Fuses And Circuit Breaker problems of the 2000 Ford Explorer

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. The windshield wiper fuse intermittently failed. She replaced the fuse at least four times within two months. The car was parked in front her home when she heard the vehicle alarm going off. She was unable to shut the alarm off with the keyless entry. She found there was smoke coming from the vents of the vehicle. The vents began to melt and she then noticed flames. The fire department was called however she was able to put the fire out before they arrived. The dealer advised her vehicle was not under recall however she found several complaints online pertaining to possible fires and one recall pertaining to the failure of the windshield wiper motor (see NHTSA campaign id number: 00v072000) her vehicle identification number was not included in any of the recalls. No repairs had been made to the vehicle to date. The current and failure mileages were under 125,149. The vehicle identification number was unavailable.

The contact owns a 2000 Ford Explorer. For the past two months, the contact has experienced electrical failure with his vehicle. The instrument panel and headlights do not illuminate, the windshield wipers work intermittently, and the battery is always low. The vehicle was taken to the auto garage, but they were unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on April 8, 2008 and they stated that the headlight and globe wiring were the cause of the failures. The cost of the repair is $800. According to the manufacturer, the dealer informed them that the failure was not under the hood; therefore, they were not responsible. The contact believes that his vehicle is included in NHTSA campaign id number 00v072000 (electrical system:fuses and circuit breakers) and he did not receive a recall notice. The VIN, engine size, and number of cylinders were unknown. The current and failure mileages were 100,000. Updated 05/19/08 updated 05/19/08.

While having a regular inspection consumer was told that vehicle had the same problem as stated in NHTSA' recall 00v072000 concerning electrical system:fuses and circuit breakers. When contacting manufacturer consumer was explained that this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.

The consumer stated that when he got into vehicle and turned windshield wipers on, they did not work and managed to get the vehicle to a dealer. The dealer determined that the generic electronic module (gem) malfunctioned. This caused windshield wipers/ rear defroster/rear lighting/4-wheel drive/ interior lighting, and power windows to malfunction. Recall 00v072000 was issued; however, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.

While driving and putting on turn signal, turn signal failed and smoke started to come from steering column. Dealer notified.

This is a chronic problem affecting electronic (wipers, turn signal, instrumentation).

The turn signal and wiper switch were replaced prior to recall (oov-072) which was probably the reason for failure.

Cruise control and horn has failed possibly due to electrical problems . Also brakes take longer time for vehicle to stop.