1994 Ford Explorer: adaptive cruise control problems

Filed Feb 13, 2012 · Acceleration, Engine · TX · fire

My tenant's vehicle - a 1994 ford explorer - spontaneously caught fire while parked in my property's garage in the middle of the night. The fire department was able to extinguish the flames and determined that the cause of the fire was the car itself - likely a faulty cruise control valve according to them. The insurance company will conduct its own investigation.

Filed Feb 11, 2010 · Electrical · 150,000 miles · CA · fire

While driving, the SUV caught fire from under the hood. The vehicle was consumed by flames in less than 5 minutes. Although many makes and models of fords have been recalled ( faulty cruise control - potential fire hazard), the 1994 ford explorer has not been recalled.

Filed Sep 26, 2005 · Acceleration · 110,000 miles · MN · fire

Dt: the contact owns a 1994 ford explorer that caught on fire and exploded. She believes this was related to the ford recall 05v388000 concerning the scds. This happened on 9-22-05. The car was parked, and the fire did originate from under the hood. The fire department and police were called. She reported that the cruise control would intermittently go out and not work. The car was totaled. She took pictures of the vehicle. Had no anyone to tell her the cause of the fire. But, because of the recalls a and the recent problems with the cruise control the contact felt this was related to the ford recalls of scds which caused compartment fires. The dealership told her she would need the VIN number before they could tell her if her vehicle was included in a recall. She has not notified the manufacturer.

Filed Sep 2, 2003 · Acceleration · 201,000 miles · NC

I have a 1994 ford explorer xlt. While driving with the cruise control on, I push the brake pedal and the cruise control does not disengage. The engine, or RPM's, does not rev up, but as soon as I let off the brake pedal, the car resumes speed to the previous speed setting. The speedometer was replaced a few years ago, and needs replacing again, but could new cables have been put in, which would be related to the recall no. 03s03? This cruise control problem is continuing. I have to press the cruise control "off" button when there is a need to brake.

Filed Nov 9, 2000 · Acceleration, Electrical · TX

Major problem regarding ignition system: first problem began about 6 months ago. On an intermittent basis, unable to restart the engine after letting it sit for approximately 5 or 10 minutes. Repeated attempts in succession fail to start the engine but have found that if I give it a couple of minutes before trying to crank it up again it will usually start. Seems to happen only after short trips, less than 10-15 miles. Replaced the fuel circuit relay 2 months ago, had only one reoccurrence a week later. Now for the past 2 months there is a much worse and potentially dangerous problem. The engine shuts off randomly usually while driving between 55-70 MPH. No sputters, no backfires, no indications that the engine has shut off other than the instrument panel dims and the gauges stop reading. The engine won't restart until after a few minutes have passed before trying to crank it again. This is very dangerous as it usually happens while traveling 70 MPH. Dealership is unable to duplicate the problem, no error codes are reporting. Fuel pump: fuel gauge not working for several years, hole in float per dealership, so entire fuel pump replaced at my cost. Fuel gauge appeared to be working correctly; however, on an intermittent basis once the tank got down to 1/4 full the gauge would start off at 1/4 but then after driving for 5 or 10 mins. The gauge would go all the way to full. After a few months of working sporadically, it is now consistently going to full everytime the tank gets down to 1/4. Dealership diagnosed the fuel sending unit as defective but will not cover under the warranty because even though it has only been 6 mos. , it is approx. 2000 miles over the warranty limit of 12,000 miles/12 months. I would have to pay the same $340.00 parts & labor as 6 months ago. I feel this is unfair so declined the work, now being charged $67.00 diagnostic fee! Cruise control: the cruise control won't engage on an intermittent basis, dealership unable to duplicate.

Filed Sep 17, 2000 · Acceleration · NH

If for any reason the brake light fuse should blow, the cruise control on this vehicle will not disengage when stepping on the brake. There is no warning for this by the way. This could cause a fatal injury as the cruise control will make the car lunge forward trying to get back to the cruise speed setting. You also will loose your power brakes. I have contacted ford and their answer was to go back to the dealer when you have a technical issue. I have done that and the dealer's answer was that this is normal for this vehicle. I was told that it is the way it is wired. This appears to be a problem on the 1994 explorer. I don't know if it is like that on any other model or year ford. In my opinion it should not matter what the condition of the fuse panel is. If the driver wants the cruise control to disengage, then it should disengage no matter what. If you want to see this for yourself, obtain a 1994 explorer and pull the brake light fuse out of it's socket. It is located under the dash to the left of the steering wheel on the fuse panel. Now take the vehicle for a ride. When you get over 30 MPH engage the cruise contol. Now tap the brake and see if it disengages. It will not. In fact if you fight it the power brakes will go away. Scarey uh? When you try this, then you will know what to do.

Filed Jul 17, 2000 · Acceleration, Brakes · GA

Cruise control failed.

Filed Apr 13, 2000 · Acceleration · WA

Was driving vehicle with the cruise control engaged. Then throttle became stuck. Vehicle would accelerate on its own when cruise control was in use. Whenever accelerator pedal was tapped, cruise control failed to disengage. Took vehicle to dealership & mechanic could not solve problem.

Filed Mar 4, 2000 · Acceleration · NJ

Speed sensor in 5 speed transmission is generating jumpy values; causes cruise control to surge and fall trying to match jumpy speed readings. Speed sensor also feeds ABS, suggesting ABS could fail when needed. Speed sensor also feeds computer, suggesting environnmental engine controls are not fucntioning. Interested in finding if this has been reported before, and if there is a safety recall or service bulletin in place for this condition.

Filed Jun 11, 1999 · Acceleration · TX · crash

While driving at 65mph without cruise control on, vehicle would not slow down after letting off the gas pedal, but accelerated. Consumer put the vehicle in neutral in order to slow down and turned engine off. Vehicle did not slow down, but accelerated and crashed.

Filed Apr 8, 1999 · Acceleration · CT

The consumer set cruise control at 60 MPH and vehicle accelerated by itself. Consumer had to slam on the gas pedal in order to get the vehicle to slow down.

Filed Apr 7, 1999 · Acceleration · CO

Consumer experiencing ongoing, intermittent problem with vehicle accelerating without cause. Consumer ha cruise control disconnected which stopped vehicle from accelerating. Part is available for inspection if needed. Dealer notified and informed consumer that nothing would be done unless cost goes to consumer.