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

2002 model year · Mileage unknown · Jun 19, 2010

Electrical SystemInterior Lighting

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I BOUGHT MY 2002 FORD EXPLORER USED BUT ALSO HAVE A FATHER-IN-LAW WITH A FORD AND HE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. WHEN WE BOUGHT IT THE DOOR AJAR LIGHT WAS ON ALL THE TIME AND THE DOME LIGHT WOULD STAY ON BUT AS WE DROVE THE LIGHT WOULD TURN OFF BUT THE LIGHT WOULD STAY ON. RECENTLY LAST WEEK THE LIGHT STAYS ON LIKE NORMAL BUT NOT THE LIGHTS GOES ON AND OFF, IT DINGS CONSTANTLY, AND THE DOORS LOCK AND UNLOCK WHILE GOING DOWN THE ROAD. IT IS VERY DISTRACTIVE AS WELL AS ANNOYING. WE GOT ONLINE TO SEE WHAT OTHER PEOPLE HAVE DONE AND THERE WERE LOTS OF COMPLAINTS. WE TRIED THE WD40 BUT THEY SAY THAT ONLY WORKS FOR A DAY OR SO. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10339162

2000 model year · 125,000 miles · Jun 17, 2010

Electrical SystemFire

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2000 FORD EXPLORER. WHILE DRIVING AT SPEEDS OF 70 MPH, SMOKE BEGAN POURING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. AS THE CONTACT WAS MOVING THE VEHICLE OFF THE ROADWAY, THE VEHICLE CAUGHT ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AND ADVISED THE FIRE WAS SO SEVERE THAT THEY WERE UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE FIRE CHIEF RULED THE FIRE AS MECHANICAL. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE WAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED UNDER AN UNKNOWN RECALL CAMPAIGN IN ORDER TO PREVENT A VEHICLE FIRE. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WERE NOT LIABLE FOR THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 125,000.

NHTSA ODI #10336805

2004 model year · 65,000 miles · Jun 11, 2010

Electrical SystemPower Train

2004 FORD EXPLORER ANOTHER BAD TRANSMISSION ! 3000.00 REBUILD OVER DRIVE LIGHT FLASHING , INTERIOR LIGHTS STAY ON , WINDOWS DON'T GO DOWN, DOOR OPEN LIGHTS ON DASH ARE ON .. SEEMS TO BE ALOT OF THESE COMPLAINTS I BEEN READING ON THE INTERNET ! FORD HAD TO HAVE SOME FAULT IN ALL THESE COMPLAINTS ???? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10335864

2006 model year · 55,000 miles · Jun 9, 2010

Electrical System

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I OWN A 2006 FORD EXPLORER, IN 2009, THE VEHICLE STALLED OUT 3X WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY IN MASSACHUSETTS. MY MECHANIC AFTER REVIEWING THE VEHICLE DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE HAD 2 CORRODED SENSORS WITHIN THE WIRING HARNESS OF THE VEHICLE. AFTER REPAIRING THE SENSORS WITHIN THE HARNESS, MY MECHANIC STATED THAT THE HARNESS SYSTEM WAS DEFECTIVE AND THAT THE STALLING OR OTHER SYSTEM FAILURE WOULD HAPPEN IN THE VEHICLE AGAIN. THE RECOMMENDATION WAS THAT I SHOULD PURSUE FORD TO REPLACE THE WIRING HARNESS IN THE VEHICLE DUE TO THE SAFETY RAMIFICATIONS OF THE DEFECTIVE HARNESS. I TOOK MY COMPLAINT TO FORD MOTOR COMPANY AND MY VEHICLE WAS INSPECTED BY THEIR SERVICE TECHNICIANS AND THE HARNESS WAS REVIEWED BY THEIR AREA MANAGER OF NORTHEAST DEALERSHIPS. FORD REPORTED THAT THEY WOULD REPLACE THE HARNESS BUT WOULD OFFER LITTLE RE-IMBURSEMENT TO ME AS THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY. I WAS REQUESTING THAT FORD REPLACE THE FAULTY HARNESS FREE OF COST TO ME AS IT WAS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE. FORD DISAGREED AND WOULD NOT MOVE FORWARD WITH ANY ADDITIONAL RESOLUTION. IN THE LAST YEAR- I HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE AS I CANNOT AFFORD REPLACEMENT DUE TO EMPLOYMENT LAYOFFS- THE VEHICLE HAS STALLED REPEATEDLY; ON HIGHWAYS, SUBURBAN AND URBAN ROADWAYS, ALL PUTTING MYSELF AND FAMILY IN HARM'S WAY. I RECENTLY CONTACTED FORD AGAIN WANTING A WIRING HARNESS REPLACEMENT- FORD'S ANSWER WAS THE SAME AS IT WAS IN 2009, THEY WOULD NOT REPLACE THE HARNESS UNLESS I PAY FOR THE MAJORITY OF THE WORK. I BELIEVE THAT THIS ISSUE IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE THAT FORD SHOULD CORRECT. I AM NOW BECOMING FEARFUL THAT IF NOT CORRECTED SOON, THAT IT WILL CAUSE HARM TO MYSELF AND FAMILY. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10335425

2002 model year · 90,000 miles · May 28, 2010

Electrical SystemEquipmentPower Train

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OH WHERE DO I BEGIN. I HAVE 90,000 MILES ON MY SUV. MY RADIO GOES OFF AND ON RANDOMLY. DOOR AJAR IS ON RANDOMLY. WHEN SHIFTING FROM PARK TO DRIVE, IT STICKS AND I HAVE TO TAP IT TO GO INTO DRIVE. REAR WHEEL BEARING HAD TO BE REPLACED. O/D LIGHT CAME ON AND FLASHING. ONE TIME I THOUGHT IT WAS IN PARK AND WHEN GETTING OUT OF MY CAR, IT BEGAN TO ROLL AFTER TAKING MY FOOT OF THE BRAKE. I SEE THESE SEEM TO BE PROBLEMS FOR SEVERAL FORD EXPLORER OWNERS. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE GET THIS ACROSS TO FORD THAT THESE NEED TO BE RECALLED, IF NOT I WILL NOT BE A FORD OWNER EVER AGAIN AND TELL EVERYONE I KNOW NOT TO BUY A FORD! WHAT IS GOING TO TAKE, A DEATH OR INJURY?? TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FORD! HOPE THIS NEVER HAPPENS TO YOU BUT THEN AGAIN, YOU PROBABLY DON'T EVEN DRIVE A FORD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10332695

2004 model year · 88,820 miles · May 27, 2010

Electrical System

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE AT AN AUTHORIZED DEALER, HE WAS INFORMED THAT THE BLEND DOOR MOTOR HAD FAILED. THE BLEND DOOR MOTOR WAS REPLACED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 88,820.

NHTSA ODI #10332462

2002 model year · 75 miles · Apr 19, 2010

Electrical SystemStructure

DOOR AJAR LIGHT AND BEEPING SENSOR IS ALWAYS GOING OFF. CAUSING THE DOORS TO UNLOCK WHILE DRIVING AND ALSO CAUSING THE INSIDE DOME LIGHT TO TURN ON AND OFF. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH AND ALOT OF FORD EXPLORERS ARE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10326295

1998 model year · 108,000 miles · Apr 2, 2010

Electrical System

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.

NHTSA ODI #10323452

1998 model year · 112,000 miles · Mar 23, 2010

Electrical SystemExterior LightingFire

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1998 FORD EXPLORER XLT. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TURN SIGNALS WERE INOPERABLE. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ARM YET THE FAILURE RECURRED WITHIN A YEAR. THE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ARM WAS REPLACED A SECOND TIME BY THE DEALER. HE ALSO NOTICED THAT THE WIRES WERE DISCOLORED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDED SEVERAL ADDITIONAL REPAIRS. THE CONTACT DECLINED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE CONTROL ARM DID NOT NEED AN ADDITIONAL REPLACEMENT BUT SUGGESTED REPLACING THE FUSE. ON A SEPARATE OCCASION, WHILE USING THE TURN SIGNALS, THE TURN SIGNAL SWITCH INSIDE BEGAN SMOKING. THERE WERE NO ADDITIONAL REPAIRS MADE TO THE VEHICLE OR RELATED RECALLS. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT SINCE THERE WERE NO RECALLS, THEY WOULD NOT PROVIDE ANY ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 112,000 AND THE CURRENT WAS 191,000.

NHTSA ODI #10321653

1996 model year · 157,000 miles · Mar 4, 2010

Electrical SystemFuel System, GasolineVehicle Speed Control

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TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 1996 FORD EXPLORER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT DASHBOARD LIGHTS WERE TOO DIM. THE GAS CAP WAS NOT SECURE ON THE TANK AND DID SHE WAS UNABLE TO REPLACE THE GAS CAP ON TIGHT. THE DEALER ADVISED HER THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT ADDED TO THE POLLUTION. SHE RECEIVED RECALL NOTICE 09V399000,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL AND THE DEALER REPLACED THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER INSTEAD OF THE SPEED CONTROL DEACTIVATION SWITCH. SHE CALLED THE DEALER AND THE MANUFACTURER BUT RECEIVED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED AT THE TIME OF THE COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 157,000.

NHTSA ODI #10316850

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.