Nine problems related to headlights have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Tl-the contact owns a 1998 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that the high beams warning light illuminated continuously even after the engine was shut off. The failure recurred whenever the engine was started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician diagnosed that the headlight module needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unavailable. Pam.
May 20, approximately 03:30am, while driving about 35mph to work in the dark with head lights on; headlights unexpectedly turned off. Luckily that section of the street, had street lights working properly; but, I was approaching an unlit stretch of winding road with a 45mph speed limit. This could have become very dangerous. (dashboard lights were not affected. ) turning the normal headlight switch did not seem to fix the problem. I tried the bright light function, which is part of the turn signal lever. They did not come on at first; however when jiggling the "turn signal lever," I noticed a "looseness in the lever, at the base where it connects to the steering column. " wiggling it, turned the head lights back on, temporarily; but, wiggling from vibration in traffic caused them to turn "off" again. The turn signal lever on the 1998 Ford Explorer is used to control the "bright lights" and also controls windshield wipers. I am not certain; but, I believe I had the turn signal lever assembly repaired several years ago by a Ford dealer in san diego. . . Neither of the dealers I used to have service my vehicle are still in business. I believe the problem with the turn signal lever at that time, had to do with the wipers cutting off unexpectedly; and, eventually, not working all together. First: is this something the government should investigate "before" having the vehicle repaired? second: should Ford be the one investigating this problem? third: should Ford replace the turn lever assembly and provide the labor at their expense? . . . On a personal note, after working for the same company for 12 years and being a workaholic, I just got laid off last week. This expense is definitely going to cost several hundred dollars in parts and labor, when I can least afford it. At this time, I can rule out trying to apply for a night job.
Headlights suddenly stopped working. Side markers and turn signals still work, as do hi-beams when in flash/passing mode. I have replaced the headlight switch, but they still don't work.
Headlights go off unexpectedly while driving. Action to be taken is to have the dealer inspect and repair.
While driving at night at 70 mph headlights fail due to defective switch in steering column.
Consumer was driving in dark and headlights went out, bright and dim. Consumer had to hold turn signal towards him to keep lights on.
Turn signals and high beam indicator lamp failed suddenly. Fuses are good. Rear wiper has never work right. Has not work at all for some time. Always had low rumble when moving. Appears to come from front. ( dot number: tire size: 70r15 100s ).
When traveling over 70 mph the engine check light illuminated on the dashboard. Also, the headlights flashed off and on . Consumer has contacted the dealer. Dealer has replaced parts, problem still occurs. Please provide any further details.
Head light inspection plastic flap cracked. Yh.