1998 Ford Explorer engine problems

Asked by Anita Feb 15, 2016 at 05:41 PM about the 1998 Ford Explorer

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I forgot to put oil in my car for a few
months and also get an oil change, this
past Saturday I decided to check the oil it
was low so I put a quart of oil in. I went out
that night and on my way home the RPMs
revved up to five and six and the engine
felt like it didn't want to move, finally I just
shut off on me. Within a minute smoke
started pouring out of the engine area. I
had it towed to my home the next day and
when I took the oil cap off I noticed black
sludge like, I know it's hard to say without
seeing the engine but does it sound like I
blew my engine? Financially I am unable to
spend $1000 fixing it and wanted
someone's opinion, please help!!!

2 Answers
26,245

taver91 answered 8 years ago

Oil is the lifeblood of your engine. First thing to do is to pull the dipstick and see if any oil shows. Put in the amount indicated (likely more than a quart) and recheck to see that it shows up to the full line on the dipstick. Now try starting the engine. If you are a lucky person, you shut the car down before major damage was done and it will re-start. There still may be damage but lets see if it comes to life first and get back to us.

2 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
73,340

OJ answered 8 years ago

High RPM's while driving and the vehicle not wanting to move could indicate a transmission slipping problem.

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • 1998 Ford Explorer engine problems 2 Answers

    I forgot to put oil in my car for a few months and also get an oil change, this past Saturday I decided to check the oil it was low so I put a quart of oil in. I went out that night and on my way ...

    1998 Ford Explorer

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 1998 Ford Explorer transmission. 2 Answers

    Will the transmission out of a 2000 explorer work in a 1998 explorer?

    1998 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XL 4WD SUV

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 1998 ford explorer transmission fitting into a 1993 ford explorer 1 Answer

    Will a 1998 ford explorer transmission fit into a 1993 Ford explorer.

    1993 Ford Explorer 4 Dr Limited 4WD SUV

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 1998 Ford Explorer 8 Answers

    I put my 1998 ford explorer in 4wd low yesterday and it switched over fine but I believe it's still stuck in 4wd low even after trying to get it unstuck. Driving home today my RPMs were 5000 going ...

    1998 Ford Explorer 2 Dr Sport 4WD SUV

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 1998 Ford explorer XLT 1 Answer

    My 1998 Ford explorer air and heat were working in front and back but now it only works in rear, I've checked all blower fuses,there fine but have no clue on why it works in the back but not the f...

    1998 Ford Explorer 4 Dr XLT 4WD SUV

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Shortcuts

Search Ford Explorer Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    OJ
    Reputation
    30,850
  • #2
    TransAm77
    Reputation
    7,790
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    7,280
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Ford F-150
295 Great Deals out of 13,390 listings starting at $3,888
Used Ford Expedition
21 Great Deals out of 638 listings starting at $12,800
Used Chevrolet Tahoe
16 Great Deals out of 773 listings starting at $7,499
Used Jeep Grand Cherokee
130 Great Deals out of 3,647 listings starting at $5,555
Used Dodge Durango
59 Great Deals out of 1,829 listings starting at $6,987
Used Toyota 4Runner
27 Great Deals out of 537 listings starting at $14,791
Used GMC Yukon
12 Great Deals out of 927 listings starting at $6,900
Used Jeep Wrangler
137 Great Deals out of 5,905 listings starting at $6,500

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.