1997 Ford Explorer: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Dec 29, 2016 · Electrical · 220,000 miles · NC · fire

On december 23rd, 2016 I was coming home from work around 6:00 pm. My car was a 1997 ford explorer eddie bauer edition. I had just gotten off of the highway and turned onto my road when I began to smell smoke, so, I pulled off into an empty parking lot beside a walking trail. I could tell that it was an electrical fire, but, it took me quite a while to figure out where it was coming from. I checked under the hood - but nothing seemed to be wrong there. Then, I got back into the car and the smoke kept getting heavier. I began feeling around for something that was hot. I checked the dash, the vents, the steering wheel, the seats - almost everything before I checked the center computer console. In the middle of my car - directly under the radio - there is a computer module that displays the gas mileage, oil status, and if there is a problem with the lights on the car. The module had recently started displaying a "check headlamps" message. Well - I had done so and they were working fine - so I did not think anything of it. Turns out that the fire had started under the center computer module. I guess that the car should have blown a fuse but instead - started a fire. I tried to rip the cover and the console up - but it was screwed down and I had no luck. At that point, the flames started to spread very quickly and the entire car went up in flames in a matter of minutes. I called 911 and got as far away as I could with my belongings. The fire truck and fire fighters came within five minutes or so and put out the fire before it reached the gas tank. The bottom half of the car remained untouched, however, the interior was completely destroyed. The seats had burnt off and the steering wheel was completely gone. I'm still in my teenage years - so I did not know how to deal with this situation properly. I am just glad I am alive and that I was able to get out of the car in time.

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 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 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 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.

Filed Nov 29, 2002 · Electrical · AR

Vehicle seems to go through headlight and fog lamp bulbs rather quickly. I have replaced both headlamps once, and the driver side headlamp a second time. I also have had to replace both fog lamps twice. Driver side brake light also has been replaced once and is out again. Dt

Filed Aug 16, 2001 · Lights, Visibility · PA

On the first occasion, the headlights would go out when the turn signal was turned on. The vehicle was out of warranty(over 36,000 miles) so we had our regular mechanic repair, but we asked to keep the replaced part. The most recent problem (only 11/2 years& approx 8000 miles later)was that the windshield wipers would not work. This time we took it to a ford dealer. The service manager mentioned that there had been a problem with this part and that ford had made an upgrade, but no recall had been enacted. Again we asked to keep the replaced part (both are ford parts#13k359). If there are any questions regarding this claim, please leave message on home phone, or contact diane rutt between the hours of 9-5 at 717 336-7534.

Filed Feb 11, 2001 · Lights · ID

The headlights went out while I was passing another vehicle on an icy road at night between driggs, idaho and victor, idaho. I clicked the dimmer when they went out, and tried to put the dimmer lever into any other position and the lights would not come on. I held the dimmer switch up against the steering wheel in the "bright" flasher position and they came on, but blinding oncoming traffic so that they flashed their lights at me. I drove this way to my home about seven more miles. This is very dangerous! Broadway ford (66 mi from our home) charged us $134.41 to replace the multi-function switch which they think caused the problem, and I understand ford rangers have been recalled for this problem.

Filed Apr 17, 1998 · Electrical · ID

Head light and fog light wire exposed and loose in the front wheel wells, when driving through snow and ice buildup of ice occurs on the wires, then the wires break, causing sudden outage, wire need to be rerouted.

Filed Mar 12, 1998 · Lights · PA

Driver believes that the headlights are aimed too high on all ford trucks causing blindness problems for other drivers.

Filed Feb 11, 1998 · Lights · TN

Design of headlights causing irritation and poor visibility to other driver's, required adjustment down.