[Justink87]

I live up in Canada and moved up North where I found out very quickly that my Acura wasn't going to get me around in the snow. Today, I bought a super cheap 1999 Explorer. We get down to -20 to -30 celcius and it's my understanding I should have a block heater. The truck comes with one but I bet it doesn't work as I had it plugged in for about 3 hours and when I started the engine, the coolant temp gauge was in the basement and it took awhile to heat up. I'll be testing the heater out tomorrow with a multimeter to see if I get a reading.

I was looking online to see prices for a replacement and of course, the sites want to know the trim and engine type. There are no badges on the vehicle to indicate trim and the insurance papers call it a Explorer Station wagon which is weird. Does anyone know how I can find that information as I'll likely need to order the part soon.

 

[Justink87]

The top of the engine reads 4.0 EFI. But none of that helps when looking for a block heater. They want to know if it's a OHV or SOHC.

 

[Bernie]

I live up in Canada and moved up North where I found out very quickly that my Acura wasn't going to get me around in the snow. Today, I bought a super cheap 1999 Explorer. We get down to -20 to -30 celcius and it's my understanding I should have a block heater. The truck comes with one but I bet it doesn't work as I had it plugged in for about 3 hours and when I started the engine, the coolant temp gauge was in the basement and it took awhile to heat up. I'll be testing the heater out tomorrow with a multimeter to see if I get a reading.

I was looking online to see prices for a replacement and of course, the sites want to know the trim and engine type. There are no badges on the vehicle to indicate trim and the insurance papers call it a Explorer Station wagon which is weird. Does anyone know how I can find that information as I'll likely need to order the part soon.

The options installed will also indicate trim level. Of that year, a base model will come with highback front bucket cloth seats and roll up windows. AM/FM Radio and AC. A 4 speed trans was available but an auto was standard. Two wheel drives were available but rare. An XLT will get you more power options like windows, door locks, cruise control, ac, a better entertainment system and maybe rear ac controls. An Eddie Bauer got all of the bells and whistles to include leather seats, top shelf entertainment system, special striping, wheels and tires.

 

[Justink87]

The options installed will also indicate trim level. Of that year, a base model will come with highback front bucket cloth seats and roll up windows. AM/FM Radio and AC. A 4 speed trans was available but an auto was standard. Two wheel drives were available but rare. An XLT will get you more power options like windows, door locks, cruise control, ac, a better entertainment system and maybe rear ac controls. An Eddie Bauer got all of the bells and whistles to include leather seats, top shelf entertainment system, special striping, wheels and tires.

It might be a XLT then as I have power windows, power locks, and ac. The entertainment system is just s cassette deck with radio but the speakers are better than expected. It's weird that there's no mention of it being a XLT anywhere.

 

[Bernie]

It might be a XLT then as I have power windows, power locks, and ac. The entertainment system is just s cassette deck with radio but the speakers are better than expected. It's weird that there's no mention of it being a XLT anywhere.

I'd check to see if Ford designates it's trim as part of the VIN. If there isn't anything on the right side of the lower rear hatch door, it was either repainted, replaced or a base Explorer with ordered options.

 

[J_C]

You probably have the base trim level (XLS? or Sport if a 2-door) if those power accessories are the most you have, and considering the info below. but it doesn't really matter, rather engine does. If it only reads 4.0L EFI, you have the older OHV engine. The SOHC reads SOHC on the plastic cover that the OHV doesn't have.

OHV 4.0L looks like this:

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/aumAw0sQ7Wc/maxresdefault.jpg

SOHC 4.0L looks like this:

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/W-8AAOSw5XFhMq5Z/s-l1600.jpg