1996 Ford Explorer: check engine light

Filed May 12, 2017 · Acceleration · 226,000 miles · CA

Safety recall 09s09 - scds (speed control deactivation switch) on ford models made after 95 with a texas made deactivation switch that was made poorly. I purchased a 1996 ford explorer eddie bauer edition 4x4 truck in december of 2016, from a private party in nevada.the vehicle was purchased mainly so I could deliver as part of my job description and needed something with 4x4 since I live in snow. Did a test drive, everything seemed to work properly and drive nicely, drove it from reno, nv to portola, ca about 62 miles, everything still fine. The next day I got into the vehicle, was heading to the gas station when I realized the speedometer was not working properly, the arm went to 20mph and dropped to 0 and the vehicle began shifted bad from low to high gears on the automatic transmission. As I continued to drive, the RPM went high, little over 3rph and felt like the transmission was sticking over drive light flashes, then the check engine light. Did a code reader and said my seed sensor was no good. Replaced the vss, check engine light went off for about 15 miles, then same issue.I did a full time up, no change,did another reading, same code for speed sensor replaced again, same issue. Seen online I have a recall on the speed sensor and cruise control, made appointment with ford after flexplate shredded, ford sent me to a "friends" mechanic who refused to touch my truck who then sent me to another mechanic until I called ford again who rescheduled me to come back a week later. I'm afraid to drive the car especially in and out of state due to this recall and the safety concerns that go with it. I'd like help on what I can do in this situation and be reimbursed for the time I haven't driven my vehicle or been able to perform my duties at work, and the money I've spent fixing the issue that shouldn't even exist.

Filed Dec 28, 2004 · Engine · 48,000 miles · SC

Continuous issues with the pcv/egr since vehicle purchase in 1998. Spent over $1200 attempting to resolve the problem. Both independent and dealer mechanics have been involved with no success. The cel light has been on for over three years now because I no longer wished to spend money diagnosing this problem.

Filed Apr 23, 2003 · Electrical · NE

96 ford explorer: check engine light came on two weeks ago, one week later, battery stalled and required a jump, the power levels read normal. I checked the power distribution box and the fuses did not match owner's manual. Two parts shops advised this could trigger fire, or a device to malfunction. Per ford owner's manual, airbag & atbs impacted. I replaced the fuses to match the owner's manual. Today, I took the car to a private shop, that worked on the electrical system earlier. The owner pulled an all data schema, which is quite different. How do I know which electrical schema is correct - the owner's manual, the other shops referred to, or all data? It makes a difference, 60a vs 30a fuses, different blank relays, etc. If the ford manual is correct, and I follow the all data schema, it could trigger fire or malfunction. Vice versa, would be bad also. Either way, consumers should be alerted? Either to incorrect electrics in the ford manual, or to an incorrect all data schema used by mechanics? (I have asked ford, also, for a reply.) also - this is the second time in 6 months I have had issues with the check engine light, but no other symptoms. The first time, the mechanic replaced the cam sensor, and it eventually went off. He stated this warning light was insignificant, and referred only to emissions standards. (no visible emissions). I note that - per the owners manual again - this warning light can also be triggered by a monitoring, GPS, or alarm device being installed in the vehicle. If I can find no other cause, how would I check for this, and do you have other records of this being the cause? The check engine light was also an issue, last spring. In april 02, the ford dealer in orlando replaced the idle air control, and the valve assembly-thro. Check engine light was also an issue shortly after purchase; dealer replaced sensor assembly-egr, thermostat assembly. Is there an associated recall, or does this fit other pattern? Thanks!

Filed Apr 14, 2003 · Brakes, Tires · GA

Multiple failures including: defective tires, rotors and brakes crystallizing, "check engine light" illuminating, cross bars on the trunk, paint peeling and defective cruise control.

Filed Oct 31, 2002 · Engine · IL

The vehicle check engine light comes and stays on all day. Dealership change several sensors within the engine, but engine light still remains on. Please provide more details. Ts

Filed May 3, 2002 · Brakes, Engine · NJ

While driving, vehicle makes a loud humming sound which comes from front end of vehicle. Also, transmission has failed. Consumer constantly has to take vehicle to dealer. *ak the check engine light illuminated. The speed sensor and the o2 sensor were replaced. Jg

Filed Apr 2, 2002 · Brakes, Suspension · FL · crash · 2 injuries

Front sway bar bracket broken, check engine light on, rear suspension bad, rear bumper & frame bent, electrical shortage, front & rear brakes needed, rear -end shifts. At the time of purchase I was lied to because I did inquire about and accident but was told it was not. Also, allignment needed.

Filed Aug 6, 2001 · Fuel system · MA

Fuel pump was being replaced. Townsend ford performed the job. Tech broke cheap plastic clip requiring fuel filler neck to be replaced. It's defective. Will not seal. Gas vapor leak. Check engine stays on. Ford has problem with supplier. None in country told to me about a couple months ago. Still none now. Gas vapor leak is health hazard and unsafe in my opinion. They keep blowing me off on resolution. Can you help? -thanks-

Filed Apr 18, 2000 · Suspension · TN

I was driving along and heard a big bang, like someone threw something and hit the side of the truck. I took it into ford and they couldn't find anything wrong because the bolt broke holding the arm to control the front end. It was just hanging on by a thread waiting to pop out and me to lose control and be seriously injured or worse, killed. They found this out a week later when I returned to have the other work completed. My check engine light came on (the second time within 16,000 miles) and my window washer was broke. When they went to check the front end again they put it up on the rack and that is when the bolt fell out. I was told I was lucky to be there. If it went when I was driving I could have been killed. What really upsets me is, they told me the first time I took it in, that I would have to wait until it did it constantly. I am still counting my blessings to this day. No one could explain to me what caused this problem or why it happened. I was told by ford motor co. That this isn't a recall item and financially they couldn't help because it was out of warranty. Warranty or not, this should have never happened!! To me this is shoddy workmanship on ford's part. The price you have to pay for these vehicles is outrageous and they shouldn't be death traps. I'm constantly putting money into it (besides my monthly car payments) to keep it on the road. I am very dissatisfied with this vehicle and will never buy a ford product again! I just want buyers to beware!!

Filed Mar 6, 2000 · MI

Check engine light comes on repeatedly. Sometimes will go off by its self,sometimes battery has to be disconnected.will not idle properly.we have had it in the garage several times to be put on a scope with absolutely no results at all.I feel it is some kind of a sensor problem.please help!!

Filed Jan 30, 2000 · Transmission · UT

O/d and check engine light went on and the truck would not shift from first to second gear

Filed Jan 30, 1998 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

Engine and fuel injection malfunction. Check engine light flashed, engine RPM's raise to 4000-5000 without acceleration, vehicle jerks as if receiving fuel intermittently. Vehicle sometimes stalls and/or will not start.