Hello from the PNW

[mrpeabody56]

Good day to everyone here.
I just purchased a 2004 Sport TRAC w/V6 4l motor and am really excited I finally found one that seems to be in really good condition. Only 104k mikes on it, well maintained by previous two owners.
I am reading thru the manuals, etc right now and am trying to find info about a couple of issues that are front and center. Mainly:
1) The keypad doesn’t not operate for the drivers door lock. It does lock the other three doors. Cannot seem to get it to work... anyone have ideas about a fix?
2) The key fob remote does not operate the drivers door either...

My plan is to go thru vehicle with complete maintenance.

Thank you all for any insight / replies to my initial posting. Jon

 

[Tim Holt]

Welcome aboard.

It sounds like you are needing to replace the lock actuator in your drivers door. The wires sometimes break where the go from the body to the door so use a voltmeter or do some tests before spending money.

In my opinion K&N air filters are only good for stopping rocks, I'd stay with a paper filter.

 

[Duncan Kimbro]

welcome!

 

[EddieS'04]

Welcome,
I would forget the slick 50 or other additives. Just run a qaulity syn oil, and regular changes.

 

[mrpeabody56]

Thanks for heads up on checking wiring between door and body. Also, hopefully I won’t need an actuator, and/or the actuator to door Rivet hasn’t pulled out. The manual lock / unlock is pretty stiff going up or down , so I am thinking maybe something (foam, rusted, ?) stuck inside door.
The exterior keypad does not work for unlocking drivers door ...

 

[Todd Z]

Actuator, or the handle is worn ( plastic crap) and the rods are out of adjustment causing it to jam..... But the actuator is more common.

 

[mrpeabody56]

Hello to all again.
Could someone take pity on me an explain “1st” vs “2nd” GEN vehicles?

The vehicle I purchased is a 2004 Sport Trac XLT PRM 4x4, with ~105k miles on it. It has a V6 4.0l flex fuel engine w/5spd OD tranny. From the seller I did receive the original window sticker for the vehicle description. “Somewhere” , once, I did find a VIN Decoder chart, but it did more to confuse me than help me... ugh!!!

Mostly I am very pleased with my purchase of this vehicle now, but I do have various maintenance to perform (expected), but also a few things I was unaware of at time of purchase. So far, I have replaced front brake pads and rotors and brake fluid, had a complete safety/maintenance check performed at my local ford dealership, which took 2 1/2 hours to complete (at no cost to me!), new fuel filter, plugs, battery, and a coolant flush/fill.

I believe I need to replace the drivers door power actuator, (rock auto part coming), and am trying to re-set keypad code... which is frustrating to say the least, (need to wait until new actuator replaced). I find it very hard to loosen/slide the door-to-body rubber wiring cover out of the way to inspect wires for breakage, as there is a hard plastic “L-type” bracket that seems impossible to get out of the way, and also due to a very tight position to work in.

I did post to the “Interior” forum as regards rebuilding the drivers seat foam back and bottom, fixing/replacing the lumbar support bags (motors sound like they are working, but bag does not inflate).

I believe I rambled on quite a bit about my “new” wheels, but wanted to add to my original “hello” posting. Please over look any transgressions I may have made for doing so.

I have found that many links to former postings, as well as pictures, are “broken” or ”missing”. If someone could direct me as to how to resurrect those links/pics, I would be very grateful.

Thanks to all who put up with my rambling, and who may have some insider tips to the work projects facing me.

 

[Duncan Kimbro]

1st generation Sport Trac is 2001 to 2005 model years. 2007 to 2010 is 2nd generation.

Your 2004 is 1st gen.

 

[Duncan Kimbro]

Check this thread for links to some of the projects, mostly for 1st gen models.

https://www.sporttrac.org/threads/m...cts-link-wayback-machine-356-projects.122414/

 

[mrpeabody56]

Thank you for quick responses to my initial question as to type/gen I have.
So, I have a first generation sport trac. Can anyone tell me if there Are there any really glaring/recurring problems with this generation I should be aware of?

 

[Duncan Kimbro]

Search the forums for timing chain rattle. That’s probably the worst.

The thermostat housing is plastic (spoiler...it cracks and leaks). Replace with aluminum aftermarket.

Roof leaks are often rear taillight, roof rack penetrations, or clogged sunroof drain lines.

OEM body mount bushings are junk and deteriorate quickly.

Some have had wheel bearing problems and suspension component failures. At this age, there are a number of other issues.

 

[mrpeabody56]

Search the forums for timing chain rattle. That’s probably the worst.

The thermostat housing is plastic (spoiler...it cracks and leaks). Replace with aluminum aftermarket.

Roof leaks are often rear taillight, roof rack penetrations, or clogged sunroof drain lines.

OEM body mount bushings are junk and deteriorate quickly.

Some have had wheel bearing problems and suspension component failures. At this age, there are a number of other issues.

At this point, and after the inspection done by “insiders” I know at local Ford dealership, thankfully there are: no timing chain rattles, no leaks at thermostat housing, no roof leaks, and wheel bearings seem to be ok.

The OEM body mount bushings Have deteriorated somewhat at the outer edges - probably will need to replace - has anyone replaced with polyurethane bushings if they are available?, or would that transfer too much noise/vibration into the cab?

As far as suspension goes fairly recently KYB shocks and a heavy duty front sway bar w/urethane bushings were installed. Control arm bushings, etc. were checked and they are in good shape.

I guess that other than what I have mused about above, I have scored on a pretty good ST, BUT as pointed out in one response.... time will tell.

Thanks for info and links provided by everyone.

 

[swshawaii]

1) The keypad doesn’t not operate for the drivers door lock. It does lock the other three doors. Cannot seem to get it to work... anyone have ideas about a fix?
2) The key fob remote does not operate the drivers door either...

The manual lock / unlock is pretty stiff going up or down , so I am thinking maybe something (foam, rusted, ?) stuck inside door.
The exterior keypad does not work for unlocking drivers door ...

If the other three door locks are working with the buttons or fob it may be simple as cleaning and lubricating the drivers door latch. It's usually the other three door latches that don't get as much use that tend to get sticky and bind. Open the drivers door and inspect the door latch for excessive dust and dried grease. If it's dirty flush it out with penetrant such as WD-40, PB Blaster, or even brake cleaner. USE EYE PROTECTION. Loosen stubborn grime with a small soldering flux brush or similar. Have lot's of paper towels or rags handy to catch the dirty penetrant that runs out of the drain holes on the bottom of the door. Compressed air also helps blow out hard to reach mechanisms in the latch. After the latch is dry, use white lithium spray grease or lubricant of your choice. I prefer using Super Lube with PTFE that is much cleaner and easy to apply on all moving latch parts with the flux brush. Lock and unlock the door locks repeatedly to loosen the latch parts up. If that doesn't help you will likely end up removing the door panel for inspection. The fault could also be one of the small plastic clips that connect the latch rods is broken, disconnected, or needs adjustment (yellow clip). Also sounds like the key is seldom used to open doors and should be lubed with Lock Ease or something made specifically for lock cylinders. If it were me I'd clean and lube ALL the door and tailgate latches and lock cylinders. Keep us posted and good luck.

BTW, I don't want to come across as an "authority" for latches and locks because I'm definitely not. Just BTDT since I've owned my Trac from 2009. To date I've replaced both front latches and all four actuators. IOW, every door panel has been removed along with the mechanisms. Very confined and dark in there with lot's of sharp edges. Not my idea of a "fun" repair.

Great source for door panel clips and small parts. MUCH cheaper than the Dorman/Help carded packs found in many AP stores.
https://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Door-Panel-Retainers-Clips-Ford-p/pas1558-25.htm

https://www.clipsandfasteners.com/Ford_Clips_And_Fasteners_s/63.htm

 

["Risky Bizness"]

Welcome !! Good bunch of folks here !!!!!!!!

 

[Evox]

Thank you for quick responses to my initial question as to type/gen I have.
So, I have a first generation sport trac. Can anyone tell me if there Are there any really glaring/recurring problems with this generation I should be aware of?

Welcome!

I've owned a '04 since new. It has a build date of January 2004, and currently has over 250k miles on the clock. I've had no engine or transmission issues. And both are operating like new.

Over the last couple of years, I've had some alternator issues. Currently, my valve cover seals and lower oil pan seals are weeping oil but not enough to drip on the garage floor and not enough to notice any oil level fall off on the dipstick between oil changes. I seem to put 5 quarts in and I get 5 quarts out. Still, I need to replace those seals but I've been lazy. My suspension system is basically brand new. I replaced all the shocks and bushings, and it currently rides like new. Edit to add: My thermostat housing did crap out on me in November. I went ahead and replaced it with a plastic one because I could get it faster, but if I were to do it again, I might go with the aftermarket aluminum replacement. ...however, my plastic housing did last 15 years and well over 200k miles.

Other than that it has only been oil and fluid changes and other routine maintenance items like PCV valve, brake pads, and filters. It's like the energizer bunny, it just goes and goes.

Oh, it's my understanding that early gen 1s had more problems with the timing chain cassettes but that Ford made some corrections to the material used in the guides in late 2003. That could be just a rumor. But, at a quarter-million miles mine still purrs like a kitten. Regular oil and filter changes are important.