2006 Ford Explorer Problems and Repair Histories
2006 Ford Explorer problems reported via the Car Repair History and Car Reliability Surveys
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Ford Explorer
2006 Ford Explorers for which no problems have been reported are not displayed. So the 2006 Ford Explorer problems and repair histories you see here should not be used to infer car problem frequency.
For 2006 Ford Explorer problem frequency, check the Car Reliability Survey result. For the problems behind the score, check the 2006 Ford Explorer problems and repair histories that follow it.
Ford Explorer Reliability through March 31, 2013
General NotesModels and statistics marked with an asterisk (*) have very low sample sizes. These results, visible only to logged-in members, provide only a rough estimate of car reliability.Any result under 20 repair trips per 100 cars is likely a result of the small sample size, and should be expected to increase to 20 or so in future updates.
New models often start out with high repair rates, and then improve as the manufacturer identifies and addresses common problems. MethodologyOnly successfully completed repairs are currently included in the analysis. Routine maintenance, most wear items, recalls, and problems fixed with just a reflash or warning light reset are not included.
| Year | Make/Model | Trips/Year/100 Cars | Compared to all models for the same year | |
| 2006 | Ford Explorer | 25 Explorers, 9.0 months of data per Explorer, average 90200 miles80 |
Fewest Trips
Most Trips
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see reported repairs |
Non-members can see only ten 2006 Ford Explorer problems and repair histories. Log in or join us to see them all.
Repair costs are in local units.
2006 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV
292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic RWD
| Ford Explorer in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2007 | 11000 | First odometer entry | |
| Nov | 2007 | 12000 | 0 | Common problem with Explorers with 6 speed transmission where transmission downshifts from 2 to 1 harsh when coming to a stop. Service bulleting was issued in November that reprogrammed the transmission and e-learned new shift strategy. |
| Aug | 2008 | 15000 | 0 | Two problems fixed; 1. Occasionally difficult to shift from park. Gear selector lever was replaced. 2. Ping or Click noise when reversing and going back to forward. Problem was found in right rear driveshaft, which was replaced. |
| Oct | 2010 | 28000 | 0 | Right 3rd row seat would not rise. Gear assembly with motor was stuck. Removed cover behind 3rd row seat to access the assembly. Applied grease to the gears and it started working, thought it is not as smooth as the left side seat. |
| Mar | 2012 | 35000 | 18 | Found radiator having a slow leak. Inserted Bars Leak Stop tablets into radiator and filled overflow reservoir with new coolant. Leak is now stopped but most likely this is a temporary fix. |
| Sep | 2012 | 37000 | 244 | Passenger side power 3rd row seat back not elevating. The motor gearbox was broken. Ordered replacement part and replaced it by myself. |
| Mar | 2013 | 39000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Explorer in Georgia, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2009 | 65000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 76000 | 50 | The Heater Blend Door Actuator had a stripped gear, causing the A/C to make a clicking noise on startup, though A/C still worked fine. The new part was $50. If you have this problem, DO NOT buy the part made by Dorman, it does not work. |
| Sep | 2012 | 102000 | 6 | Radiator was leaking. Flushed it and refilled, then added some Bar's Leaks Pelletized Stop Leak, and it fixed the leak. |
| Dec | 2012 | 108000 | 150 | Torque converter felt like it was going out, replaced transmission fluid and so far so good. |
| Mar | 2013 | 111000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Explorer in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2007 | 30000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2007 | 31000 | 0 | Transmission would kick when shifting into first when comming to a stop. |
| May | 2009 | 50000 | 100 | Performed TSB for known transmission issue when shifting from 2nd to 1st. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2006 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV
292-horsepower 4.6L V8 6-speed automatic 4WD w/low range
| Ford Explorer in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 65100 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2010 | 77500 | 2 | Burned out left rear turn signal/running lamp. Simple fix, first problem with my vehicle in almost a year of owning it |
| Apr | 2011 | 83080 | 101 | Bad misfire in Cyl 8, coil and plug removed, coil boot badly cracked and corroded, plug badly fouled. |
| Jul | 2011 | 84940 | 95 | the Tire pressure monitor in the right rear wheel was defective, had to be replaced, solved problem |
| Sep | 2012 | 95480 | 300 | Warped rotors, replaced pads as well. |
| Jan | 2013 | 99200 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Explorer in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2010 | 35000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2010 | 37000 | 185 | Rear brake lights / turn signals failed. Turned out to be a wiring harness that was installed improperly at the factory. Wiring harness rubbed against metal and eventually wires wore through and shorted the tail lights. Wiring harness replaced. Axle gasket on 4WD system was leaking. Problem was fixed by replacing the gasket. |
| May | 2010 | 37500 | 50 | Brake shift interlock working intermittently. You needed to jiggle the shifter, push the shift button in several times etc. to get the car to shift out of park. Turned out to be a sensor on the shifter. Shifter was replaced. |
| Dec | 2010 | 45000 | 50 | Car was leaking (minor) in the driveway. Appeared to be radiator fluid. CarMax stated the radiator was leaking and new radiator needed. Replaced for $650, but with extended warranty I only paid $50. Not fixed satisfactorily. Car continued to leak radiator fluid. Took back to CarMax, and they tightened all fittings, stated they thought is was transmission fluid, as that circulates through the radiator also. Ran the car in the shop for 1/2 hour, but still leaks |
| Feb | 2011 | 46500 | 50 | Coolant leak was finally tracked to a valve/fitting under the car (around the location of the front passenger seat), whereby coolant leaked onto my driveway. After having the car into CarMax twice before, it is now fixed. |
| Jun | 2012 | 61000 | 50 | Third row electric seat backs (raise the back up and down for stowage in the floor) stopped working on the passenger seat (third row is split). Electric motor replaced using extended warranty insurance. |
| Mar | 2013 | 70000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Explorer in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jun | 2009 | 42000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jul | 2011 | 65000 | 100 | Noticed coolant leak in parking lot after vehicle was parked about an hour. Took to dealer who diagnosed as bad radiator, replaced same plus trans cooler line broken in radiator removal process. |
| Jan | 2012 | 74000 | 1000 | 3rd row power seat folding motor stopped working and needed to be replaced. (motor & gearcase one sealed unit) |
| Jul | 2012 | 80300 | 85 | Check Engine light on. Engine running rough. Code was P0303. Replaced #3 coil on plug assy. Problem solved. |
| Aug | 2012 | 81700 | 170 | No cooling from Air Conditioner. Recharge System & Check for leaks. |
| Sep | 2012 | 83000 | 125 | Windshield wipers would not stop wiping. Diagnose & replace wiper motor. |
| Apr | 2013 | 93000 | 150 | Charge ind. would come on and would able to be cleared immediately. Dealer diagnosed bad alternator and replaced it. Rear wiper would not move. Dealer diagnosed bad motor and replaced it. Car would miss and buck during acceleration. Dealer diagnosed 2 bad coil on plugs and replaced them. |
| Ford Explorer in Washington, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2008 | 43000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2012 | 78000 | 980 | Replaced spark plugs |
| Mar | 2013 | 90000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Explorer in Iowa, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2006 | 0 | lifter stuck in engine when bought new and not discovered by dealer until brought back in | |
| Ford Explorer in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2007 | 0 | Shifting problem from 2nd to 3rd and downshift from 3rd o 2nd, also 2nd to 1st downshift - was very harsh. | |
| Mar | 2007 | 0 | right transaxle seal leaking | |
| Apr | 2007 | 0 | warning light on for tire pressure - took back three times before it got fixed -dealer tried to sell me nitrogen! Repair was fault connection under the hood! | |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2013 | 91000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2013 | 91000 | 500 | Traction Control and ABS failure lights kept illuminating. Fixed itself for now. Likely a sensor issue, seems to happen when slush on the ground and wheel wells get splashed. Drives me nuts that when you need it most and the entire system shuts down. |
| Mar | 2013 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in United Arab Emirates | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2009 | 32240 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2009 | 34720 | 0 | Rear right hand door hinge replaced as found door noisy while opening. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2009 | 52000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2010 | 62000 | 100 | Left Rear Axle Seal was leaking |
| May | 2012 | 77000 | 120 | Right front sway bar snapped. Replaced both left and right sway bar. |
| Jan | 2013 | 85000 | 6800 | The right 3rd row power folding seat motor failed. The Transmission Valve Body is failing Transmission was rebuilt, Transmission Valve Body was replaced. |
| Feb | 2013 | 85000 | 110 | Blower fan control was stuck on high and would not respond. |
| Ford Explorer in Ohio, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2007 | 26000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 36000 | 0 | Hard shifts when cold - reflash of transmission cured it. |
| Jun | 2011 | 74500 | 1309 | transmission fluid ran out due to a fitting coming loose (might have been caused by a car wash). Required R&R of radiator as well. |
| Jan | 2012 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Kentucky, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2007 | 10000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2008 | 14000 | 0 | Rough downshift into 1st, either while stopping, or while accelerating. |
| Dec | 2009 | 29000 | 0 | Car was dificult to shift into gear from park |
| Apr | 2012 | 43000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Explorer in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2007 | 24000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2008 | 25000 | 0 | Truck was at dealer for late engagement of shift into 1st gear from a stop and a bump feeling when coming to a stop. TSB 07-23-2 was performed. Truck still has same symptoms. Ford tech being contacted by dealer. Customer waits for answers. |
| Feb | 2008 | 26000 | 0 | Continuation of existing problem. TSB has been superceeded by TSB08-3-8. When dealer tried to reflash they received message of latest software installed. Delayed engagement and bump stop still exist. Rear window defogger has burnt out line. Dealer needs to order a fresh repair kit. |
| Apr | 2008 | 28000 | 0 | Reflash ECM and TCM and problem is solved for now. Rear window defroster line repaired with kit that needed to be ordered. |
| Jan | 2010 | 50300 | 0 | Driver's side back seat (2nd row) seat belt jammed as it was being pulled out to be used. Will not release or rewind. Dealer ordered new seat belt. Repair covered under the 5 year 50,000 mile safety warranty. |
| Mar | 2011 | 66000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Explorer in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2008 | 16000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2008 | 17000 | 0 | Water in rear tail lights and in right front fog lamp. |
| Aug | 2008 | 21000 | 0 | Rear (middle row) drivers side seat belt buckle would not function properly (latch). Item was repaired by replacing the assembly. Passenger leather seat base had "stress cracks" on the upper portion between legs. Dealership had it repaired. The repair failed 1 year later. The dealer then decided to replace the cover. Part still on back order (2 weeks). |
| Sep | 2008 | 21000 | 0 | Seat base cover was replaced by the dealer who sold the vehicle. |
| Mar | 2009 | 25000 | 0 | Hard shifting, mainly between 1st to 2nd, but noticeable though all gears. Engine would idle rough. Ford replaced throttle body and motor assembly. Slow leak from radiator. Service shop found leak from hose under radiator. Driver door creeks/pops when closing. Service department lubricated twice (first time with penitrating oil, second time with White lithium grease). Waiting to see if returns. Problem with lower hinge. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in California, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2007 | 16000 | First odometer entry | |
| Dec | 2008 | 29000 | 0 | Transmission shifting hard into and out of 1st gear. Rear defroster not working, parts backordered. Shifter intermittently not moving out of Park. Shifter replaced. |
| Feb | 2009 | 30000 | 0 | Rear defroster had in-op lines, rear glass ordered and replaced. Problem resolved. Rear passenger door lock was very sticky, especially when below freezing. Lock actuator replaced; problem resolved. |
| Jun | 2011 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
2006 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV
210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic RWD
| Ford Explorer in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2010 | 102000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2012 | 121000 | 2100 | Transmission was not taking reverse and not shifting past second gear. The shop re-built the Transmission. |
| Mar | 2013 | 125000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Explorer in Tennessee, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| May | 2011 | 94000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2011 | 96000 | 736 | drivers side rear axle snapped, looked like there were previous problems not repaired correctly |
| Ford Explorer in North Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2011 | 72000 | First odometer entry | |
| May | 2011 | 73000 | 283 | rear drive axel needed to be replaced. |
| Sep | 2011 | 75000 | 235 | connection parts on radiator needed to be replaced, they were leaking. brake squeaked when depressed. Fixed by lubing brake assembly (inside driver cabin). |
| Jul | 2012 | 94000 | 1000 | Crack in piece where you put oil in the engine causing oil to leak. Thermostat needed to be replaced. |
| Mar | 2013 | 110000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Explorer in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2006 | 0 | Factory Warranty repair: Rear right passenger door window will not work from the driver's controls. Had to have passenger use the door control to roll window up and down a few times before driver's control would work. Both switches replaced. | |
| Feb | 2006 | 0 | Factory Warranty repair: Rear left passenger door out of alignment and hitting the trim of the step rail. Door was removed and re-installed. Trim had to be buffed, painted, re-glazed where door was hitting it. | |
| Apr | 2007 | 0 | Factory Warranty repair-issue not resolved. Gear shift lock will not release when brake depressed. 2 visits to same dealership; problem not yet resolved. Escalating issue through warranty company. | |
| Oct | 2007 | 21000 | 0 | Selected Transmission/Drivetrain - Difficulty in getting gear shift to engage. 3rd trip to a dealership for this problem. This dealership finally got it right. This time was told that the problem is a 'known problem' at Ford but no recall. Rear passenger, driver side, window would not roll down with either the switch on that door or with the master control. Both switch's replaced. 2nd time to a dealership for this problem, only this dealership replaced the master control as well as the ne |
| Dec | 2011 | 45000 | 700 | Starter went out. Learned this is a known issue in model years through 2006. Ford never issued a recall. |
| Ford Explorer in South Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2009 | 26000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jan | 2010 | 32300 | 550 | Vehicle gave a loud "WHOOSHING" noise when gas pedal pressed and had no working heat. Noticed coolant tank was empty and radiator fluid low. When refilled, the radiator began leaking slowly then profusely. Radiator was replaced. |
| Mar | 2012 | 73000 | 600 | Thermostat housing cracked causing leaks |
| Feb | 2013 | 90000 | 1500 | Replaced pads, Radiator failure, barely made it a mile to the garage. Radiator replaced. This is the 2nd radiator I have had to have replaced. |
| Ford Explorer in Alabama, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Feb | 2011 | 0 | Engine cooling system (radiator, water pump, thermostat, heater core, etc.), repair | |
| Jul | 2011 | 78000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
2006 Ford Explorer 4dr SUV
210-horsepower 4.0L V6 5-speed automatic 4WD w/low range
| Ford Explorer in Texas, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Sep | 2007 | 28000 | First odometer entry | |
| Mar | 2008 | 36500 | 0 | Radiator was replaced under warranty due to a leak |
| Sep | 2009 | 54000 | 295 | Battery went dead, low voltage burned out the 6 cd player so it had to be replaced |
| May | 2013 | 79000 | 245 | Battery died, low voltage damaged the CD changer which had to be replaced. Second time this has happened! |
| Ford Explorer in Florida, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2013 | 78000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2013 | 78000 | 550 | right rear hub bearing started grinding needed it replaced, |
| Ford Explorer in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Nov | 2008 | 0 | Rear defroster not working. 6 hour fix. | |
| Dec | 2008 | 0 | BAd vibration. Dealer performed TSB, still have vibration. 4 visits to dealer and still no fix. Vacuum line issue under the dash. Dealer says its normal to only have air blow out your defrost vents. | |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Maryland, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2011 | 90000 | First odometer entry | |
| Oct | 2012 | 111000 | 2900 | New radiator, rear wheel bearings, and fuel line repair. |
| Dec | 2012 | 115000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Explorer in Ontario, Canada | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2010 | 32240 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2011 | 42160 | 300 | Had the rear hatch repainted due to a rust bubble forming just above the center trim piece with the Ford emblem, another factory issue in my opinion. |
| Oct | 2011 | 43360 | 650 | Had to repair a front differential seal leak. Front brake pad and rotor replacement. |
| Mar | 2012 | 48360 | 0 | Rear wiper stuck in position. I removed the motor assembly and found wiper shaft binding in motor housing due to corrosion. I cleaned out corrosion, greased the housing and shaft and reassembled. Has been working fine since. |
| Apr | 2012 | 48980 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Explorer in South Carolina, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2007 | 25000 | First odometer entry | |
| Aug | 2008 | 35000 | 0 | I was having a difficult time moving the car out of park. There was a TSB for the problem and they replaced the shifter. |
| Apr | 2009 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Missouri, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Dec | 2009 | 37000 | First odometer entry | |
| Feb | 2010 | 39000 | 0 | Leak in sunroof. |
| Mar | 2010 | 40000 | 300 | broken radiator |
| Apr | 2010 | 40000 | 100 | ignition coil malfunction faulty EVAP solenoid and canister; car sold with this unrepaired Heater was blowing cold air when the engine is idling. Not repaired. |
| Ford Explorer in Virgin Islands, U.S. | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Apr | 2011 | 37820 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2011 | 38440 | 2000 | A/C condenser drip shorted shift solenoid in tranny. replaced parts ($950) and labor came out to $1700. moved A/C drip elsewhere. Poor engineering on Ford's part airbag light on. was a fault in electrical. |
| Sep | 2011 | 40920 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
| Ford Explorer in Illinois, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Mar | 2008 | 40000 | First odometer entry | |
| Apr | 2008 | 40000 | 1326 | Radiator leak at 40000 miles. waited for radiator because Ford didn't have any and neither did radiator shop. Ford was out, this tells you they have a problem w/ radiators. there should be a recall. Power steering leak at 39000 miles. Tire air pressure sensor went out at 39000 miles. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in Arizona, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Oct | 2009 | 53000 | First odometer entry | |
| Jun | 2012 | 80000 | 1000 | Replaced Radiator Replaced brake master cylinder |
| Ford Explorer in United Arab Emirates | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Jan | 2008 | 500 | While going off road, broke the hose of the tranny cooler and thus leaking tranny fluid. Had to replace the whole of the radiator/tranny cooler. Disappointed with the positioning of the hoses of the tranny. Tranny cooler should have been a sep unit | |
| Mar | 2009 | 35960 | 0 | A drop in coolant level was noticed and duly informed to the service center. After troubleshooting, a leak in th radiator was found. There is a TSB regarding this and the radiator was replaced free of charge. Hand brake release lever was broken. The hand brake lever was replaced by the dealers. |
| Mar | 2010 | Most recent odometer entry. | ||
| Ford Explorer in New York, United States | ||||
| Month | Year | Odometer (in miles) |
Cost | Problem/Repair Description |
| Aug | 2011 | 65000 | First odometer entry | |
| Sep | 2012 | 77000 | 140 | The wheel sensor went bad, but it is internal, so you have to replace the whole wheel bearing assy. |
| Dec | 2012 | 78000 | Most recent odometer entry. | |
Expert 2006 Ford Explorer Repair Advice
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What People Are Saying about Problems with the 2006 Ford Explorer
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