Aluminum version has slight advantages\disadvantages;
either Aluminum version is a vast improvement over any junk Plastic version.
Personally, I've got the 2Piece version; running some 20kMiles now;
one of the best things I've done for this engine,
along with replacing the junk Plastic HeaterValve with a Metal version, &
the junk PlasticTanked 2RowCore Radiator with an AllAlumnum 4RowCore.
Click here for more info.

 

[NorgeMan]

For the T-Stat housing, what band is preferred? Thank you -

Tell us how you feel about changing the fuel injectors?