1996 Ford Explorer: windshield wiper failure

Filed Jan 26, 2010 · Electrical, Lights · 163,000 miles · WA

The multi-function switch operating the windshield wipers and turn signals fails, resulting in turn signal staying in the on position and results in wire shortage inside the steering column, causing electrical smoke to come out of the steering column. Had I not manually pushed the switch off, there would have been fire within seconds. This has now happened twice in the same vehicle. The switch was replaced the first time, in 2006. That switch also failed, but I was told the part was only under warranty for 12/12, so I cannot have it replaced for free. Since it is faulty, (not caused by the driver) and is a major safety hazard that could lead to injury or death, I believe it is important to raise awareness and get this handled immediately.

Filed Jan 27, 2007 · Visibility · 147,789 miles · FL

Front windshield wipers fail to operate during wet/raining weather. The condition is intermittent, ie most wet conditions cause this 'lock-up' condition. Turning ignition off-and-on again in attempt to reset function does not work. In addition the interior lights, rear wiper, all power windows, and 4-wheel drive functions fail. The dealership ended up replacing the, you guessed it, gem module - the same one cited in the recall for other year vehicles. There is a recall (number 00v072000) for a similar problem on the same vehicle make and model but for years 1999 and 2000. This is a 1996 ford explorer 4x4 and has exhibited this problem for several years now, only recently was the dealership able to determine that the gem module was the apparent culprit.

Filed Oct 6, 2005 · Electrical · 94,000 miles · IN

1996 eddie bauer, ford explorer..the vehicle has operated fine for the past year, but in june the wipers, windows, interior lights, and some interior systems shut down, then come back on, then lock up again. After talking to my dealer, they tell me it likely the gem going out. They informed me that a recall had been made on 1999 models, but that it didn't cover 1996's. I've spoken to a number of other 1996 owners and have visited a number of explorer sites online and evidently this isn't an isolated incident. The federal safety agency recall for the 1999's is identical to the problems I'm having...is there anything that can be done to correct this problem. The gem is an expensive replacement part and my mechanic says it shouldn't have went out in such a short period of time. The vehicle is mechanically perfect and is kept immaculate, but this problem is making me seriously question purchasing a new vehicle given all the electronic garbage that is placed on them nowadays. Ford doesn't seem to respond to this complaint, just telling me that it isn't a recalled item and therefore isn't their responsibility.

Filed Sep 15, 2003 · Visibility · NJ

Wipers fail regularly. 5/01 motor replaced. 10/02 stem replaced. 1/03 relay replaced. 9/03 motor replaced again.

Filed Apr 18, 2001 · Brakes · GA · crash

Brake and accelerator pedal too close together. During an emergency stop, brake pedal was depressed to its limit. Due to the spacing between the brake and accelerator along with the height of accelerator pedal, both were depressed at once causing a substantial increase in the stopping distance. This in turn was the main reason for a recent collision and several past near missed accidents during emergency braking. Wiper control arm and fluid dispenser does not work on occasion. This part has been replaced once in the past under warrantee. Second part is acting the same as the first.

Filed Sep 28, 1999 · Visibility · VA

Intermittently the windshield wipers become inoperable, causing poor visibility. Dealer has been notified.

Filed Mar 2, 1999 · Body, Visibility · NY

The design of the wipers allows ice to build up on wipers and windshield resulting in poor visibility.