I have a 2000 explorer sport 4.0 ohv and.....when in park there is an annoying clattering sound. I took it in to one mechanic and he said i should hurry and get it to the Ford dealership....Is it time to trade in...or can it be fixed for a reasonable cost and what is making it do that?! It doesn't "knock" or "clatter" in other gears, just while it is in park idling. Any ideas?

Hey my buddy had a 98 explorer that 'rattled' or 'clattered' it especially was noticeable around buildings where it would echo anyways we looked all around under the hood and all come to find out it was a rock caught in a heat shield thats between the cat and the muffler took an air hose and blew it out problem solved just a suggestion and it didn't cost anything to do

Hey thanks for the input, that does sound similar to whats going on with it therefore I will make sure to check it out. I still haven't figured out what is wrong with the coche, but maybe soon. At least it isn't so bad that the car isn't running.
Thanks again!
Hey my buddy had a 98 explorer that 'rattled' or 'clattered' it especially was noticeable around buildings where it would echo anyways we looked all around under the hood and all come to find out it was a rock caught in a heat shield thats between the cat and the muffler took an air hose and blew it out problem solved just a suggestion and it didn't cost anything to do

May not be related (my Explorer is an XLT not a sport), but take a look at a this post I just put up http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=219818&highlight=2000 Look at the part about the M12 recall, can't hurt to ask the dealer.