Three problems related to fuses and circuit breaker have been reported for the 2002 Ford Explorer. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Ford Explorer based on all problems reported for the 2002 Explorer.
Vehicle stalled at low speed of 5 mph or less while driving. Vehicle was towed to the dealer, who replaced # 41 fuse under the hood. Within a few days the problem recurred on 4 separate occasions. Dealer was unable to duplicate the problem.
13jan03-rear windshield washer inoperative reinstall rear washer hoses. 5nov03-clicking noise from rear a/c; replace motor assembly temperature blend. 5nov03&13nov03-l/r power mirrors inop; fuse blows; replaced mirror rear view outside sail mount 13nov03-fuel guage inop read 1/2 tank but tank was full; 20nov03-instrument cluster fuel gauge inop; 24nov03-removed and replaced instrument cluster; 18mar04-fuel guage inop & l/r power mirrors inop, fuse blows; could not duplicate problem at this time about fuel guage; tested bce for short, traced to mirror switch, replaced switch and blown fuse; 20 July 04-l/r power mirrors inop; replaced fuse; 20 July 04 - rear winshield washer inop; access washer hose and reconnect; 20 July 04- air conditioner not cooling properly; replaced blower motor for poor operation; motor assembly-heater-a/c blower replaced. 20 July 04 - mechanics broke the drivers door switch cover- 23 July 04 -reordered door panel and replaced drivers door switch cover.
Trailer towing wiring is fused at 40 amps to the trailer plug. A short in the signal wiring caused the trailer wiring insulation to melt off before the fuse blew. I was fortunate to have it happen with my boat trailer where the wiring is enclosed in the iron channel of the trailer. Had this been a camper, it could have caused a fire. The wires going to the trailer plug should be fused at 7. 5 amps as in previous model Explorers. See the email I recently copied your department for full explanation of this incident. This problem exists in the 2002 and 2003 Explorers and possible other Ford products.