11 problems related to dash wiring have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Cigarette lighter caused wiring harness to burn. Smoke filled the cabin when lighter stuck and immediately turned off vehicle. Afterward several exterior and interior lights stayed on. The rear wipers were also activated.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
1998 Ford Explorer 4wd mileage: 82000. The problem just started yesterday. I noticed no problems with the way the vehicle drives or handles. . . But the 4wd hi and 4wd lo lights on the dashboard periodically (every 5 - 10 minutes) blink 5 times simultaneously. The dash is normal for 5 minutes, and then the lights blink again. This happens repetitively whether driving in town, on the highway, etc. I have had the vehicle in 4wd auto the whole time. I have not used the 4wd very much at all!.
Ford Explorer 98, interior windows, lights, etc. Do not work. Electrial power problems interiorally. Have tried over 5 times over years to have fix by carmax and Ford. Electrical problems would work for 1-2 weeks, had warranty at times. But now warranty is out carmax and Ford stated it a manufactory electical issues.
An electrical fire which originated in dashboard area while vehicle was in park. Prior to fire, if turn signal was left on for an extended period of time, roughly over a minute, smoke would come from dashboard. No investigation has been made to determine cause of fire.
Vehicle lost all power including power steering and power brakes at 70 mph on 4 lane interstate 85/40 without warning. Dealership stated the passenger's foot unknowingly disconnected wiring harness causung engine to stop running. This vehicle has only been serviced by the Ford dealership. The wiring harness should not have been in the position in which it could be disconnected by the passenger.
The transmission would not upshift and I would lose control of the car's accelaeration power until it would slide into gear. The electrical system has got out on me twice while driving. All of the instrument panel zeros out except for the speedometer and tachometer. This problem has still not been fixed.
Windshield wipers don't work and 4-wd dash light flashes when engine is cold and outside temperature is less than 40 deg f. Wipers work ok after engine warms up (about 5 min).
When opening up the door and there was black smoke coming from the vehicle, and the dashboard melted. Consumer did not know why this problem happened.
Ongoing problem with rear windshield wiper failure. On one occasion motor was replaced. Later on, windshield wiper commenced to operate erratically or not at all. Also, noticed instrument panel would get too hot to touch. Dealer notified, and informed consumer that it was normal. Please feel free to provide any further details on both of these matter.
No summary listed for above vehicle.