1997 Ford Excursion problems

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The Ford Excursion is a heavy-duty (Class 2) SUV that was sold by Ford Motor Company from 2000 to 2005. At the time of its introduction, the Excursion was the longest and heaviest SUV ever to enter mass production. The third Ford SUV derived from the F-Series pickup trucks (after the Ford Bronco and the Ford Expedition), the model line used a heavier-duty chassis and frame than the Expedition; both vehicles competed against the Chevrolet Suburban.

Developed as a competitor for the 2500-series (3⁄4-ton) Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon XL, the Ford Excursion was derived from the 3⁄4-ton F-250 Super Duty pickup truck (sharing its chassis with the regular cab, long-bed chassis). The model line was produced for a single generation; a shortened 2006 model year was offered exclusively for Mexico. Sold nearly exclusively in the North American market, limited numbers of the model line were produced for export. As of current production, the Excursion remains the largest mass-produced SUV (matched in length by the 2023 introduction of the lighter Jeep Grand Wagoneer L); currently, only the GMC Hummer EV SUV is heavier.

Throughout its production run, the Excursion was assembled at its Kentucky Truck Plant (Louisville, Kentucky) alongside the Ford Super Duty line; the final example was produced on September 30, 2005. For 2007, Ford introduced the extended-length Ford Expedition EL/MAX (today, Expedition MAX), competing more closely against the 1500-series Suburban in capability.

1997 Ford Excursion

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Common 1997 Ford Excursion problems

The 1997 Ford Excursion, like any other vehicle, has its share of common problems that owners should be aware of. These issues can range from minor inconveniences to more serious concerns that may require professional attention. Here are some of the most common problems with the 1997 Ford Excursion:

  • Inoperative Door Locks: Many Excursion owners have encountered problems with door locks becoming inoperative due to resistance in the circuit. This issue can affect one or multiple doors, making it inconvenient and posing a security risk.
  • Rough Idle Due to EGR Sensor Sticking: The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) sensor can stick, leading to a rough idle. This problem is usually accompanied by the Check Engine light, and cleaning or replacing the EGR valve can remedy the issue.
  • High-Pressure Oil Pump Failure: The high-pressure oil pump is critical for the Excursion's engine operation, especially in diesel models. Failure of this component can cause a "No Start" condition, requiring replacement to get the engine running again.
  • Oil Leaks: Oil leaks from the passenger-side head gasket onto the starter is another issue that has plagued some Excursion models. This not only leads to oil loss but can also cause starter problems due to oil contamination.
  • Incorrect Engine Oil Leading to Hard Starts: Using the wrong type of engine oil can lead to hard starting conditions, especially in colder climates. It is essential to use the manufacturer-recommended oil to avoid this issue.
  • Injector Seal Leaks: Diesel models can suffer from oil leaking into the fuel system due to injector seal leaks. This problem can affect engine performance and fuel efficiency.
  • Stuck Turbo: A lack of power or poor acceleration can sometimes be traced back to a stuck turbo in diesel models. Regular maintenance and checks can prevent this issue.
  • EGR Cooler Leaks: Coolant leaks from the EGR cooler are not uncommon and can lead to overheating and engine damage if not addressed promptly.
  • VGT Solenoid Failure: The Variable Geometry Turbo (VGT) solenoid controls turbo boost in diesel models. Failure of this component can result in a lack of power or a "No Boost" condition.

For Ford Excursion owners facing these issues, the first step is accurate diagnosis. Haynes Manuals provide comprehensive troubleshooting guides that can help identify the root cause of the problem. Once identified, our Ford manuals offer detailed repair instructions, from simple fixes to complex component replacements, empowering owners to tackle these issues confidently. With the right knowledge and tools, addressing these issues can be straightforward, ensuring your Excursion continues to serve you well on and off the road.

1997 Ford Excursion engine

What year was the 7.3 in the Excursion?

Powertrain

EngineConfigurationProduction
Ford Triton V85.4 L (330 cu in) SOHC 2V V82000–2005
Ford Triton V106.8 L (413 cu in) SOHC 2V V10
Ford/Navistar Power Stroke V87.3 L (444 cu in) OHV V8 turbo2000–2003.5
Ford/Navistar Power Stroke V86.0 L (365 cu in) OHV 4V V8 turbo2003.5–2005

What year did they stop making the Ford Excursion?

2005

The Ford Excursion was dropped in 2005 and was replaced by a longer-wheelbase version of the Expedition.

How many Ford Excursions were made?

Ford only manufactured the Excursion model for five model years and less than 200,000 ever made it onto public roads. Many that did get put into use were driven into the ground or exported to the Middle East, where the trucks have a very popular following.

Did the Expedition replace the Excursion?

However, the Excursion was discontinued at the end of 2005, replacing it with a long-wheelbase Expedition that held greater mass appeal.

Why did the Ford Excursion fail?

The Excursion sold relatively well upon its introduction, but felt out of favor due to rising gasoline prices. The vehicle, which had notably poor gas mileage, was unable to keep up with consumer demands for better performance with less gas usage. As a result, sales suffered.

Why did Ford get rid of the Excursion?

After largely meeting sales projections at its launch, demand for the model line was affected by the energy crisis of the 2000s. While able to produce 70,000 examples yearly, sales from 2001 onward struggled to reach half of that capacity, becoming the lowest-selling SUV sold by Ford or Lincoln-Mercury.

Is the 2000 Ford Excursion V10 reliable?

Extremely. These engines if well maintained (as every engine needs to be for best performance/ lifespan) are well known to last a long time & can attain very high mileage. The 6.8L like 4.6L & 4.2L Triton engines were the best offered at that time for durability /low running costs.

What was the last year Ford made excursions?

Production of the Excursion ended in 2005 and Ford quickly replaced it with a long-wheelbase MAX version of the Expedition using the F-150 chassis.

1997 Ford Excursion car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Ford Excursion problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Exterior lighting problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Ford Excursion vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1997 Ford Excursion complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Ford Excursion.

2004-01-28

EXTERIOR LIGHTING PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2003-12-30
  • Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING
  • Summary: FRONT HEADLIGHTS FOGGED UP, CAUSING A DISTRACTION TO CONSUMER'S VIEW. *AK

1997 Ford Excursion recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 1997 Ford Excursion.

2007-12-05
  • Manufacturer: FORD MOTOR COMPANY
  • Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:DIESEL
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN HEAVY DUTY TRUCKS EQUIPPED WITH 7.3L DIESEL ENGINES, THE CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR LOCATED ON THE ENGINE OF THE VEHICLE MAY FUNCTION INTERMITTENTLY, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN AN ENGINE STALL.
  • Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF AN ENGINE STALL, A CRASH COULD RESULT WITHOUT WARNING.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE SENSOR AND REPLACE IT WITH AN IMPROVED CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON DECEMBER 29, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT FORD AT 1-866-436-7332.
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Additional sources

More sources of information about 1997 Ford Excursion problems:

Is the Ford Triton V10 a Bad Engine? - YouTube
Is the Ford Triton V10 a Bad Engine? - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olnQNFY2sE4

Nov 25, 2022 ... In this video, Jake speaks about Ford's V10 Triton engine. He goes over the engine's background, performance specs, common problems, ...

Q&A: Ford Mustang 1997 V6 3.8 - Transmission Issues
Q&A: Ford Mustang 1997 V6 3.8 - Transmission Issues
https://www.justanswer.com/transmissions/9c0qm-mustang-1997-ford-mustang-3-8l-v6-nowhere.html

Sep 30, 2015 ... I have a 1997 Ford Mustang 3.8L v6 and out of nowhere the… ... that's a fairly common problem on your mustang. There is a TSB for this issue ...

2000-2005 Ford Excursion | Review and What To LOOK for When ...
2000-2005 Ford Excursion | Review and What To LOOK for When ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nm76S8WgNHM

Jul 30, 2023 ... In 1997, Ford ... Ford Excursion offered a range of engine ... -Transmission Issues: -Suspension Components: -Steering and Brake System Problems ...

Wandering Steering | Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
Wandering Steering | Ford Powerstroke Diesel Forum
https://www.powerstroke.org/threads/wandering-steering.1385167/

Mar 12, 2021 ... If there's alot of play up and down it's ball joints left and right is tie rod ends. Rag joints are a common problem the u-joint in steering ...

Most Common Problems With Ford Triton 5.4 2V Engine - YouTube
Most Common Problems With Ford Triton 5.4 2V Engine - YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ar27i8FytK8

Feb 12, 2022 ... Comments376 ; Top 5 Problems Ford F-150 Pickup 1997-2004 10th Generation. 1A Auto: Repair Tips & Secrets Only Mechanics Know · 293K views.

Other years of Ford Excursion

ford excursion 1999 photo
Excursion 1999
Ford

7

1

0

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford excursion 2000 photo
Excursion 2000
Ford

550

6

23

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford excursion 2001 photo
Excursion 2001
Ford

208

7

24

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford excursion 2002 photo
Excursion 2002
Ford

174

5

27

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford excursion 2003 photo
Excursion 2003
Ford

146

5

30

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1
ford excursion 2004 photo
Excursion 2004
Ford

95

2

23

  • 5
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

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1997 Ford Excursion photo