2002 Ford Explorer Characteristic???

Hello everyone I am new to the boards. I don't know much about cars but I am curious with the one I have now. It is a 2002 Ford Explorer XLS automatic transmission. My problem is if the car sits over night or for a short/long period of time when I first shift from Park to Drive there is a screech noise coming from the engine. I had it into ford on friday and they told me that this is a Characteristic of a Ford Explorer. I was wondering if anybody knew if this was true and if anybody owns the same model if they are experiencing this. Thanks for your help.

I think that is some bull..I have the same truck as you and I have no screeeching when changing from any of the gears, you should get on your warranty and tell them to fix that ...good luck

I've never heard that before. I own a 2004 Ford Explorer and mine doesnt make the sound you desribed. You should try to go to another shop to see if they say the same thing which i doubt they do. Good Luck

I've got the same problem on my 02 4x4 XLT. A squeal/screech sound is heard when shifting from reverse to drive or from drive to reverse. It is also prone to turning off when going from reverse to drive. I don't think it is a "characteristic" of the explorer but rather poor craftmenship.

I have the same issue. I especially hear it if I try to drive off after just starting my truck. I don't hear it if I let it warm up a little.

I have the same model but don't have that problem. That would make me nervous enough to get another opinion, doesn't sound like something you should just accept as normal.

Last time I spoke to a Ford Service rep about the noise they gave me the same bull they give everyone "all explorers do that" I wanted to bash him in the head with a sledge.