12 problems related to wiring have been reported for the 1998 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The contact owns a 1998 Ford Explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-70 mph, the vehicle would loose power but the engine would continue to run. The vehicle would eventually stall but was able to be restarted after several minutes. In addition, the wiper blades would also fail and would not operate as they should when inclement weather arose. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised the contact that the wiring in the entire vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.
1998 Ford Explorer, 5. 0, sn 1fmzu32pxwzb80739, speed control after learning about the fires caused by the speed control on other Ford vehicles I check the '98. Voltage is measured at the speed control disengage switch located on master cylinder. Using a voltage meter I measured 12 volts to this switch with the ignition switch in the off position with the key removed. This indicates that the switch is hot 100% of the time. I have not had a failure yet, but am concerned that this represents a possible failure in the future causing the vehicle to urn up. I have noted that there have been 16 failures and fires on 1998 Ford Explorers do to this problem.
1. My 1998 Ford Explorer XLT burst into flames with absolutely no warning while parked at my daughter's high school parking lot. 2. The vehicle was consumed by flames and is a total loss. The local fire department brought two units to put the fire out. 3. After filing my insurance claim, I researched the problem and found that the Ford Explorer poses a big fire risk. 4. Specifically, my cruise control stopped working 3 months ago and just as been documented by the NHTSA, the defective cruise control caused the electrical fire. 5. I thank my lucky stars nobody was hurt. . . . But if my Explorer had been parked inside my apartment building this incident would have burned down my building. Pls let me know if you require additional documentation or photos.
Vehicle was parked outside of the home and a few minutes later it caught on fire. The fire department was called to extinguish the fire. Vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company.
Vehicle taken to repair shop when the left turn signal did not operate. The result showed that a new computer module was needed. Then, vehicle was driven home when consumer heard a crackling noise coming from inside the steering column. Vehicle returned back to the repair shop, and mechanic determined that there was a problem with the electrical wires in the steering column. Repair was performed by the repair shop.
Electrical fire in steering column. While traveling at highway speeds at night, drive lights went out and steering column was glowing and smell of burnt plastic. Wiring harness, multi-function switch both melted. No after market add on or modifications made to vehicle. Ts.
When making turns, especially right turns, vehicle slides and almost turns over. . Consumer states vehicle is experiencing acceleration problems,and there was a humming noise coming from the engine, signals are not working, dealer replaced a defective connector and multi-function switch, firestone tires have experienced tread separation, which were replaced in July 2001, the rear seats move/bounce when driving, the rear seat belts were inoperative, the dealer replaced the buckles, there was smoke coming from the steering column, dealer replaced the multi-function switch, the windshield was chipped, the alarm would not chut off at times, dealer replaced a bad loose wire.
It started with the rear driver window intermittently not working. Then the lock drop down inside door making the door unable to unlock and open. Also engine stalled. Took to the dealer. They fixed the door but couldn't find anything wrong with the engine or the window. Window worked for them. Brought the truck home that night and while I was driving it the battery light on the dash when on and the battery gauge started fluctuating to the "h" and finally held there. Turned truck off and let sit and everything went back to normal. Didn't reacurr for a couple of days but then started up again. Abs light also started coming on and outside temp gauge started to go crazy. Also engine idle started to surge as the battery gauge surged. This was on a weekend. Took truck back to dealer. They couldn't make it do any of these things. They kept it for 5 days and drove it. Still nothing. They decided to look at the electrical system and found the maxi fuse and wiring system burnt. I asked if it could have caught fire and they said no. However I looked at your web site under consumer complaints and found the several people have complained that their Explorer had caught fire because of the wiring harness. Some of these Explorers were not running at the time of the fire and were parked in a garge. The dealer did replace the fuse and wiring harness however it took 11/2 weeks to get the parts in because they were backordered. Obviously there is a problem with the wiring systems. I also park mine in a garge. I am now worried and afraid to park it in the garge. I have two small children and their safety is my first concern.
Vehicle was parked and consumer looked out of the window and saw the vehicle up in flames. The fire department put out the fire, and they determined that the fire was caused by electrical wire.
While driving vehicle interior lamps/odometer/speedometer, wipers, and power windows went out. Possible cause defective fuse. Dealer's engineers are looking into problem. Dealer repaired wiring.
Wires in steering column failed . Yh.
The dealer/ factory did not fullt tighten the the main power wire in the engine which caused power surges in all electronic equipment. This could result in an accident by consumerloosening power to steering/lights or brakes.