1997 Ford Explorer: check engine light

Filed Mar 27, 2011 · Brakes, Electrical · 158,143 miles · TX · fire

About a mile from an intersection I noticed the check engine light turned on. Approaching the traffic light my brake pedal had lost pressure and went to the floor. I had to pump the brakes to get the vehicle to stop. I noticed some smoke coming from the driver side of the hood but thought it might be from the old pickup truck next to me. The light turned green and the vehicle "sputtered" suffering a loss of horse power but I was able to drive the car about 150 yards and coasted into a gas station where I parked at the far end away from the pumps. At this time I noticed more smoke and flames coming from the driver side of the hood so I went inside to ask for a fire extinguisher but the cashier said he had none. I then asked to him dial 911 because my vehicle was on fire. I went back to my vehicle and removed some paperwork from the seat and waited for help to arrive. I just had the vehicle serviced by covert ford on march 16, 2011 for the factory recall of the speed control deactivation switch, (brake pressure switch) which is what I believe cause the fire. I believe that when I had to pump my brakes to stop the vehicle the brake fluid was leaking onto the exhaust manifold. According to the fire officials at the scene there was no way to determine the point of origin of the fire but the damaged area is right below the brake master cylinder. (I have pictures and video). Thank god there was no other damage to property or lives. I only had liability coverage so I signed the title over to the tow truck driver and lost my transportation. I bought the vehicle on april 19, 1999, took care of it for almost 12 years without incident and a week after having it serviced for a fire safety issue, it caught fire and burned. I put about 100 miles on it after it was serviced by the dealer before the fire began.

Filed Mar 13, 2007 · Engine, Transmission · NE

On a 1997 ford explorer had problems with transfer case. First noticed when driving on interstate with cruise control on vehicle made grinding noise and would not decelerate had to put into neutral to stop. When decelerating while driving vehicle it would also make grinding noise almost sounding like it was not down shifting. Few weeks later when vehicle was put into reverse it would make a grinding noise and would not go into gear. Did not feel safe to drive. Ending up having to have a mechanic rebuild transfer case, cost almost $1000.00. Now five months later having problems with check engine light continuously coming on. Replaced sensors and spark plug on #4 cylinder twice. This will be replacement number 3 for spark plug in four month period. Mechanics cannot seem to figure out why.

Filed Aug 4, 2006 · Electrical · FL

Dt*: the contacted stated while starting the vehicle the fuses for the horn, cruise control, dashboard lights and compass burned out. While driving at 40 MPH. With out replacing the fuse, the engine warning lights illuminated. When the engine compartment was inspected, brake fluid was observed to be leaking. The vehicle has not been to service dealer however the manufacturer contacted. The manufacturer informed the contact, that the vehicle was not included in the recent ford recall expansion, which the contact heard about on the news, due to the VIN.

Filed Mar 7, 2006 · Airbags · 105,000 miles · MI · crash · 1 injury

Dt*: the contact stated while driving 20mph a vehicle collided with the contact's vehicle. This was a side and frontal impact and the driver's side air bag did not deploy. The seat belts were in use. No injuries were sustained. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop. Upon inspection the steering wheel was separated three milliliters as if the air bag was going to deploy. The airbag warning and check engine light were illuminated. The manufacturer has not been alerted and no repairs were made.

Filed Jul 18, 2005 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · TN · fire

Dt: the engine light came on. Consumer took vehicle to dealer ,who said they could not get it in until saturday for repairs. Tuesday the vehicle caughton fire with the engine not running. The vehicle had been parked with engine turned off for about 5 minutes , and when consumer returned the vehicle was in flames. The fire was most prominent in the front. The fire dept came, and they said the vehicle caught fire from the dash and head area and it was electrical in nature. The vehicle was totaled. There are police and fire department reports as well as photographs. No other indication as to why this happened.

Filed Sep 2, 2004 · Engine · 52,000 miles · SC

I have had my1997 ford explorer for two years, the same problem keeps recurring. It becomes suligish on the on set, than the check engine light comes on. 12 times now I have had to replace the spark plugs, 3 times I have done fuel enjection cleans, 2 times I have changed the o2 sensor. I have talked to other owners that speak of the same problems.

Filed Mar 20, 2004 · Engine · 66,502 miles · AZ

Egr valve failed at cost of over $250. This is part of the emissions system and is covered by an extended warranty. I requested warranty status for this part from ford motor co. Customer relations center in letter of 7/17/03 with 76,172 miles on vehicle. Initial "check engine light" for this failure was at about 66,000 on 8/30/02. Ford did not answer my inquiry, instead referring me to their customer service reps in india, against my wishes.

Filed Dec 23, 2003 · Transmission · 61,000 miles · GA

The truck's overdrive light blinked and the engine lights came on. When this occurred the truck failed to go into overdrive and the # 3 cylinder misfired. The dealership indicated this could be caused by automatic transmission failure. Please provide any additional information.

Filed Apr 15, 2003 · Engine · FL

The vehicle was serviced on 4/1/03 for the check engine light. On 4/14/03 consumer entered a parking lot and turned off vehicle ignition. Consumer restarted the vehicle, heard a thump, and noticed the battery indicator light was illuminated. The dealer diagnosed that the serpentine belt popped.

Filed Mar 25, 2003 · Fuel system · 50,000 miles · CA

Consumer indicated the gas tank cap was not tightened securely, which caused the engine light to illuminate.

Filed Jan 28, 2002 · NJ

While driving engine light illuminated on dash. Took vehicle to dealer, cause unknown. Engine light continued to illuminate dash. Please provide any further information, and vehicle identification number.

Filed Jan 24, 2002 · Engine, Transmission · NY

Consumer stated when vehicle was being started it sounded like a diesel engine, the engine light was appearing on the dashboard, consumer was informed that a new engine was needed, consumer states vehicle is now on its 3rd engine.