1994 Ford Explorer: engine overheating

Filed Aug 9, 2004 · Brakes, Electrical · 88,500 miles · FL

I bought my 1994 ford explorer (4wd) in may of 1999 and have had numerous problems since. The vehicle had approximately 50900 miles when I bought it. It now has 89000 miles. I have replaced the brake rotors twice and replaced the brake pads three times. The last time I completed brake work was because the left front caliper overheated and failed. I then replaced both front calipers. There is a bad vibration problem at speeds of 55-67 MPH. I recently purchased four new tires, had them balanced, had the front end aligned, and replaced the shocks to fix this problem. It still vibrates at the above mentioned speeds. Also, the vehicle had numerous problems with the PCM (check engine light). I replaced the PCM as a last resort because I had already replaced all the sensors that could have been causing the problem. Replacing the PCM corrected the problem for about a year, but now the check engine light comes on again during initial starting and then goes out after driving about 2-3 miles. I also have a sound coming from my air vents when the A/C is turned on. Now for my most recent problem. The temperature gauge was reading hotter than normal so I overhauled the cooling system including: new thermostat, new cooling fan (old one was cracked all around the hub), new fan clutch, new radiator, new engine coolant temperature sensor, and new fluid flush and refill. The temperature gauge still reads the same. I have no idea what to do now. Any recall information you could provide would help. I have all receipts for parts purchased and work performed.

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Visibility · VT

Consumer stated that during christmas she and her children were traveling when rear defroster overheated. Consumer tried to cut it off, but the switch did not work. While she was trying to shut it off rear window exploded and blew out. *ak

Filed Jul 2, 2002 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

Consumer has had the front brake pads replaced 6 different times due to overheating, and also the rotors have been turned, a brake master cylinder was installed, the rear brakes shoes were adjusted and the rear drums were resurfaced, the brake light was coming on due to low brake fluid.*jb

Filed Sep 8, 2001 · Transmission · IN

Transmission overheated causing major malfunctioning in transmission.. This is second time this has happened within a year and a half. Truck has never been off road to my knowledge(body and underneath are in excellent condition, I.e. No rust). After talking to a few repair shops and dealerships I was told that this is very common with the ford explorer. I have always had the vehicle serviced regularly and taken pride in it's appearance. It runs great but there has to be a problem with the manufacturing of the transmission, or this problem would not have occured twice. I stand by ford's but, this makes me leary of ever buying another ford product that the company will not stand by. Sincerely, [xxx].*ak parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 12, 2000 · Electrical · VA

When driving vehicle will cut off without prior notice. Ignition module will overheat and will not start up. Dealership is aware of the problem, ignition module needs to be replaced.

Filed Aug 16, 2000 · Tires · NY

Right rear tire of explorer blew out on ny thruway near albany after two hours of high speed driving in circa mid-september 1994. Less than 6,000 miles on car and tires. Blew out without warning; no object struck. No loss of control and no injury to driver. Tire replaced by firestone with approx. 90% credit for unused tread life. Dealer said underinflation might have caused overheating internally (although other tires were properly inflated).( dot number: tire size: p235/75 r1 )

Filed Aug 26, 1999 · Visibility · NJ · fire

Consumer not notified of recall (97v083000) design flaw in power mirror which may have caused short circuit condition in the remote power mirror control switch to overheat and result in vehicle fire. Nlm

Filed Oct 14, 1997 · Transmission · AZ

5-speed transmission is manufactured with rubber plugs which in time dry out and allow fluid to escape. The fluit gets blown out of the transmission when on highway speeds, causing the fifth gear to overheat and seize.

Filed Aug 29, 1995 · Brakes · WY

Abs: while driving, right side front/rear brakes overheated; could smell and see smoke coming from where tires mount to hub;stop/go traffic. Tt

Filed Mar 22, 1995 · Brakes · CA

Abs, brake failure, experiencd overheating of disc rotors, causing warping/ loss of effectiveness, pe95-001 active. Tt