While driving on the i15 interstate freeway and making a merge onto california state hiighway 78 in heavy traffic the accelerator peddle bracket broke away from the engine firewall where it had been spot welded. After several near collisions, I managed to pull off of the freeway. Upon close inspection I saw that the spot welds holding the bracket to the engine firewall had failed, allowing the bracket to pull away from support rendering the accelerator peddle useless. As of today, 7/25/2005, I have not yet reported the incident to ford motor company as I wanted to find out if similar incidents on the 1997 ford explorer have been reported.
1997 Ford Explorer fuel system complaints
Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 56, newest first, as owners wrote them.
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)
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.
The vehicle experienced the same problem as stated in recall#98v06000- fuel system, however the vehicle identification number was not included in the recall.
Consumer indicated the gas tank cap was not tightened securely, which caused the engine light to illuminate.
While having vehicle jumped started fuel line began to leak. Dealer was notified; however, was unable to fix problem.
A/c was blowing warm air. Ford dealership said accumulator was rusted and needed to be replaced (quoted $895). This part rusts because it is wrapped in foam. It appears to be a common problem with 1996-1998 explorers. The 1999 and later models do not have the wrapping on the accumulator.
I have spent more than 1200.00 repairing this vehicle lately. No safety defect mentioned.
Consumer was starting vehicle in the morning and there was a loud boom with a toxic smell. There were no flames. Started it again, and it didn't do anything. There was a small mini explosion underneath hood. Dealer stated that uper intake had blown to pieces. Undetermined of the cause, but assuming a missed fire. *ak right rear gasket intake manifold failed and was replaced. Spark plugs were replaced. The fan belt were replaced.
Fuel injection module has worn out. Dealer has advised consumer that part was "defective" and needed to be replaced at consumer's expense.
Fuel line was leaking fuel. Dealership has replaced fuel line, and charged consumer approximately $300. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
Same problem as in recall 98v060000, jump starting. Consumer jumped started vehicle, and fuel lines blewout.
Consumer had to replace o ring in intake manifold, and transfer box of 4- wheel drive.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
While driving the tensioner failed causing the engine to stall without warning or indication of trouble, consumer request reimbursement. Nlm
Rubber seal on fuel tank cap failed causing check engine light to illuminate. Diagnosis and replacement of fuel tank cap $110. Seal on cap was torn. This was the second failure. First failure occurred while vechile was under warranty.
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Started vehicle in mornings, and it ran rough. Also, motor stalled. Contacted dealer. Dealer indicated that intake manifold gasket needed to be replaced. Was told by dealer that they were on national backorder.
Vehicle can not be repaired due to lack of parts, o-rings, (99v‑060).
No summary listed for above vehicle.
Defective intake manifold is causing vehicle to stall after starting vehicle when it is cold. Parts are on national back order. Consumer has been waiting at least 31/2 months, and cannot get vehicle fixed.
Engine check light came on. Consumer took vehicle to a mechanic who told her that a hole was produced in the intake manifold.
Intake manifold and the exhaust gas sensors had to be replaced prematuraly.
Coming out of garage smelled fuel. Popped the hood, and could see gas squirting out of carburetor. Contacted dealer, and had a local mechanic replace the fuel tank assembly.
Recall repair denied due to mileage of the vehicle. (98s09)
Engine- vehicle began making knocking/ticking noise from engine at 30000 miles, took into dealer to report it, and they said no problems. Noise was at start ups and after vehicle had set for brief time. Noise became louder and longer in duration, took back into dealer at 35000 miles, again, they said no problems-normal noise. At 41900 miles, vehicle became undriveable, noise was extremely loud and metallic in nature. Took to different dealer who stated that they had numerous problems with 1997/98 explorers with 4.0sohc engine timing chain tensioner failures. Most were under warranty and they sent entire engine back to manufacturer to repair. Now my vehicle was out of warranty and the reapai cost me $700.00. The vehicle went back 3 days later with same problem, another $300.00. I feel that I reported my problem while the vehicle was still in warranty and that ford should cover the repairs. I also think thatford is fully aware of a widespread problem with these 4.0 sohc engines and the timing chain/tensioner defects. I have talked with many dealers and individual owners who have stated the defect is not isolated. Had my family and I been traveling at high speed when this thing went bad and the engine quit,there could have been an accident. There needs to be a formal investigation into this issue, it is too widespread and ford certainly is aware of the problem, but unwilling to address it and compensate consumers who are suffering with this. Fuel system- there is also a hesitation/stalling that occurs on same vehicle that has been into teh dealer on several occasions to fix, but can not be diagnosed or repaired. This is very dangerous especially when pulling into intersections or turning at traffice lights. My wife has had several near misses due to this. Again, this appears to be widespread with this 4.0 sohc engine. Please let's have something done about this before someone is hurt. Ford's army of engineers surely are aware this exists. Mark ditto
Fuel filler does not have a ground strap which caused a build up of static electricity and resulted in a fire.
Upon starting the explorer fuel gauge drops down from half tank to empty. After about 10 minutes the fuel gauge shows the correct amount of fuel. The fuel gauge was replaced in march of 99, and the fuel pump was replaced on 4/1//99. Conusmer is still experiencing a problem with the explorer. Please provide any further details.
When putting gas into the gas tank, the pump will shut off and the gas will spill out. It take's five times as long to get gas into tank.
While driving at 25 to 30 MPH stopped at a stop sign and noticed smoke coming from under the hood due to a leak from the fuel line. A spark touched some of the wires, causing a fire. Fire department came out to put out the fire, and they disconnected the wires.
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