Bulletins


BulletinBulletin dateReplacement BulletinItem no.SummaryAdded
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
0417409/06/200410013116Malfunction indicator lamp (mil) illuminated - system lean diagnostic trouble codes (dtc's) - service tips. various models including 2004 f-series. *tt04/08/2005
0411106/14/2004043110008252Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp (mil) on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0401, p0402, p1400 or p1401. additional symptoms may include runs rough, lacks power, surge, poor fuel economy.07/23/2004
047112/31/20040426210008201Warning indicators-parking aid-reverse sensing system (rss) and forward sensing system (fss)-false activation of warning tone-service tips. *mj update. *tt07/23/2004
0322301/26/2004043110007360Streamlined diagnostic procedure for vehicles with malfunction indicator lamp on and diagnostic trouble codes (dtcs) p0401, p0402, p1400 or p1401. additional symptoms may include runs rough, lacks power, surge, poor fuel economy. *tt06/16/2004
0318109/15/200310004027Remote keyless entry (rke) - service tips. *tt11/14/2003
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - BATTERY
024503/04/2002636065Information regarding discharged battery charging service tips and guidelines. *tt11/05/2002
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - ANTI-THEFT CONTROLLER
016204/02/2001619266Vehicles equipped with passive anti-theft system (pats) may not start or crank. *tt05/22/2001
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - SWITCH
01211310/29/2001627774Some ignition switch lock cylinder assemblies may exhibit rougness and / or excess effort in turning, key does not fully return from start, a malfunction indicator lamp may illuminate with p0500, p1502 and u1039 stored in powertrian control02/22/2002

Consumer Complaints


Fail datemilesoccurencesPurchase date
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
08/15/200972000
 Turn signal was turned on and smoke came billowing out of stearing collum. smelled burnt wiring. fire inside of collum minimal damage as i turned off signal immediately. took to garage next day. the wireing had rubbed on collum and shorted out. repaired by ford garage.
05/27/20091944621
 When i have used my speed control i have had smoke come out of the top of my steering column twice. the smoke comes through the hole for my emergency light button on the top of my steering column. this happened recently for the third time. the ford dealer is charging $652.63 to replace the wire harness and the switch that controls wipers, hazard lights, blinkers, etc. the recall was replaced, and they say the two are not related. apparently this could cause an electrical fire as would the recall part. the suv is a ford explorer 2001 v8 xlt. *tr
11/21/20081400001
 Vehicle was parked in the garage. after 4 hours later the car was burning. called the fire department... *tr
07/19/200573000901/27/2001
 Dt: about a month ago the vehicle was parked with windows up the consumer got in and put the key in the ignition and the vehicle started smoking from the hazard warning light switch, the emergency lights. stopped smoking after consumer started the engine, in duration of about 20 seconds. this happened about 3-4 times per week since after a long trip. this most often occurred when windows were up and it was very hot outside. consumer has not even inspected the under hood or engine compartment after this occurred. consumer took vehicle to a dealer yesterday and has not done a diagnostic test. . consumer did not know what was done to the vehicle but wished to file complaint. consumer noted there was no fire. ford wanted consumer to pay for repairs. *ak
05/19/200554300111/16/2000
 The generic electronic module (gem) experienced a condition referred to as lock-up in which the gem controlled electronic 4x4 system could not be turned on.
05/01/2005406/20/2001
 2001 ford explorer experiencing problems with a short in the wiring to the radio and the keyless entry system is inoperative. *mr the consumer was informed that the radio was no good. the problem was found to be a bad fuse. the consumer purchased two new batteries for the vehicle. *sc *jb
06/01/200402/01/2001
 2001 ford explorer 4 wheel drive the cruise control has burned out on the steering column. this started approximately 8-9 months ago and the steering column kept having smoke come out of it while i was driving. then it would stop, and just start up out of the blue,but about 4 mts. ago the cruise control finally went out. this item has been recalled on may vehicles of the same year, but my particular vin# has not been recalled. my suv has the exact problem that has happened in many of the vehicles and there is a recall already in place, just not for my vin #. they want me to repair it at my cost.
02/20/2005750001
 While attempting to back the vehicle up, it caught fire without warning. the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. as a result the vehicle was considered a total loss. please provide additional information. *jb
01/25/200428500111/30/2000
 On january 25,2004 i was approaching a trafic signal in my 2001 ford explorer i slowed to approximately 5mph. my foot was not on the accelerator, but when i hit the brake the car lunged forward ,and hit the car in front of me. i hit the brake as hard as i could but the car would not stop. the engine made a reving sound as it lunged forward. the car in front of me sustained damage totaling $ 1237 and the passenger complained of a neck aggrivation. my car sustained minimal damage to the bumper. this was the 1st accident i have ever been in where it was alleged that i may be at fault, clearly i was not. this surge when decelerating has happened 2 times after this accident, both of which were witnessed by a passenger in my car. luckily nobody was injured on these occasions. i have since taken the car into the dealer whereupon i was informed that the dealer had received a technical service buletin (tsb) from ford regarding an idle air control (iac) valve for this make and model dated 2/5/03. the dealer replaced this valve on 5/20/04.*ak
387302
 There was a warning indicator that was originally illuminated green. when the indicator turned blue the vehicle was taken to the dealer for repairs. the indicator was for the lighting system, and the dealer made some repairs, but did not inform the consumer of what was done. currently, the indicator is not on at all, and the dealer cannot determine why it is not working. also, the rear window windshield wiper was not operating. dealer stated motor had to be replaced. *ak *ph *nlm
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS
08/27/200571000705/31/2002
 Dt: the contact owns a 2001 ford explorer. the contact stated cruise control was not working properly. she had the cruise control set at 35 mph while going up a hill, but was pulled over by the police, and they stated she was going approximately 65 mph. the consumer showed the police that this was what actually happened. this happened 7 times in the last 4 months. the on/off switch that was used to disengage the cruise control will not work, and the contact had to apply the brakes hard to disengage the cruise control. the contact has not been to a service dealer to have the vehicle inspected, and has not contacted the manufacturer. the contact stated the lights on the steering wheel did not illuminate. the fuse has been replaced to remedy this situation, but it did not fix the lights problem. *ak
04/27/2001104/01/2001
 Taillight mechanism caught on fire all by itself - truck had been parked for 4 hours. whatever the problem was it smoldered for a long time. the inside of the truck was sooo full of smoke.*ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION
01/11/2001607/01/2000
 I have experienced several no starts with my vehicle. i was informed by a firestone dealer when i had my tires replaced that he has witness similiar incidents with other ford explorer's. the firestone dealer stated that there is a problem in the fuel delivery or ignition system which causes the vehicle to flood itself at times when the ignition key is turned. i am very concerned if this is the case. the dealership where i purchased the vehicle has made three unsuccessful attempts to correct the problem. i am currently in arbitration. i know one other person who purchased a 2000 ford explorer from the same dealer and has had this same problem. the dealership is replacing his fuel pump as they have done in my vehicle; however, this did not correct my problem.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - IGNITION - MODULE
12/02/200595200310/05/2001
 My vehicle has an idle air control malfunction and after conferring with other ford owners. most have had the same problem with their vehicle. i am concerned it may be a bigger problem than ford may be aware of. we would like to have it investigated if possible. my vehicle is a 2001 ford explorer. *jb
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - STARTER ASSEMBLY
11/08/200010/01/2000
 Starter cranks for 10 seconds before starting. *ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING
09/04/20062001/02/2001
 Ford explorer 2001 - when i use the signal light, it frequently sounds like there is an electrical problem. it sounds like a bad connection. i have been told this electrical short can cause my truck engine to catch fire. *nm
12/04/200562500108/15/2004
 After having my 2001 lmtd edition explorer parked for over 45 minutes, the vehicle caught on fire and was consumed. it was a total loss, melted down to the frame of the vehicle. the fire marshal was unable to determine the cause of the fire as the damage was so severe, but i was referred to several articles regarding similar ford explorer fires. *jb
02/09/20031
 The steering wheel had to be tilted in order for the brake lights to work.*jb
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - FRONT UNDERHOOD
06/27/2002106/01/2001
 The explorer suddenly rolled over, injuring me severly. moments after the incedent the car burst into flames.*ak
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM - WIRING - INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
10/05/20043
 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. *nm
05/09/200241000305/09/2002
 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. *ak
 While driving vehicle will stall, and instrument panel would illuminate. took vehicle to dealer, and dealer replaced instrument panel.*ak