1997 Ford Explorer visibility problems

Filed Nov 16, 2011 · Visibility · 126,000 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 ford explorer. While driving approximately 70 MPH, the contact noticed that the defroster was not functioning and the windshield would not clear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technician advised that the dashboard would have to be removed and the blending chamber would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000. Updated 07/10/13*lj updated 07/12/13

Filed Dec 20, 2010 · Visibility · CA

Waiting at a traffic light the sunroof shattered nothing but rain had fallen on the vehicle.

Filed Mar 5, 2010 · Visibility · CA

Have experienced periods when the windshield wipers do not operate when the control is on. Has occurred when first turning on the control as well as when changing from a different speed setting on the control. No regularity in the occurrence, seems to be random. This has occurred many times during my ownership since 2000. I was checking the database and found an entry on this problem under "defect investigations" so I am adding my experience to your records.

Filed Apr 29, 2008 · Visibility · GA

Blend door on my 1997 ford explorer is not working. Its a problem when defrosting, and driving in bad weather due to the fact that the windshield is not defrosting.

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 Dec 15, 2006 · Visibility · 120,000 miles · TN

Dt*: the contact stated due to the heater being inoperable, the defroster did not operate. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, who determined the blend door needed to be replaced.

Filed Dec 7, 2006 · Visibility · 51,000 miles · SC

Dt*: the contact stated in an attempt to defrost the windshield, no heat was produced. The vehicle was driven to the dealer, who determined the blend door needed to be replaced.

Filed Nov 13, 2006 · Engine, Visibility · 115,000 miles · VA

When I stopped using my AC and turned on the heat in my 97 ford explorer all I get is cold air. This happens at all heat settings including defrost. I talked to a ford dealership and the service man there said it is probably the blend door and that it would cost $800-1000 to repair. Nothing has been done yet as I don't have that much spare cash for this repair. The vehicle does have 116,000 miles on it but I have been checking this out on the internet and it seems to be a major safety issue with 95-99 explorers. Is there any recourse from ford on this?

Filed Oct 23, 2006 · Visibility · OH

Bought explorer in the summer of 2006, went to turn on the heat only blows cold air unable to defrost windows. This is a 1997 explorer that after talking to three different dealerships told me that they all do break and that ford has made a stronger blend door to replace the defective one and they would be happy to replace for a cost of 1200.00. After speaking to five or six different repair shops and finding the article by larry hammer of mighty auto parts I believe that ford has a responsibility for its admitted factory design flaw.

Filed Oct 12, 2006 · Visibility · VA

I am the original owner of this 1997 ford explorer. After a few years, I started to have problems with the heat/defrost. I have had this repaired twice costing around $2000 total. Once again, I no longer have heat/defrost and am scheduled for an evaluation next monday. During snow and rain, not only are you miserable because of the cold but it is dangerous when you are trying to clear the condensation off the window to have complete visibility.