2000 Eddie Bauer Road Trip - Maintenance

[Muffinman]

Hi All,

I've got 230K on my Expy, I am thinking of taking a road trip from CA to TX.

I have not had any issues with anything with the exception of the oil pressure light coming on at start up, but the warning light goes out after 30 seconds; thinking it's just a computer issue No problems other than that and it runs fine.

I have the original timing belt & serpentine belt.

I was thinking I need to have those two replaced along with the radiator flushed and coolant replaced, as well as the radiator hose checked.

Please let me know if I'm right in my thinking and if I m leaving anything out.

I appreciate your responses and thank you

 

[ARiley23]

Hi All,

I've got 230K on my Expy, I am thinking of taking a road trip from CA to TX.

I have not had any issues with anything with the exception of the oil pressure light coming on at start up, but the warning light goes out after 30 seconds; thinking it's just a computer issue No problems other than that and it runs fine.

I have the original timing belt & serpentine belt.

I was thinking I need to have those two replaced along with the radiator flushed and coolant replaced, as well as the radiator hose checked.

Please let me know if I'm right in my thinking and if I m leaving anything out.

I appreciate your responses and thank you

When's the last time you had the plugs and coils changed. And change the air filter and do an oil change id recommend.

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[Muffinman]

I've had a couple/few coils that needed repaired/replaced, but I don't think I've ever replaced them all. Any idea what cost would be?

Oil is changed religiously at 3K, although I don't replace with high mileage oil.

Thanks

 

[ARiley23]

I've had a couple/few coils that needed repaired/replaced, but I don't think I've ever replaced them all. Any idea what cost would be?

Oil is changed religiously at 3K, although I don't replace with high mileage oil.

Thanks

Cost All depends on the shop you're taking it to.

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[ExplorerTom]

Change the serpentine belt for sure. The timing CHAIN should be good if you've kept up on oil changes with quality oil.

Other than that, it's hard to say. I have 233k on mine and wouldn't hesitate to drive it across country- but I stay on top on maintenence. Yours, I can't say for sure.

 

[1955moose]

As far as coil replacement, No. The original Ford coils only fail if they get wet. The aftermarket coils are usually an inferior quality. I have the same vehicle, and would do maintenance items, plugs, air/fuel filter, transmission service, brake inspection. Are you doing maintenance? The spark plugs are biggest issue. As long as their under 80k since last change, I'd leave alone. They need to be torqued very precisely. As far as the oil light, mine shuts off 2-3 seconds after start up, I'd look into that issue, be sure your running 5w20 or 5w30 only, and preferably a Ford oil filter. Other than that just enjoy the trip, check oil/ coolant levels at each fuel up. Bring along a quart or two of the oil your using, always best to stay with same. Last thing crank down spare tire, check pressure, be sure jack and lug wrench is present and operating proper!

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[Muffinman]

Thanks for your replies.

 

[ARiley23]

I second that always a great idea to bring along extra fluids!

As far as coil replacement, No. The original Ford coils only fail if they get wet. The aftermarket coils are usually an inferior quality. I have the same vehicle, and would do maintenance items, plugs, air/fuel filter, transmission service, brake inspection. Are you doing maintenance? The spark plugs are biggest issue. As long as their under 80k since last change, I'd leave alone. They need to be torqued very precisely. As far as the oil light, mine shuts off 2-3 seconds after start up, I'd look into that issue, be sure your running 5w20 or 5w30 only, and preferably a Ford oil filter. Other than that just enjoy the trip, check oil/ coolant levels at each fuel up. Bring along a quart or two of the oil your using, always best to stay with same. Last thing crank down spare tire, check pressure, be sure jack and lug wrench is present and operating proper!

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[1997SCEBFEX]

++ on all the above mentioned.

how old and what shape are your tires in? Wiper blades? sometimes it's just the little things.

enjoy your trip.

 

[Joseph Tator]

All great ideas so far.

 

[Muffinman]

Thanks guys.

I do appreciate it.

If by chance you see a 2000 EB green expy pulled to the side of the road with the hood up, please feel free to pull over and help me break into my ""survival" ice chest chock full of ice cold beer and snacks to keep me company while I wait for a tow truck.

Not planning on it but going to be prepared

 

[1955moose]

Mine is Estate green also. Greens a good luck color as far as maintenance at least. 3 1/2 years and all I've had to replace was a starter, a pitman, and idler arm. With the potholes and hills here around San Francisco, not too shabby! If you make it as far as Sf, I'll take you up on that beer!

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[Joseph3]

If your tires are ten years old or older, definitely replace them according to the DOT, tire manufacturers say six years (of course). I was driving my F-250 on 17 year old tires (! it didn't get driven much for a long time) and had a blowout on the rear at 55mph. Sounded like a shotgun went off. The DOT date code is on the tire, you can google how to read it (simple). And when I buy tires I check the date code to make sure they were manufactured within the last year. I don't want to pay for two year old tires. Most shops this probably isn't a problem, but you don't know how long they've had those tires in inventory unless you check. Have a safe trip.

 

[Joseph3]

My 2000 EB is also green, and this thread is important to me too. Lots of good reminders. I'm going up to Fairbanks, AK and back to Sacramento next month, a 6000 mile round trip, towing a 3300lb trailer. And three passengers. My Expy has 150k miles. I just had the rear diff resealed, right front axle replaced, and the pinion seal on the driveshaft replaced. This took care of the various drips and noises. I changed the oil yesterday.

 

[and0r]

As far as coil replacement, No. The original Ford coils only fail if they get wet. The aftermarket coils are usually an inferior quality. I have the same vehicle, and would do maintenance items, plugs, air/fuel filter, transmission service, brake inspection. Are you doing maintenance? The spark plugs are biggest issue. As long as their under 80k since last change, I'd leave alone. They need to be torqued very precisely. As far as the oil light, mine shuts off 2-3 seconds after start up, I'd look into that issue, be sure your running 5w20 or 5w30 only, and preferably a Ford oil filter. Other than that just enjoy the trip, check oil/ coolant levels at each fuel up. Bring along a quart or two of the oil your using, always best to stay with same. Last thing crank down spare tire, check pressure, be sure jack and lug wrench is present and operating proper!

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aftermarket coils are fine
there was a time china was selling cheap aluminum packs online, but the ones on ebay are proper now, i would say better than OEM, and very inexpensive

 

[Tonyray]

OK I have a green 2000 EB too. Love it. Just took a trip from Dayton Nv. to Burly Id. didn't have any problems.

 

[hammerg26]

Mine is green, too


201k miles and going strong.


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[swagfu]

257700 miles and growing. I take this beauty on a 2500 mile road trip twice a year. (don't mind the missing center cap, it has been replaced). Along with all the other statements, make sure you check the wipers and fluids. All the wipers, even the back. I do use high mileage oil every 7500 miles or so. Plus I change it after every road trip regardless of how many miles it's been. Check all your lights and turn signals. Other than that, drive at a reasonable speed. I usually cruise around 78 on the open highway/interstate. Check all fluids and have your brake pads and rotors checked. Someone said earlier, its the little things....they are correct. Oh, make sure your radio works...lol. Thats a must have item. Enjoy the trip.