# 1998 Ford Explorer XLT v6 dies **URL:** \ **Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\ **Tags:** ford\ **Created:** [October 23, 2013, 12:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-ford-explorer-xlt-v6-dies/81910 "2013-10-23T12:56:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 3\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Dbrace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9de053/32.png) [@Dbrace](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dbrace)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 12:56pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-ford-explorer-xlt-v6-dies/81910/1 "2013-10-23T12:56:16Z")
Hello guys. My 1998 Ford Explorer XLT v6 with about 233,000 miles on it has a bit of a problem. Infrequently, when I shift into reverse from park or neutral the engine dies. It restarts without issue. There are no strange noises or smells when this happens. The transmission was rebuilt 10,000 miles ago by a reputable mechanic. Almost all of the 230k+ miles are highway miles. Each trip around 40 miles. Anyone have any ideas? ---
**Author:** ![BustedKnuckles](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/bustedknuckles/32/25_2.png) [@BustedKnuckles](https://community.cartalk.com/u/BustedKnuckles)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 2:24pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-ford-explorer-xlt-v6-dies/81910/2 "2013-10-23T14:24:30Z")
When was you’re last tune up? Spark plugs need to be changed out at least every 100,000, but I do mine every 75,000. ---
**Author:** ![Dbrace](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9de053/32.png) [@Dbrace](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Dbrace)\ **Post date:** [October 23, 2013, 8:38pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/1998-ford-explorer-xlt-v6-dies/81910/3 "2013-10-23T20:38:57Z")
I am not sure. I bought the car with 230,000 miles on it. The previous owner took extremely good care of the vehicle. It was his primary commuter car since 2000. I have never done any work with spark plugs but I will look into it. Thanks for the idea.