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

2020 model year · 8,000 miles · Jan 29, 2021

Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

Read full complaint

I HAVE A 2020 EXPLORER LIMITED EDITION, WITH JUST OVER 10,000 MILES. SINCE I GOT IT, I NOTICED THAT SHIFTING FROM 2-4 GEAR WAS PRETTY ROUGH, AND JERKY. ABOUT 2 MONTHS AGO, I LEFT THE DRIVEWAY, HEARD A THUD WHEN I PUT IT IN D, AND IT DIDN'T MOVE. I HIT THE GAS HARDER, AND IT MOVED, BUT WOULD NOT LEAVE 1ST GEAR. GOT A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. TURNED IT OFF, WAITED A WHILE, TRIED IT AGAIN, AND IT DROVE FINE, BUT CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS STILL ON. THE CAR DROVE FINE FOR A COUPLE OF WEEKS. THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WENT OFF THE NEXT DAY. 2 WEEKS LATER, I TOOK IT OUT OF THE DRIVE, PUT IT IN DRIVE AND AGAIN, IT WOULDN'T LEAVE FIRST GEAR. PUT THE CAR BACK IN THE GARAGE, WAITED A WHILE, AND IT WAS FINE. CALLED THE DEALER, AND SCHEDULED AN APPT BECAUSE I CAN'T HAVE THESE SERIOUS ISSUES CONTINUE. MY CONCERN WAS THAT THEY WON'T BE ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ISSUE, AND JUST SEND ME ON MY WAY. NEEDLESS TO SAY, THEY RAN SEVERAL DIAGNOSTICS TESTS, AND FOUND SOME ISSUES/CODES. THEY PERFORMED A PINPOINT TEST TRACE AND FOUND CODES P062C, P2242. THEY THEN PERFORMED TSB 20-2217 AGAIN, AND THE CODES WERE CLEAR. FOR A SHORT TIME AFTER, THE JERKINESS IN THE SHIFTING OF THE GEARS WENT AWAY, HOWEVER THAT HAS SINCE RETURNED. STOPPING AND STARTING, AND DRIVING ESPECIALLY IN NEIGHBORHOODS, IS VERY FRUSTRATING. IT IS UNCOMFORTABLE TO SAY THE. LEAST, THE VERY AGGRESSIVE SHIFTING, AND JERKING OF THE VEHICLE AT LOW SPEEDS. I HAVE NOT YET HAD THE SAME ISSUE WHERE THE VEHICLE REFUSED TO CHANGE GEARS, OR WAS STUCK WITHOUT MOVING, HOWEVER THE TRANSMISSION AS A WHOLE IS VERY PROBLEMATIC, AND SOMEWHAT SCARY TO DRIVE.

NHTSA ODI #11390732

2016 model year · 50,000 miles · Jan 18, 2021

Air BagsElectrical System

Read full complaint

AIRBAG LIGHT HAS BEEN COMING ON INTERMITTENTLY FOR OVER 1 YEAR. DIAGNOSTIC TEST DETERMINED THERE IS A FAULTY CONNECTION TO THE 2ND ROW INFLATABLE SEATBELT SENSOR. FORD ISSUED A SERVICE BULLETIN TO REPLACE THE WIRE HARNESS PIG TAIL CONNECTION. WHEN THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ILLUMINATED DUE TO THIS FAULTY CONNECTION, ALL OF THE AIR BAGS IN THE VEHICLE ARE DEACTIVATED. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, AND MY FAMILY HAS BEEN DRIVING THE CAR IN THIS CONDITION FOR OVER A YEAR. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH, NUMEROUS CASES EXIST REPORTING THE SAME ISSUE. PLEASE ADDRESS THIS SAFETY ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11388697

2020 model year · 23,500 miles · Jan 13, 2021

Back Over PreventionElectrical System

Read full complaint

OVER THE LAST SEVERAL DAYS OF HEAVY SNOW AND RAIN, I'VE NOTICED SIGNIFICANT LEAKING IN THE REAR STORAGE ARE OF MY 2020 EXPLORER. WATER WILL RUN DOWN THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE TRUNK SPACE, OVER THE SPEAKER GRILLE, AND INTO THE STORAGE COMPARTMENT AND SPARE TIRE SPACE. AS A RESULT OF THIS LEAK, I HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE TAILGATE RELEASE NOT OPERATING CORRECTLY (WON'T OPEN), AND MORE IMPORTANTLY, THE AUDIO CONTROL MODULE WHICH POWERS AUDIO TO THE SPEAKERS IN THE CAR STOPS WORKING INTERMITTENTLY. THIS POSES A SAFETY ISSUE, SINCE WITHOUT SOUND FROM THE SPEAKERS, I HAVE NO REAR COLLISION DETECTION, NO FORWARD CRASH DETECTION, AND NO CROSS TRAFFIC DETECTION WHILE IN REVERSE. FURTHERMORE, I AM CONCERNED THAT THE LOUD POPPING NOISES COMING FROM THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE AS WELL AS THE SUBWOOFER CAN POTENTIALLY START A FIRE DUE TO ELECTRICAL ISSUES. ACCORDING TO TSB 20-2425, IT APPEARS A WATER LEAK IN THE REAR OF 2020 EXPLORERS IS A KNOWN ISSUE. THE DEALERSHIP REFUSES TO HONOR THE REPAIR UNDER THE BUMPER TO BUMPER WARRANTY WHICH COVERS MY CAR FOR 36 MONTHS OR 35000 MILES (WHICH EVER COMES FIRST), SO I AM LEFT WITH A CAR THAT IS A MAJOR SAFETY CONCERN FOR ME. THE CAR IS 100% PAID FOR, BUT WITH MY CURRENT FINANCIAL SITUATION, I CANNOT AFFORD ANOTHER VEHICLE EVEN WITH TRADE-IN VALUE.

NHTSA ODI #11387932

2011 model year · 141,000 miles · Jan 7, 2021

Electrical System

THE AC/HEAT SPEED WILL RANDOMLY INCREASE/ DECREASE TO EITHER FULL OR LOW SPEED WITH IS CLICKING SOUND LIKE YOUR DOING IT ON YOUR OWN. THIS WILL CAUSE MY WINDSHIELD TO FOG UP WHEN COLD OUTSIDE WHILE DRIVING & DISTRACTING ME THE DRIVER THE ANNOYING CLICKING SOUND COMING FROM THE UNIT ITSELF. THIS COULD POSSIBLY CAUSING ME NOT TO S…

Read full complaint

NHTSA ODI #11387084

2011 model year · 100,800 miles · Jan 5, 2021

Electrical System

REAR VIEW CAMERA NOT WORKING PROPERLY - REPAIR QUOTED ~$800 TO REPLACE CAMERA

NHTSA ODI #11386569

2011 model year · 56,000 miles · Jan 5, 2021

Electrical SystemCrash

REAR VIEW CAMERA UPSIDE-DOWN / MIRRORED

NHTSA ODI #11386568

2011 model year · 75,000 miles · Jan 5, 2021

Electrical System

APIM MODULE WENT BLACK - NO CONTROLS, NO BACKUP CAMERA / PROXIMITY ALERTS

NHTSA ODI #11386567

2020 model year · 9,900 miles · Jan 4, 2021

Electrical SystemPower Train

Read full complaint

I PURCHASED MY 2020 FORD EXPLORER IN FEBRUARY 2020. SINCE PURCHASING I'VE HAD SEVERAL ELECTRICAL AND OTHER PROBLEMS. I WISH I HAD NEVER PURCHASED FORD. I'VE HAD ISSUES WITH THE CAMERA WHICH HAD A RECALL WHICH WAS FIXED IN NOVEMBER. I'VE ALSO HAD A PROBLEM WITH BOTH PASSENGER AND DRIVER WINDOW NOT BEING OPERABLE OR OPERATING INCORRECTLY, WHICH STILLS HAPPENS PERIODICALLY. I ALSO HAD TO HAVE THE TRANSMISSION REPAIRED DUE TO A RECALL. HOWEVER, I STILL RECEIVE MESSAGES WITHIN DASH THAT TELLS ME TRANSMISSION NOT IN PARK WHEN BACKING UP. I SOMETIMES AM DRIVING AND IT FEELS AS IF TRANSMISSION IS SLIPPING. I'VE HAD NOTHING BUT PROBLEM AFTER PROBLEM WITH FORD AND DO NOT RECOMMEND THAT ANYONE PURCHASES.

NHTSA ODI #11386358

2015 model year · 85,000 miles · Jan 4, 2021

Electrical SystemSuspension

MY STEERING FAILED AS I WAS TRAVELING WITH MY GRANDKIDS ON A LOCAL SUBURBAN ROAD. IT TOOK ALL MY EFFORT TO STEER THE TRUCK BACK TO MY HOME. THIS WAS VERY DANGEROUS AS THE STEERING WOULD ALSO FREEZE AND LOCK IN ONE POSITION. I HAD IT REPAIRED AT MY FORD DEALER. TOTAL COST: $2,107.00! THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE THAT THE MANUFA…

Read full complaint

NHTSA ODI #11386515

2015 model year · 85,455 miles · Jan 4, 2021

Electrical SystemSuspension

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING ON A LOCAL SUBURBAN STREET, MY POWER STEERING WENT OUT. IT FELT LIKE IT WAS IN A MANUAL MODE AND IT WAS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO GET BACK HOME.. MY TWO GRANDCHILDREN WERE IN THE CAR, AND THIS SITUATION PUT US ALL IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR TO MY FORD DEALERSHIP AND AFTER ASSESSING THE SITUATION, THEY DETERMINED THAT THE POWER STEERING RACK FAILED. THIS RESULTED IN, NOT ONLY MY LOSING THE USE OF THE VEHICLE OVER THE WEEKEND, BUT AN EXTREME BILL, OF $2107.00!

NHTSA ODI #11386508

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.