COMPONENT SPOTLIGHT

Ford Explorer electrical problems

2,242 distinct owner reports with an electrical-system component in this snapshot.

Includes the electrical-system component and its detailed subcategories. Related recalls and investigations must also name this component; they are not linked by narrative keyword alone.

44 crash reports312 fire reports36 injury reports

Reports by model year

Recall and investigation columns show each year’s full history. A report naming several years can appear in more than one row.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

246

0–25K

179

25–50K

194

50–75K

154

75–100K

198

100–150K

123

150K+

1,094 reports with mileage · 1,148 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What owners actually said

2,242 reports

2008 model year · 156,000 miles · May 17, 2017

Electrical SystemPower Train

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 FORD EXPLORER. AT ANY GIVEN MOMENT, WHETHER THE VEHICLE WAS IDLING OR MOVING, THE SERVICE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER. THE CONTACT WOULD HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL THE VEHICLE'S COMPUTER SYSTEM REBUILT ITSELF IN ORDER FOR THE POWER TO RETURN SO THE VEHICLE COULD BE FUNCTIONAL. THE CONTACT'S HUSBAND, A CERTIFIED MECHANIC, REBUILT THE TRANSMISSION AND RECONFIGURED THE WIRING ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. A CERTIFIED MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE'S PCM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 156,000.

NHTSA ODI #10986239

2013 model year · 72,000 miles · May 2, 2017

Electrical SystemSteering

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE MAKING LEFT OR RIGHT TURNS, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT TO INSPECT AND DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILU…

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NHTSA ODI #10983122

2014 model year · Mileage unknown · May 2, 2017

Electrical System

DOOR AJAR INDICATOR STAY ON ALTHOUGH THE DOORS ARE CLOSED.

NHTSA ODI #10983058

2013 model year · 35,000 miles · Apr 28, 2017

Electrical System

WHEN SHIFTING TO PARK, THE VEHICLE WILL NOT REGISTER THAT CAR IS IN PARK. I.E. THE P WILL NOT LIGHT UP AND IF YOU TURN CAR OFF IT WILL BEEP TELLING YOU TO SHIFT TO PARK. IN MY 2001 EXPLORER IT WOULD GET STUCK SHIFTING TO PARK AS WELL. SEEMS TO BE A VEHICLE ISSUE BECAUSE BOTH VEHICLES HAVE DIFFERENT SHIFTING MECHANISMS. HAPPEN…

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NHTSA ODI #10981226

2014 model year · 51,400 miles · Apr 24, 2017

Electrical System

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DRIVER'S DOOR AJAR WARNING IS ACTIVATED AND NO DOOR IS AJAR. THIS VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC LOCKING DOORS, WHICH DO NOT LOCK AS A RESULT. I AM AWARE THAT FORD HAS BEEN GIVEN A PASS ON RECALLS FOR THIS BUT THIS IS A PROBLEM KNOWN TO FORD SINCE 2011. I BELIEVE FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO MAKE REPAIRS, EVEN AFTER THE NEW CAR WARRANTY IS EXPIRED.THIS IS AN OBVIOUS MFG DEFECT, AND THE MFG SHOULD BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. I IMAGINE FORD HAS BEEN GIVEN A PASS ON RECALLS BECAUSE THEY NEGOTIATED A DEAL, AND PROBABLY INDICATED THEY WOULD REPAIR ALL REPORTED DEFECTS RATHER THAN HAVE A COMPLETE RECALL OF ALL MODELS USING THIS SAME WARNING SYSTEM, WITH THE SAME PARTS. THE LOCAL DEALER TOLD ME FORD WILL REPAIR AS NECESSARY FOR CARS UNDER WARRANTY, BUT NOT AFTER WARRANTY PERIOD. THIS DEFECT AFFECTS SEVERAL MODELS OF FORD VEHICLES, FOR SEVERAL KNOWN YEARS, AND FORD SHOULD BE REQUIRED TO REPLACE THE DEFECT, FOR ALL MODELS, FOR ALL YEARS, AS LONG AS THE PROBLEM MANIFESTS ITSELF IN OPERATING VEHICLES MANUFACTURED BY FORD.TO MY KNOWLEDGE, THERE HAVE BEEN MORE THAN 2700 SIMILAR COMPLAINTS, AND MORE THAN 33,000 WARRANTY CLAIMS.THAT'S OVER 35,000 KNOWN DEFECTIVE VEHICLES, WHICH DOES NOT INCLUDE THOS THAT OWNERS HAVE SIMPLY HAD REPAIRED WITHPOUT COMPLAINT.

NHTSA ODI #10980129

2014 model year · 61,500 miles · Apr 24, 2017

Electrical System

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THE ELECTRIC MOONROOF STOPPED WORKING AND WOULD NOT OPEN. THE SUN SHADE WOULD PARTIALLY CLOSE. WE CHANGED THE FUSE BUT THE MOONROOF STILL WOULD NOT WORK. SO WERE LEAVING IT ALONE UNTIL THE WEATHER WARMED UP. THIS MORNING I WENT OUT TO GO TO WORK AND MY MOONROOF WAS STANDING OPEN AND MY CAR WAS STANDING IN WATER AND LEAVES. NO ONE HAD DRIVEN THE CAR IN 3 DAYS. I AM A 50+ YEAR OLD FEMALE AND TRY TO BE VERY PARTICULAR WITH MY VEHICLE. I RARELY USE THE MOONROOF ITSELF, BUT I DO OPEN THE SUN SHIELD AT TIMES IN THE PAST. I DO NOT KNOW HOW THE MOONROOF OPENED, IF THERE WAS A POWER SURGE OR WHAT??? I HAVE SEARCHED THE INTERNET THIS MORNING AND FOUND THIS HAD HAPPENED TO OTHER INDIVIDUALS.

NHTSA ODI #10980070

2017 model year · 500 miles · Apr 21, 2017

Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2017 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEY OBSERVED AN ABNORMAL ODOR OF FUMES THROUGHOUT THE VENTS. IN ADDITION, THE CONTACT STATED THE ODOR WAS SO ABSORBENT THAT IT CAUSED HEADACHES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WA…

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NHTSA ODI #10979739

2017 model year · 1,000 miles · Apr 19, 2017

Electrical System

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PROBLEMS WITH FORD SYNC 3 SYSTEM WHILE DRIVING: 1) NAVIGATION SYSTEM SHOWS INCORRECT LOCATION, AND DOES NOT PROVIDE GUIDANCE. CAR MUST BE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, AND RESTARTED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. 2) MOBILE PHONE SHOW CONNECTED AFTER STARTING THE CAR, SHORTLY THERE AFTER DISCONNECTS AND MAKES HANDS FREE OPERATION IMPOSSIBLE. CAR MUST BE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, AND RESTARTED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. 3) SYSTEM COMPLETELY FREEZES RENDERING OPERATION OF ALL CAR SYSTEMS & DISPLAYS INOPERABLE. CAR MUST BE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, AND RESTARTED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. 4) SYSTEM CONNECT TO PHONE BUT CERTAIN FUNCTIONS ARE UNAVAILABLE. MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS TO OPERATE CERTAIN FUNCTIONS DON'T WORK CAR MUST BE PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, TURNED OFF FOR A PERIOD OF TIME, AND RESTARTED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THESE ISSUES ARE ALL INTERMITTENT. I HAVE VIDEOS THAT ARE TOO LARGE TO ATTACH THAT DOCUMENT THE PROBLEMS ABOVE.

NHTSA ODI #10979284

2013 model year · 48,000 miles · Apr 17, 2017

Electrical SystemSteering

I WAS DRIVING MY 2013 FORD EXPLORER WHEN I WENT TO MAKE A TURN AND THE WHEEL FROZE WITHOUT WARNING. THE ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING FAILED AND I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE STEERING RACK AND IT WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY.

NHTSA ODI #10978827

2014 model year · 90,000 miles · Apr 17, 2017

Electrical SystemEngine

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WHEN THERE IS A HEAVY RAIN THE SERPENTINE BELT SQUEALS AT VARIOUS MOMENTS, FOR SHORT PERIODS OF TIME. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE IN 2014 , BUT DEALERSHIP SAID IT WAS A KNOWN ISSUE AND THERE WAS NOTHING THEY COULD DO ABOUT IT. THEY SAID IT WAS DUE TO THE BELT GETTING WET AND FORD DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO PREVENT IT FROM HAPPENING, AND THAT IT OCCURS ON OTHER FORD TRUCKS TOO. MY OTHER ISSUE HAS STARTED RECENTLY HAPPENING TO WHEN IT RAINS HEAVILY, THE "LOW BATTERY FEATURES TEMPOR. TURNED OFF" NOTIFICATION COMES ON AND MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP BRIEFLY WHILE DRIVING. I CHECKED MY BATTERY CONNECTS AS THE MANUAL SAYS TO DO AND THEY ARE FINE. THIS ONLY OCCURS DURING HEAVY RAIN AND IT HAPPENS AT VARIOUS TIMES DURING DRIVING. IT NEVER JUST STAYS ON, BUT WILL TURN ON AND GO OFF AT DIFFERENT TIMES DURING THE DRIVE IN THE HEAVY RAIN. SEEMS LIKE SOMETHING IS GETTING WET CAUSING A SHORTAGE, BUT EITHER WAY ITS DANGEROUS WHEN MY STEERING WHEEL LOCKS UP.

NHTSA ODI #10978786

Related Official recalls

26V165000 · Back Over Prevention:software; Electrical System:adas

Mar 18, 2026

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Lincoln Navigator, 2024-2025 Lincoln Nautilus, 2025 Lincoln Aviator and Explorer vehicles. The Image Processing Module A (IPMA) may experience multiple unexpected resets, resulting in loss of the rearview camera image and advanced driver assistance (ADAS) features, including pre-collision assist, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/2026. Phase 4 will include 2024 Nautilus will notify owners on or about 6/22/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S21. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 25, 2026.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Back Over Prevention:software

Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: The Image Processing Module A software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. This is a Phased campaign. Phase 1 will include 2025 Aviator, 2025 Explorer, 2025 Nautilus notified owners on 4/13/2026. Phase 2 will include 2025 Navigator will notify owners on or about 4/20/2026. Phase 3 will include 2022-2024 Navigator will notify owners on or about 6/8/2026. Phase 4 will include 2024 Nautilus will notify owners on or about 6/22/2026. Owner notification letters were mailed April 13, 2026. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 26S21. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will be searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning March 25, 2026.

Electrical System:adas

Consequence: Loss of the rearview camera image and certain driver assistance features, can reduce the driver’s ability to detect hazards, increasing the risk of a crash.

24V685000 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Hybrid Propulsion System

Sep 13, 2024

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2024 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.3L Hybrid engines. The 12-Volt battery cable may chafe against the Belt-integrated Starter Generat (BiSG) and short circuit.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S61.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Hybrid Propulsion System

Consequence: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will install a tie strap between the battery cable and high voltage cable, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 24S61.

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

Consequence: A short circuit increases the risk of a fire.

23V686000 · Back Over Prevention:display Function; Electrical System:wiring

Oct 13, 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2023 Explorer vehicles equipped with a standard rearview camera. Due to a manufacturing error in the wire harness, the rearview camera may display a blue image on the SYNC screen when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera wire harness and repair any loose splices, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C31.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Back Over Prevention:display Function

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rearview camera wire harness and repair any loose splices, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 2, 2023. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 23C31.

Electrical System:wiring

Consequence: A rearview camera that does not properly display an image can reduce the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.

23V626000 · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

Sep 8, 2023

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Lincoln Aviator and Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 3.0L PHEV engines. A manufacturing defect in one or more of the high voltage battery cells may result in an internal short circuit and battery failure.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Battery failure can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Battery failure can also increase the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Dealers will perform a Battery Energy Control Module (BECM) diagnostic test and replace the high voltage battery pack, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on April 8, 2024. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford Motor Company's number for this recall is 23S53.

19V687000 · Electrical System:wiring

Sep 30, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Ford Explorer vehicles equipped with 2.3L or 3.3L engines. The wiring harness may not have been properly secured and may contact the air conditioner compressor (A/C) pulley, potentially damaging the harness or the A/C belt.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The A/C pulley may rub through the wiring harness insulation and contact the unfused battery positive wire, resulting in a short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will install a tie strap to the wiring harness at the hand shock tower clip, free of charge. The recall began October 21, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19S32.

19V575000 · Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel; Parking Brake; Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

Aug 5, 2019

Ford Motor Company (Ford) is recalling certain 2020 Explorer and Lincoln Aviator vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) cover may not be installed. In addition, the vehicles may be in Factory Mode, which disables warning alerts and does not display the transmission gear selected. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) numbers 114, "Theft Prevention" and 102, "Trans Shift Lever Seq/Starter Interlock/Trans Braking Effect."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C06.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Parking Brake

Consequence: Without the cover, the MPR lever may be unintentionally moved, allowing the vehicle to roll away. Being in Factory Mode, the vehicle will not display warnings and/or gear selection on the instrument cluster. Both conditions increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Ford will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, install a MPR cover. Dealers will verify the instrument cluster is not in Factory Mode and clear any fault codes, free of charge. The recall began August 23, 2019. Owners may contact Ford customer service at 1-866-436-7332. Ford's number for this recall is 19C06.

Electrical System: Instrument Cluster/panel

Power Train:automatic Transmission:gear Position Indication (prndl)

00V072000 · Electrical System:wiring:fuses And Circuit Breakers

Mar 7, 2000

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 4.0L ENGINES AND ALL-TIME 4-WHEEL DRIVE (A4WD) POWERTRAINS. THE GENERIC ELECTRONIC MODULE (GEM) COULD EXPERIENCE A CONDITION REFERRED TO AS "LOCK-UP" IN WHICH THE GEM CONTROLLED ELECTRONIC FUNCTIONS (E.G., FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS, INTERIOR LIGHTS, 4X4 SYSTEM, ETC.) COULD NOT BE TURNED ON OR, IN SOME CASES IF THE FUNCTION IS ON, COULD NOT BE TURNED OFF.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: AN INOPERATIVE WINDSHIELD WIPER SYSTEM COULD AFFECT DRIVER VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A RESISTOR IN THE GEM CIRCUIT.

97V215000 · Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module

Nov 24, 1997

VEHICLE DESCRIPTION: MULTI-PURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLES, EDDIE BAUER AND LIMITED EDITIONS. THE KEY-IN-IGNITION/DOOR OPEN WARNING CHIME MAY NOT FUNCTION WHEN THE DOOR IS OPENED. THIS DOES NOT FULLY COMPLY WITH FMVSS NO. 114, "THEFT PROTECTION."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: THE STANDARD SPECIFIED THAT A WARNING TO THE DRIVER SHALL BE ACTUATED WHENEVER THE KEY HAS BEEN LEFT IN THE LOCKING SYSTEM AND THE DRIVER'S DOOR IS OPENED.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A JUMPER WIRE TO PROVIDE THE NECESSARY GROUND CIRCUIT IN THESE VEHICLES.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

Related NHTSA investigations

EA05005 · Engine Compartment Fires

Opened Mar 22, 2005 · Closed Aug 2, 2006

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

EA05-005 IS CLOSED WITH FORD?S ACTIONS IN RECALLS 05V-017, 05V-388, AND 06V-286, RECALLING APPROXIMATELY 6.7 MILLION VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TEXAS INSTRUMENTS SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCHES (SCDS).THE BRAKE SYSTEMS IN THESE RECALLED VEHICLES GENERATE A VACUUM THAT CAN POTENTIALLY CAUSE THE SCDS TO FAIL AND, IN CERTAIN SWITCH INSTALLATION ORIENTATIONS, CATCH FIRE.FORD IS ALSO INCLUDING THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF 1998 EXPLORERS.FORD HAS INFORMED ODI THAT TESTING TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF FAILURES IN THE 1998 EXPLORERS WILL CONTINUE AFTER THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.ODI BELIEVES THAT THE VEHICLES EXHIBITING THE FACTORS CAUSING SCDS FAILURE DESCRIBED IN THIS REPORT CORRELATE WELL WITH THE OBSERVED FAILURE RATES ON THESE VEHICLES BY MODEL AND MODEL YEAR.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST IN THE NON-RECALLED VEHICLES MANUFACTURED WITH SCDS THAT ARE NOT INCLUDED IN FORD?S RECALLS.ODI WILL CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE NON-RECALLED POPULATION FOR INCIDENCE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES.SEE ATTACHED CLOSING REPORT FOR DETAILS.

Additional source detail variants (21)

Electrical System

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

PE97010 · Electrical Fire In Center Console

Opened Mar 13, 1997 · Closed Sep 4, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

THIS INVESTIGATION REVEALED THAT CONSOLE FIRES IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES MOST OFTEN OCCURRED WHILE VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE LAMP OUTAGE MODULE (LOM), WHICH IS PART OF THE MESSAGE CENTER, WERE TOWING A TRAILER AND WHICH HAD BEEN MODIFIED BY ADDING AN AFTERMARKET TRAILER WIRING HARNESS INTO THE VEHICLE'S TAILLIGHT CIRCUITS.THE OWNER'S MANUAL STATES NEVER AND MORE THAN OTHER TRAILER LIGHT BULB TO ONE CIRCUIT HOWEVER TRAILERS FREQUENTLY CONTAIN SEVERAL BULBS.THE RESULTING EXCESS CURRENT PASSING THROUGH THE LOM COULD CAUSE IT TO OVERHEAT RESULTING IN A FIRE.PROPER AFTERMARKET INSTALLATION OF TRAILER WIRING REQUIRES THE USE OF A BYPASS MODULE, WHICH OBTAINS POWER FOR THE TRAILER LIGHTS DIRECTLY FROM THE BATTERY RATHER THAN FROM THE VEHICLE'S TAIL LIGHT AND STOP LAMP CIRCUITS, OR THE USE OF THE MANUFACTURER'S WIRING HARNESS.IN A LETTER DATED SEPTEMBER 2, 1997, FORD NOTIFIED ODI THAT IT INTENDS TO TAKE ACTION TO PRECLUDE FURTHER INCIDENTS INCLUDING ISSUING A TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN TO ITS DEALERS, NOTIFYING TRAILER RENTAL ASSOCIATIONS AND AGENCIES WHERE KNOWN, AND ADVISING OWNERS BY LETTER OF THE PROPER METHOD FOR CONNECTION OF TRAILER TOW WIRING ON THE SUBJECT VEHICLES.THERE WAS NO DEFECT TREND IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES IDENTIFIED AS A RESULT OF THIS INVESTIGATION, AND FURTHER EXPENDITURE OF AGENCY RESOURCES IS NOT WARRANTED TO CONTINUE THE INVESTIGATION.

PE96066 · Driver Door Electrical Fire

Opened Nov 22, 1996 · Closed May 15, 1997

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

THE CONTACT ASSEMBLY FOR THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH MAY DEVELOP A SHORT CIRCUIT BETWEEN THE SWITCH POSITIVE PAD AND CHASSIS GROUND PAD AS A RESULT OF WATER INTRUSION.EXCESS CURRENT FLOW RESULTING FROM THE SHORT CIRCUIT CONDITION MAY OVERHEAT THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH CIRCUIT BOARD AND CAUSE A FIRE IN THE DRIVER'S DOOR.FORD HAS INDICATED THAT CURRENT IN EXCESS OF 15 AMPS CAN OVERHEAT THE CIRCUIT BOARD ENOUGH TO CAUSE A FIRE.CIRCUIT PROTECTION IS PROVIDED BY A 30 AMP FUSE.FORD IS RECALLING ALL 1993-94 4-DOOR EXPLORER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH THE SUBJECT ELECTRONIC OPTION COMBINATION TO INSTALL AN IN-LINE 10 AMP FUSE IN THE POSITIVE BATTERY FEED TO THE REMOTE POWER MIRROR CONTROL SWITCH ASSEMBLY.NO 2-DOOR EXPLORER VEHICLES WERE BUILT WITH THE SUBJECT COMPONENTS.ACCORDING TO FORD, VEHICLES BUILT PRIOR TO THE RECALL PRODUCTION RANGE WERE EQUIPPED WITH LOWER CAPACITY CIRCUIT BOARDS FOR THE SUBJECT SWITCH ASSEMBLY THAT WOULD FAIL FROM AN OPEN CIRCUIT IF A SIMILAR SHORT OCCURRED.A NEW SWITCH ASSEMBLY WITH 10 AMP FUSE PROTECTION WAS INTRODUCED BEGINNING WITH THE 1995 MODEL YEAR EXPLORER.MAZDA WILL CONDUCT A PARALLEL COMPAIGN (97V-083.002) TO REMEDY THE SUBJECT CONDITION IN APPROXIMATELY 14,000 NAVAJO VEHICLES.THE NAVAJO VEHICLES WERE AVAILABLE IN ONLY THE 2-DOOR VERSION WHICH, UNLIKE THE EXPLORER VEHICLES, DID USE THE SUBJECT OPTION COMBINATION IN THAT BODY STYLE.