1997 Ford Explorer: engine overheating

Filed Jun 5, 2013 · Body, Lights · 180,000 miles · UT

I own a ford explorer xlt 1997 and the rear passenger door on the drivers side only opens from the inside while the other rear passenger door will not open from the inside or out (child lock not activated). The drivers door doesn't lock and when it does lock, it doesn't unlock or sticks so bad it has be unlocked with pliers, causing the driver to have to get in and out of the car through the front passenger side door. The interior map light and rear interior door light above the backseats stay on constantly even when switched off and the lightbulbs had to be removed because they wouldn't turn off and were overheating.

Filed Oct 8, 2008 · Fuel system · 102,266 miles · VA

I bought a 1997 ford explorer on february 23, 2008. On october 3, 2008 I used my explorer to jump another vehicle. I had the negative cable grounded to a bracket right next to the battery (the most obvious place to ground to). While trying to jump the other vehicle fuel started leaking from the fuel lines that are attached to that bracket. The fuel lines were melted because of jumping on that bracket and there was fuel running over the jumper cables and down the side of the engine. I could have been seriously injured but most likely killed if the jumper cables sparked. I was looking on the internet to see how much it would cost to have the fuel lines replaced and I stumbled across a recall stating that on my specific explorer " the engine fuel lines can be damaged if the vehicle is jump started and the ground cable is attached to the fuel line bracket that is located near the battery. Since the bracket is not grounded, the stainless steel fuel line braid could act as a ground potentially overheating the ptfe inner liner of the fuel line resulting in damage to the fuel line. Consequence: the fuel lines can leak, and in the presence of an ignition source, a fire could potentially result. Remedy: dealers will install a warning label on the fuel line bracket advising owners not to use it for a jump start ground." I went and checked to see if there was any kind of warning and there was, but it was not on the fuel line bracket like the recall said the dealership should do, it was on the fuel lines and tucked up behind that bracket where it was in no way visible unless you knew it was there. So now im going to have to pay $608.05 for fuel lines because faulkner-ciacco ford dealership did not service my explorer correctly. I called ford motor company asking if they would pay for it and they said that they cant do anything about it. I believe ford, or the dealer should have to pay since the warning label was not correctly placed on my vehicle. The ford recall # is 98s09.

Filed Apr 3, 2007 · Seats · 103,000 miles · GA · fire

My 1997 ford explorer was parked outside a local restaurant when I was alerted that the interior of my vehicle was on fire and that the fire department had been called. Black smoke was pouring out of the slightly opened windows when I approached the SUV and ultimately put the fire out with a fire extinguisher. Closer examination indicated that the source of the fire came from under the drivers side seat. One of the firemen on the scene speculated that the motor that controls the power seat overheated and started the fire. My first call was to ford motor company. Their response was that they would send me a letter in the mail. This letter came a week later and explained that although they would really like to assist me with my loss , there was not a recall on my vehicle, so they would not be able to assist me. My insurance company took care of me and hopefully they will also "take care of ford" to recoup their loss . I am fortunate that a young child or one of our family pets were not in the car. Any thoughts I may have had about buying another ford have been replaced with thoughts about there customer dis-service and the lack of concern over a potentially deadly problem with one of their best selling SUV's.

Filed Apr 8, 2004 · Fuel system · 97,500 miles · PA

Ford did not apply the federal safety agency recall 98v060 properly to my 1997 ford explorer VIN [xxx]. The do not ground warning was applied to the incorrect bracket. When I attempted to jump start the vehicle, I used the fuel line bracket since there was no warning label. The braided fuel line covers overheated and melted the fuel line resulting in a significant leakage of fuel when the engine was running. The vehicle had to be towed. Ford claims the recall was done properly. I have photographs which show it was not done properly. I believe that this poses a serious risk to the 300, 000+ vehicles that had this recall done. Summary 1.the warning label was not attached to the correct bracket when the vehicle was serviced per the recall 2.there is no label in the engine compartment indicating that the revised alternator bolt is a jump start ground location 3.fords position is that the repairs were done properly. My contention is that they were not done properly. 4.this situation poses an imminent danger to drivers, passengers and bystanders. 5.there are still significant numbers of these vehicles on the road. 6.ford should provide a label indicating that the alternator bolt is a ground location and they should check vehicles that were subject to this recall to ensure that the labels were properly applied. *ak updated 07/30/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Filed Dec 9, 2003 · Fuel system · 77,000 miles · CT

Consumer received recall 98060000 concerning fuel line rupture; however, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. While attempting to charge the battery, the consumer connected the cable to the fuel line bracket. This caused the fuel braid to overheat, causing the fuel line to rupture.

Filed Nov 23, 2001 · Lights, Visibility · TX

Windshield washer comes on intermittently while driving. Vehicle taken to dealer twice, multi function switch was replaced the first time. It did not remedy the problem. Second time dealer could not find cause. *ak the consumer stated that the vehicle was at the dealer for one day in cold weather outside, problem was replicated and they found relays overheating and sticking caused by shorted malfunction switch on prior repair and they replaced both relays.

Filed Nov 21, 2001 · Engine, Visibility · LA

Cylinder heads or head gasgets failed causing coolant leak into cylinders and out exhaust. Suspect faulty heater valve leaked coolant causing engine to overheat and damage heads or gasgets.

Filed May 8, 2001 · Engine · MD

Vehicle overheated while driving. When checking the cooling system fluids were turning into slush. Contacted dealer, and the dealer was not willing to help.

Filed May 7, 2001 · Engine · WA

Vehicle overheated, when checking vehicle fluid was turning into slush. Contacted dealer, and dealer was not willing to help.

Filed Apr 17, 2001 · Acceleration, Transmission · CA

Is this legal to sell a vehicle new or used with serious safety recalls, they have jeopordized my safety in this vehicle. Sudden engine acceleration and tachometer re-line at passing gear. Shifting into low gear prior to 1800rpms. Engine noise at start up. Overheating causing damage to the transmission, I.e. Torque converter failure. Idles at 1200.rpms and fluctuates. What ethics do these dealer possess and do they not safety inspect them prior to sales, they let me drive off the lot. This vehicle is currently in service for the failed parts after purchasing it on novemeber 1,2000. I have firestone at tires yet to be inspected.

Filed Apr 4, 2001 · Engine · IL

Engine failed while driving, causing vehicle to stall due to overheating. Cause unknown, dealer does not know why vehicle overheated. Complete engine needs to be replaced.

Filed Mar 22, 2001 · Engine · NC

While driving engine will overheat without a prior warning. Had been taken to dealer, but no repair had been made.