13 problems related to ignition have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Right turn signal periodically sticks "on" (not flashing) when commanded and sometimes comes "on" (not flashing) when the ignition is started. If left "ono" (not flashing) for more than 30-45 seconds, smoke comes out of the steering column. The smoke stops as soon as the light goes off.
Immediatly after starting vehicle there was a loud explosion under the hood, then a knocking sound. Vehicle was towed to dealership, a spark plug had blown out, causing damage to engine.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
This vehicle has repeated stalling problems (only accelerating from a stop or from low speeds). This trouble has been reported four times to the dealership and they always say nothing is wrong. On sept 21 my wife was almost hit in the passengers side while pulling into traffic. The vehicle has also stalled once at the dealership with a service tech. Inside. They immediately searched for trouble codes and found none. The problem does not occur often but it occurs when you have to accelerate from a stop or into traffic. I am concerned about the well-being of my family and the dealership is not making any reasonable offers to remedy the problem. Any response would be appreciated.
Periodically vehicle would stall, especially when vehicle is pulling into an interstate. Consumer had taken vehicle to dealership on four different occasions. Dealership only attempted to fix vehicle on the 3rd occasion. Dealership has not been able to recognize the cause or issue a remedy.
While traveling at a 30% grade or more with a 1/4 tank of gas or less engine shut off. Dealer has checked twice, and said that it happened due to design flaw.
When I try to start the truck, the theft light flashes at me and won't allow the truck to start. This has already been towed to the dealer once and they re-programed the theft system. They accused me of sticking another key in the ignition. I am the only one that drives this truck. Thank god, we only have one Ford- this one! I know the difference between a Ford and a gm key. I never stuck any other keys in the ignition. It happened again 6 days after the dealer re-programmed the system. Now I have to have the truck towed again! please help. I think there is a problem. I never know if the truck will start when I drive somewhere.
Stalling - Ford says it's not their responsibility.
Two spark plugs are dead. Yh.
The intermittent hesitation problem has occurred under conditions that have posed safety risks to the occupants of the vehicle. The servicing dealership has been unable to repair due to the intermittent nature of the problem, although there is a manufacturer's technical bulletin for this condition. All confidence in the safety of the vehicle has been lost at this point. Also, I have heard similar complaints from other Ford Explorer owners while waiting at the dealership. I believe that this problem may be widespread.
Multiple severe hesitations on acceleration from stop. Close calls from oncoming traffic 2 times, most recently 8/17/01. When parked in front of home, would not start for 2 days. Towed to a dealer-atchley Ford in omaha. They said could find no problem and started for them ok. Has hesitated twice since then but not stalled. Told by atchley mechanic Explorer does not have ignition problem. Claimed to be no error codes in processor.
Vehicle hesitates when pulling onto the highway. It has been taken to the dealership 14 times for this problem. Dealership was not able to detemine what was causing this problem. This has been an ongoing problem for the last 5 months. Please provide any further information.
Ignition often dies if accelerating from around 20 mph -- as when accelerating from toll booth, or after slowing to turn left or right.