Dash Wiring Problems of Ford Explorer - part 1

Cigarette lighter caused wiring harness to burn. Smoke filled the cabin when lighter stuck and immediately turned off vehicle. Afterward several exterior and interior lights stayed on. The rear wipers were also activated.

See all problems of the 1998 Ford Explorer 🔎.

The contact owns a 1996 Ford Explorer. The contact started the vehicle and turned on the heater. He walked to his mailbox and returned to find smoke coming from the center console of the vehicle. All of a sudden, flames appeared from the console. He retrieved a fire extinguisher to douse the fire. The entire dashboard and underneath caught fire and he believed that the wiring harness under the dashboard may have been the cause of the fire. He did not contact the fire department or the manufacturer to report the fire, but he did contact his insurance company. The failure and current mileages were 143,000. Updated 07/29/08 updated 07/29/08.

See all problems of the 1996 Ford Explorer 🔎.

2002 Explorer has 83,500 miles. Discovered that the 4x4 system would not engage. Ganley Ford replaced the control module that communicates with the 4x4 system at a total cost of $577. 00. The part alone was $293. 00. Explanation as to why the balance of the labor was so high was "the control module is difficult to reach up under the dash". Why is that my problem? I had also purchased the gold plan warranty and this part was not covered. Ford's gold plan in my opinion is useless. I will never purchase another Ford product again!.

See all problems of the 2002 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Running and tail lights not working. Tail and running lights will not come on with use of manual or automatic light controls. Found blown fuse and replaced fuse. Fuse failed again when attempting to turn on running and tail lights. Brake and turning lights work. Dealers service writer reported that inspection found under the dash "Smart junction box" faulty and a second 2007 Explorer was in the shop that day for the same reason.

See all problems of the 2007 Ford Explorer 🔎.

I have a 2002 Ford Explorer. When it started to get very cold, my Explorer, that I just bought, started to not want to go into gear. It would grind and slip. There was a clicking sound coming from under the dash. It was from the computer that runs the 4 wheel drive. The 4 low button would just kick in by its self. Then it would not go into gear. After a while of trying to get it into gear it would go. It would only act up when it was very cold out (10 to -5 degrees) it did this to me for about a week and then it just stuck into 4 low and now won't come out. There was a smell this last time of burning electrical wire and smoke. Now my Explorer won't drive and has a electrical smoke smell stuck in it. I now have to have it towed to a Ford dealer to get it fixed. It also makes a really loud popping sound when I go to turn or hit a bump. Sound comes from the front of the Explorer drivers side.

Blend door actuator on 97 Ford Explorer eddie bauer is not working properly. Dealership is quoting $1000 to fix it because dash board have to be removed to fix it. I think there should be some sort on recall on this because it is a common problem with this vehicle.

See all problems of the 1997 Ford Explorer 🔎.

We were involved in a motor vehicle accident on the below date. A person went through a red light and hit our 2003 Ford Explorer on the right rear wheel area at approx 40 mph. There was over $ 6,000 in damage on our vehicle. When our vehicle was released to us from the body shop 6 weeks later, our heater, when turned on was making a loud banging sound. It sounded like something was knocked loose from the impact. It is now April 2007, and we have been trying to get our insurance company to fix this. We took our 2003 Ford to capital Ford in carson city, nevada where we bought 3 new Ford vehicles. Capital Ford told the insurance company that this is a common problem with this vehicle. Allstate , our insurance company told us that we would have to pay "at our own expense" to take the dash apart on this vehicle to see if this was accident related, at 10 hours labor at $ 90 per hour! I have checked all recalls with this vehicle, and called Ford directly, and have found no problem with this heater. Please help us!.

See all problems of the 2003 Ford Explorer 🔎.

On starting the engine on my Ford Explorer, an alarm sounded and stated a light malfunction. I checked all the lights and they were ok. Later, I was stopped at an intersection with my left turn signal on and the brakes applied. I then noticed a puff of smoke rise from around the emergency light switch from the steering column. I then noted that the turn signal was not working. The smoke stopped when I turned off the turn signal but when I turned it back on, there was another puff of smoke from the top of the steering columb.

See all problems of the 1999 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Headlight switch and wiring harness burnt. Car was parked, not running or lights on. Car filled full of smoke. Was lucky it did not set the car on fire.

I have the same switch for cruise control operation on my 1999 Ford Explorer and am afraid that one day I will have a fire caused by its failure. This failure was reported on cnn on June 16, 2005. Will there be a recall?.

While driving down rt. 10 in whippany,NJ my '99 Ford Explorer caught on fire. Elieve it was an electrical fire - fire was behind the dash board. I saw flames coming from the passenger side on the floor and the car quickly filled up with smoke. I pulled off the road - called 911 - police and fire truck assisted me.

(1) cruise control, normal useage (2) when the cruise control is on for more than five minutes, the cruise control switch controlling accel, coast, resume, on the steering wheel becomes hot. Furthermore, approximately 30% of the time, the vehicle will suddenly accelerate when the coast button is depressed, resulting in two near misses, with temporary loss of control of the vehicle. (3) the failure still exists, however I have not used the cruise control for two months. I had contacted a Ford dealership fully explaining the problem and was told that there was no recall; I would have to take the vehicle in and pay for it.

While driving the vehicle consumer states that smoke comes from the dash where the hazard light is. It gives off a unpleasant smell, and then it goes a way. Please provide any further information.

See all problems of the 2001 Ford Explorer 🔎.

Vehicle was parked in public lot while visiting local store. Original driver attempted to start vehicle but was unsuccessful due to apparent loss of all electrical. Original driver noticed some smoke and/or smell of smoke from behind console. Driver immediately turned key to off position and called spouse to report failure. Spouse inspected battery cables and battery viewing eye with no findings of failure or loose cables. Spouse entered vehicle inspecting position of gear shift lever and transmission indicator for proper park position with no unusual findings. Spouse turned key to start position which produced what appeared was an electrical short under center console directly under beverage and misc holder. Spouse turned key back to off position immediately then smoke started coming from under that area of center console. Spouse removed rubber liner with screwdriver which exposed pin hole with sparks shooting outward which in turn produced a fire in the center console. Spouse attempted to stop fire with no success then exited vehicle to break off red cable at battery termination in attempt to stop fire. Original driver called on help at ups store directly in front of vehicle parked location. Employee from ups reached vehicle with fire extingiusher and stopped fire from spreading to other areas of vehicle. Vehicle was towed to champion Ford dealership within 1 1/2 hours after incident. Dealer reported findings on June 10th to vehicle owners. Dealer investigation claims unsuccessful in identifing cause of fire. Estimated cost is 1,500 $. Vehicle owners are attempting to contact Ford management to cover full cost of damged due to defective vehicle electrical system.

: the contact stated while driving various speeds the cruise control was inoperative when engaged. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined the cruise control switch needed to be replaced. After the cruise control switch replacement, the problem persisted. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who determined the electrical wiring had melted in the interior dash panel area. No fire was seen. After new wiring was installed, the problem was corrected. There was a NHTSA recall, # 05v388000, regarding the vehicle speed control. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The manufacturer was alerted. Updated 9/22/2006 -.

I had my Explorer parked in my driveway, I was walking past it and heard a buzzing/humming sound from the front end. The car was not started though it was making this noise. I called the dealer and asked for service and asked them to hear the noise over the phone. The call was passed around the department and no one could figure it out. I was told to turn the car off and to their surprise I said I had not turned it on. The said bring it in immediately but before we hung up they wanted to see it if would start. It did, we hung up & I was on my way. On the drive there, the buzzing would stop when I would step on the brake, turn on the turn indicator or hit the hazards (didn't need them, just figured I would try them). At the dealership, everyone came out to experience this noise. I have been their customer who brings problems to them before the masses. The technician tried to stop the noise by changing out the fuses, which wasn't the problem. I ended up waiting about an hour while they unassembled the dash to find a short in the steering column. An electronic sensor was having a meltdown. I ended up leaving the Explorer with them while they ordered the new peice. The service rep also didn't want me with the vehicle since it was a fire hazard as well. They took care of it and I have not heard of any other owners who have experinced this.

My 2000 Ford Explorer radio lcd no longer work the radio works fine I just can not tell what time or what station id numbers are.

See all problems of the 2000 Ford Explorer 🔎.

While at a light driver noticed white smoke coming out of the dashboard where the hazard light is located. Air conditioning was then turned off, and after a few minutes the smoke stopped.

Vehicle brought to dealer after craking noises behind dash and driver pillar. Found 15 plus bolts loose, hoses installed incorrectly, all panels/door/grills assembly on vehicle front and rear are dropped or racked out of alignment. Dealer unable to conclude why so many defects exist. Dt.

No summary listed for above vehicle.

At times my left turn signal when engaged doesnt work and at this time I notice smoke coming out of steering collumn,this has something to do with pressing the brakes, sometimes when I depress it works then goes off when pressing a second time, also display on stereo works part time only maybe one out of every ten drives.

The vehicle unexpectedly caught fire while it was parked. Results showed that there was a shortage with the cruise control switch. Two independant cause & origin reports found the fire to have started under the dash board on the drivers side. Bruce york has the c&o reports.

1998 Ford Explorer 4wd mileage: 82000. The problem just started yesterday. I noticed no problems with the way the vehicle drives or handles. . . But the 4wd hi and 4wd lo lights on the dashboard periodically (every 5 - 10 minutes) blink 5 times simultaneously. The dash is normal for 5 minutes, and then the lights blink again. This happens repetitively whether driving in town, on the highway, etc. I have had the vehicle in 4wd auto the whole time. I have not used the 4wd very much at all!.

Ford Explorer 98, interior windows, lights, etc. Do not work. Electrial power problems interiorally. Have tried over 5 times over years to have fix by carmax and Ford. Electrical problems would work for 1-2 weeks, had warranty at times. But now warranty is out carmax and Ford stated it a manufactory electical issues.

I was driving the truck on my way home. I had driven 12 miles when I notice smoke coming out of the dash board by the steering column. I pulled over and by the time I grabbed my laptop and walked approximately 10 feet from the vehicle to call for help the truck was filled with black smoke and was on fire. I have pictures of the burndt truck, if you would like to see them. I also still have the burndt truck. I have always felt there was a fault somewhere in the dash on this fire. If you would like to see the pictures or the vehicle that can be arranged.

An electrical fire which originated in dashboard area while vehicle was in park. Prior to fire, if turn signal was left on for an extended period of time, roughly over a minute, smoke would come from dashboard. No investigation has been made to determine cause of fire.

Faulty gem module caused malfunction of the windshield wipers, 4x4, lights and power windows. Nlm.

When I entered my truck I smell a sulfur burning smell, when I started the truck I noticed the interior dome light lit and smoke pouring out of the socket assembly.

Vehicle lost all power including power steering and power brakes at 70 mph on 4 lane interstate 85/40 without warning. Dealership stated the passenger's foot unknowingly disconnected wiring harness causung engine to stop running. This vehicle has only been serviced by the Ford dealership. The wiring harness should not have been in the position in which it could be disconnected by the passenger.

The transmission would not upshift and I would lose control of the car's accelaeration power until it would slide into gear. The electrical system has got out on me twice while driving. All of the instrument panel zeros out except for the speedometer and tachometer. This problem has still not been fixed.

I was traveling at 3:00am on a freeway I was traveling about 70mph when the rear right tire began to shake I pulled to the right because my car began to lose control. I looked at the tire it was shredded. The tire was barely attached to the rim. This was a brand new car I knew something was wrong I called the dealer he said to contact firestone I took the tire in for inspection he could not find any reason for the rupture so I had to purchase a new tire. On 7/22/00 I had another tire go flat same area of the car the tire had a puncture in it I replaced it again. ( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 ).

Dealer claimed couldn't duplicate. 2nd time-replaced multifunciton switch and flasher. Now ok.

All problems are electrical:wipers/washer failed-transmission shifted erratically-4wd failed to engage. After connector repairs, replacing 3 wire harnesses and pcm, problem has apparently been fixed--for now. Wiper/4wd problems appear related to gem (general electronics module) and wiring harnesses. Transmission shifting problems associated with pcm (powertrain control module). This problem occurred at 1150 and 2500 miles including 3 different visits to service dept. Vehicle out of service nearly 3 weeks in 2 1/2 months of ownership.

The windsheild wipers begin running without the controls being activated. This will happen 2-3 times in a 30 minute driving period and can be associated with using the left turn signal, but also occuring at random intervals. It has been two weeks since I attempted to have it repaired and it is waiting for parts. This causes quite a distraction.

Replaced all four tires at costco after tread comming off front tires exposing metal, spare tire still a firestone. ( dot number: tire size: p235/75r15 ).