Wiring problems of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Seven problems related to wiring have been reported for the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac based on all problems reported for the 2002 Explorer Sport Trac.

1 Wiring problem

Failure Date: 08/17/2010

Part # e6db-14489-da. This is a wiring harness connector located in the steering column that becomes unplugged when you tilt steering downward. Result is brakes lights and turn signals no longer function. ** my sister-in-law was nearly rear-ended while waiting to make a turn. This is a major safety issue. Many other people with same issue. Also, have seen similar complaints for other Ford vehicles (taurus). Serious accidents will happen if public is not notified. Dealers charging $200+ to fix.

2 Wiring problem

Failure Date: 02/01/2009

Part # e6db-14489-da. I've googled the issue and found numerous other people with same issue. Faulty connector causing the rear brake lights and turn signals not to work. The wiring comes out of the connector (it's in the steering column).

3 Wiring problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2008

The radio in my truck began to change stations without the button being pressed. Next it would not release cd's and would switch from am to fm to cd and not allow me to power it off. Now the display is completely gone, two cd's are stuck inside, and the radio doesn't work more than 5 minutes without going crazy. My passenger side lights in the rear don't work most of the time but the bulb has been changed. When you move the wire a little it works but then stops again. I believe the wiring is also responsible for the radio problems. I can't remember however, if this has started before or after the truck was taken in for a recall for something else.

4 Wiring problem

Failure Date: 01/03/2007

Vehicle is a 2002 Ford sport trac with approx 42k miles. Began with rapid flashing of left turn signal. Rear turn and brake lamp were inoperable. Replacing bulb had no effect. Found positioning steering column to a higher tilt position corrected malfunction. Removed steering column cover and found 4 wires pulled out of connector on multi-function (turn signal switch). Wires move in and out as column is moved through tilt range. Wires out at bottom of tilt and in at top of tilt range. Removed connector part # e6db-14489-da. 3 connector pin retainers fell out and were recovered. A fourth was found to be in the connector but not retaining it's pin. Connector must be replaced to correct problem. Also the wiring harness is secured above the tilt pivot point of the steering column. I believe the harness is secured with insufficient slack to prevent excessive stress on the connector at the lower positions of the steering column tilt range. I base this on the fact that the 3 pins with broken retainers are on the top row of the connector and would be the most stressed in a lower position of the steering wheel. Also I have over 20 years of aircraft electronics experience as an avionics technician and fully understand proper wire routing procedures. Digital pictures of the connector are available.

5 Wiring problem

Failure Date: 02/03/2006

: the contact stated there is a short in the wiring system causing the vehicle to continually blow fuses. This causes the vehicle taillights and dashboard lights to be inoperable. The dealership was unable to find the source of the problem. Updated 03/03/06.

6 Wiring problem

Failure Date: 01/04/2006

There is a problem in the steering column wiring that after a while causes not only your turn signal and brake light to stop working but in some cases causes problem with air bag as well. . Read more...

7 Wiring problem

Failure Date: 01/08/2005

While being parked vehicle caught on fire. The cause of this was still undetermined.


Other Electrical System related problems of the 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac



Explorer Sport Trac Service Bulletins
Explorer Sport Trac Defect Investigations