Speed Control Cable problems of the 2000 Ford Explorer

2000 Ford Explorer self ignited after being parked for 4 hours. Also caught car on fire that was in driveway ahead of it, landscaping, tv cable and outside corner of house.

Driver of 2000 Ford Explorer VIN 1fmzu73e84za28126 was driving on i90 e in MA and set speed control. Upon pressing set/accel button to increase by 1-2 mph, vehicle throttle position stuck in accelerating mode bringing the vehicle to approximately 85 mph before braking and downshifting was able to decelerate speed. Only under excessive braking force on pedal was vehicle able to be brought to under 50 mph, at which time the vehicle transmission was put into park just to stop. Driver then called 911 and had vehicle towed to local shop. I have been able to reproduce this issue in controlled conditions. The throttle is fixed in its speed control position (this can be set to maintain speed or fixed in accelerate mode). Braking shuts off the speed control light but does not disengage the throttle. Once vehicle is brought under control and stopped the throttle can be manually released by hand and it snaps back to idle position. Investigation has revealed that this vehicle had been recalled by Ford under 03s03 (NHTSA 03v280000) for a speed control cable replacement. It is apparent this this part failure has occurred again to this vehicle. Further investigation will take place to determine whether the cable in the vehicle is original equipment or a replacement part. Additionally, it is the replacement part we will request investigation why the replacement part failed as well.

While releasing the accelerator pedal the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably. The driver noticed that the accelerator pedal was stuck. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection, and the mechanic determined that the accelerator cable needed to be lubricated. While accelerating, the first 1 inch of the gas pedal would bind resulting in fast acceleration, when the binding stopped, normal acceleration would take place. The cable underneath the dashboard was loose from attaching parts. Dirt build up was in the cable along with a lack of lubrication.

Throttle stuck at full speed resulting in shutting off engine at high speed. Both conditions were at zero degree days. Dealer said they would change cable at my expense.

Cruise control sticks and continues to increase in speed. Application of brake, pressing coast or off switch does not release or stop car from accelerating. Only wat to stop runaway acceleration is to shut off ignition. This problem occurrd three times October 3rd, 16th and 25th. The defective cable was part of a Ford program and was replaced September 5, 2003 and failed after thirteen months.

While driving, the consumer activated the speed control and the vehicle accelerated, and the engine kept surging. The driver could not stop the vehicle. The driver eventually had to turn off the ignition, and the vehicle gradually came to a stop. Recall#03v280000 was performed on the vehicle.