Eight problems related to dash wiring have been reported for the 1997 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Blend door actuator on 97 Ford Explorer eddie bauer is not working properly. Dealership is quoting $1000 to fix it because dash board have to be removed to fix it. I think there should be some sort on recall on this because it is a common problem with this vehicle.
(1) cruise control, normal useage (2) when the cruise control is on for more than five minutes, the cruise control switch controlling accel, coast, resume, on the steering wheel becomes hot. Furthermore, approximately 30% of the time, the vehicle will suddenly accelerate when the coast button is depressed, resulting in two near misses, with temporary loss of control of the vehicle. (3) the failure still exists, however I have not used the cruise control for two months. I had contacted a Ford dealership fully explaining the problem and was told that there was no recall; I would have to take the vehicle in and pay for it.
: the contact stated while driving various speeds the cruise control was inoperative when engaged. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the cruise control switch needed to be replaced. After the cruise control switch replacement, the problem persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who determined the electrical wiring had melted in the interior dash panel area. No fire was seen. After new wiring was installed, the problem was corrected. There was a NHTSA recall, # 05v388000, regarding the vehicle speed control. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 9/22/2006 -.
I was driving the truck on my way home. I had driven 12 miles when I notice smoke coming out of the dash board by the steering column. I pulled over and by the time I grabbed my laptop and walked approximately 10 feet from the vehicle to call for help the truck was filled with black smoke and was on fire. I have pictures of the burndt truck, if you would like to see them. I also still have the burndt truck. I have always felt there was a fault somewhere in the dash on this fire. If you would like to see the pictures or the vehicle that can be arranged.
Faulty gem module caused malfunction of the windshield wipers, 4x4, lights and power windows. Nlm.
Dealer claimed couldn't duplicate. 2nd time-replaced multifunciton switch and flasher. Now ok.
Electronic module failure not an add on component. Please contac john at superior investigations at the above work number for additional information.
In February 1998 the number 40 and 50 began to dim in the speedometer. The dimming has spread troughout the instrument cluster. After several repair attempts the instrument cluster was replaced in October 1998. The new one is worse than the original. The problem has continued to spread. At the present time all numbers in the speedometer are either dim or do not light up. The problem has spread to controls on the steering wheel, controls on the door, and the radio. Controls tht do not light up at all are power window adjuster on door, knob to turn on lights, gauges for controlling the light for off, low, or high, and the knob to adjust dimness of instrumnet cluster. Ford had an engineer to look at March 31, 1999. He concluded no reapirs were needed. The problem worsens daily. I am now going through a case with a dispute settlement board. If that fails I will have to contact an attorney. Ford refuses to make repairs. Rental vehicles I have received from them have the same problem. Ford motor compnay continues to state they have seen no other vehicle produced bythem with this problem. Your database suggests otherwise. I would like the NHTSA to investigate before someone is killed due to this vehicle failure.