1997 Ford Explorer lights problems

Filed Jun 30, 2014 · Electrical, Lights · 144,000 miles · CA

The 1997 ford explorer 4d eddie bauer edition has a computer controlled message center. The message center controls among other things the vehicle headlights and fog lamps. The light out module (lom) also known as the indicator warning system control is located inside the message center console and runs "hot" in temperature because of a flawed design. The current design leads to internal electrical system failures that result in a loss of the low beam headlights. The system is designed to notify the driver of a headlight or lamp failure, etc, however, the failure of the notification system causes the low beam headlights (and fog lamps as they are on the same circuit) to fail. On june 25, 2014, the second failure of the system occurred (we are the original owners and have previously replaced the indicator warning system control or light out module (lom) at great expense). Ford motor company must recall the 1997 ford explorer eddie bauer edition and any other like designed ford product with a light out module (lom) that fails leaving the driver without low beams and no means of fixing the said defect without an authorized ford dealer's repair (at great expense) that is life threatening in the interim. Such repairs are not possible if on an extended trip in rural settings. The absence of low beam headlights after sunset and before sunrise is life threatening and unacceptable to the occupants of a 1997 ford explorer as well as to pedestrians and other vehicles who cannot see the ford explorer operating without headlights. The corrective solution needs a venting system such that the message center does not continually melt the indicator warning system control or light out module (lom). Thank you for your service and for your prompt attention to this defect requiring a corrective recall.

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 Apr 13, 2008 · Lights · 30,000 miles · CO

Far left dash lights and lights behind indicators on left side of steering wheel went out shortly after receiving the vehicle in 1998; this was repaired under warranty; the lights went out again sometime after the warranty period expired. The sound system amplifier goes out intermittently with no discernible cause; this has gone on for years; the dealer says it would cost over $600 to replace the amplifier.

Filed Feb 4, 2008 · Lights, Transmission · 56,000 miles · MI

Tl*the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. The contact attempted to open the windows, but was unsuccessful. The windshield wipers, interior lights, and the 4x4 also failed to operate. The dealer has not diagnosed the vehicle. There were no warning indicator lights prior to the failures. The contact is unable to drive the vehicle due to the safety risk involved. The current and failure mileages were 50,000. Updated 03-04-08

Filed Aug 25, 2006 · Electrical, Lights · 176,000 miles · CO

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 50 MPH on any road condition, the vehicle swayed violently from side to side. The sway bar was replaced in 2003. A few months later, the contact noticed there was a the federal safety agency recall, #00v402000, regarding the suspension. The service dealer was contacted and determined that a diagnostics test needed to be performed before any work was to be done. The test showed the upper and lower ball joints along with the camber castor kit were damaged. Also the passenger and both rear doors did not open. The front driver's door had difficulties closing on two occasions. The contact received a letter from the manufacturer which offered $6000 for a trade in. The vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The locks were inoperative, the headlamp switch was broken. The vehicle needed upper and lower ball joints, however the consumer declined all repairs. Updated 10/11/06.

Filed Jul 25, 2005 · Electrical, Lights · NV

Several problems with this auto, it seems to be falling apart. The driver side seat belt no longer latches. We have to loop the driver side through the passenger side. It appears this is an issue with several of these models. This is a serious safety hazard and seat belts are mandatory by law. Is there anything being done? The left turn indicator has had electrical issues for years. It makes a zzzz sound and no longer works. I am also down to only one door that the key works on. That is the back lift. The door key had not worked on the driver side for years, then the passenger side went. I have the same heat problem the others are having. You either get full on heat and have to turn it on and off when it gets too hot or you get partial AC, always a little warm. Both the AC and heat has been serviced, the problem is in the switch somewhere. And now the reason I'm writing is I have major electrical problems. Fuses and solinoids have been looked at, there are no longer lights in the dash area. The lights on alarm (ding ding ding ding) remains on when the car is off, the keys out and the door shut which has drained my battery completly. I have jumped started it twice and now it sits in my driveway because it will cost a fortune to have the electrical looked at. If this is an issue with anyone else it should be reported to ford. Not only can I no longer drive this car, it would be totally unsafe to use it. I need 4wheel drive just to get out of my driveway in winter and have no idea how I'm going to come up with the money for all these repairs. Please advise if there are any recalls that address these issues. The incident date I listed below is for the time the seatbelt started to fail completly. We were on a vacation trip!

Filed Jan 6, 2005 · Lights · 100,000 miles · NJ

The headlights/turn signal failsedto work intermittently. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.

Filed Aug 26, 2003 · Lights, Locks · MA

During a vehicle inspection several problems were found. The child safety lock on the passenger side rear door was broken and the driver side tail light doesn't work. Please provide details.

Filed Jan 24, 2003 · Lights · CA

Consumer stated while traveling without any indication vehicle head light went out. Dealer has been contacted. Please provide further information. Ts

Filed Jan 2, 2003 · Lights · GA

Consumer is the original owner of the vehicle and stated has had to replace multi-function switch 3 times in 5 years. Switch controls functions of head lights, wipers, high/low beams, etc. The most recent failure occurred while driving. The consumer noticed smoke emitting from switch and steering column that filled up the entire cabin. Had to pull over to avoid a collision.