2022 Explorer XLT: Are the 4WD and RWD engines the same?

I have a '22 XLT, and the engine died on me at 103K miles. I’m looking to put in a replacement engine, but I keep seeing listings that specify RWD or 4WD. Aren’t these the same engines? Mine’s a 4WD. Can I use an engine from a RWD model, or do I need to find a 4WD-specific one?

The difference might be in the PCU. The 4WD PCU would have programming for the 4WD components, so you might need to match it.

Joss said:
The difference might be in the PCU. The 4WD PCU would have programming for the 4WD components, so you might need to match it.

On 4WD versions, the CV axles connect on either side of the engine for the front wheels. Not sure if there are block-offs on the RWD engines, but I don’t think so.

@Thorne
Hey, /u/PBall95, check out this comment. Definitely get the 4WD engine to be safe.

Joss said:
@Thorne
Hey, /u/PBall95, check out this comment. Definitely get the 4WD engine to be safe.

Thanks for the tag! I appreciate it.

@Thorne
Got it. Thanks for the heads-up.

Joss said:
The difference might be in the PCU. The 4WD PCU would have programming for the 4WD components, so you might need to match it.

Is that something that could be transferred over if needed?

@Beckett
Honestly, I don’t know. You’d be one of the first trying an engine swap on such a new model. Personally, I’d go for the 4WD engine to avoid future headaches.

Joss said:
@Beckett
Honestly, I don’t know. You’d be one of the first trying an engine swap on such a new model. Personally, I’d go for the 4WD engine to avoid future headaches.

The shop handling it has done a few swaps on newer Explorers, just not on the 2.3L specifically. You’re right, though—I’ll try hard to find a 4WD engine unless I get confirmation they’re interchangeable.

@Beckett
Your shop should have an answer. The 2.3L engine is super common in the 2020+ models.

How’d the engine go out, and why isn’t Ford covering it?

Joss said:
@Beckett
Your shop should have an answer. The 2.3L engine is super common in the 2020+ models.

How’d the engine go out, and why isn’t Ford covering it?

I’ll check with them tomorrow; I just started looking tonight. As for the engine, it lost compression in two cylinders at 103k miles. Warranty expired at 100k… just my luck.

What happened to the engine?

Bay said:
What happened to the engine?

No compression in two cylinders. Mechanic is tearing it down now, but it looks like a full replacement will be needed. Warranty ran out at 100k, and I’m at 103k. Oil changes every 7k as the dealer recommended, so not sure what went wrong.

@Beckett
Wow, you put over 100k miles on it in less than two years?

Bay said:
@Beckett
Wow, you put over 100k miles on it in less than two years?

Yep, ordered it new in 2022 for $53k out the door. Great vehicle up until now! Our family’s super active and travels a lot, so it quickly became the daily driver. We’re averaging around 41k miles per year!

@Beckett
Thought it might be a taxi or delivery vehicle! And of course, it fails right after the warranty’s up—like it was planned! Haha.

Bay said:
@Beckett
Thought it might be a taxi or delivery vehicle! And of course, it fails right after the warranty’s up—like it was planned! Haha.

Haha, I know, right? Our last Explorer, a 2014 V6, lasted until 185k. I went with the I4 thinking it would be even more reliable. Ford even said if it happened around 100-102k, they might’ve covered part of it… but no, it had to go at 103k!

Any idea what caused the engine to fail?