I have a 1996 Ford Explorer and two of the freeze plugs popped out during a freeze. One we were able to get to pretty easily--the other one is somewhere in the middle and looks difficult to get to. Will I have to take my entire engine out to replace this? And how much will this cost? I realize this is all my fault and I have learned my lesson. Just tryin to get her running again. Thanks =)

How to remove video:
How To Remove Install Freeze Plugs

and replace:
How To Replace Freeze Plug On GM 4 3 V6 Engine

check for vacumme leak

Most common cause is a internally plugged radiator.
The water and coolant often react negatively to the metals and rubber inside the passageways to clog the radiator over time. If you wish to try to "reverse flush " it yourself, ask "fixya".
Other causes may be: Stuck thermostat, plugged fins of radiator outside, water pump slipping or starting to fail by "freezing up",
loose or slipping serpentine belt, and problem with the engine cooling fan.

The engine in your Ford Explorer has freeze plugs, also called expansion plugs, mounted in the sides of the block. Freeze plugs are supposed to protect the engine block if the water in the engine freezes -- the expanded water is supposed to push out the freeze plug, although that doesn't always happen. Freeze plugs are made of thin steel compared to the engine block, and even with an anti-freeze mixture the plugs can rust out and require replacement.

Read more: How to Replace a Freeze Plug on a 1992 Ford Explorer ' eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7670495_replace-plug-1992-ford-explorer.html#ixzz2IBxfNrjb

you can access a manual at you library or you parts store some freeze plugs are hard to get at you should have a hoist the removal and replacement procedure is important you may want to hire this done

You would need to provide more information for an exact estimate such as auto or manual trans, trans model and engine size. I'll assume it's the most popular 4.0L with an auto trans and 4x4. The book time to remove the transmission (depends on which labor book) is 5.8 hours plus .3 flywheel removal plus approx .5 to replace the plugs. The cooling system will have to be purged of air .8 and the coolant should be replaced. Multiply 7.4 hours times the shop rate example: $99.00 per hour would be approx. $740.00 in labor plus parts. Freeze plugs are cheap and coolant will be approx. $25. Good luck :o)

possible freeze plug in the rear of the engine.

Drain the coolant first. Then remove the old freeze plug by drilling a hole in the center and pop it out. Then put a new freeze plug with RTV around the the edges of the new plug. The best way to install the plug is to get a socket that fits inside the freeze plug to drive the plug in. (Make sure you drive it in straight) otherwise it will leak. This will take about 45 minutes to an hour. The RTV you can buy at a local parts store with the freeze plug.

Could be any of those...try the wires first.

Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/sean_54c3a3dc48a7773c

Did you already tried increasing the idling speed?