1998 Ford Explorer lights problems

Filed Nov 10, 2014 · Lights · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer. The contact stated that the high beams warning light illuminated continuously even after the engine was shut off. The failure recurred whenever the engine was started. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician diagnosed that the headlight module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Jun 8, 2012 · Electrical, Lights · 99,000 miles · CA

May 20, approximately 03:30am, while driving about 35mph to work in the dark with head lights on; headlights unexpectedly turned off. Luckily that section of the street, had street lights working properly; but, I was approaching an unlit stretch of winding road with a 45mph speed limit. This could have become very dangerous. (dashboard lights were not affected.) turning the normal headlight switch did not seem to fix the problem. I tried the bright light function, which is part of the turn signal lever. They did not come on at first; however when jiggling the "turn signal lever," I noticed a "looseness in the lever, at the base where it connects to the steering column." wiggling it, turned the head lights back on, temporarily; but, wiggling from vibration in traffic caused them to turn "off" again. The turn signal lever on the 1998 ford explorer is used to control the "bright lights" and also controls windshield wipers. I am not certain; but, I believe I had the turn signal lever assembly repaired several years ago by a ford dealer in san diego...neither of the dealers I used to have service my vehicle are still in business. I believe the problem with the turn signal lever at that time, had to do with the wipers cutting off unexpectedly; and, eventually, not working all together. First: is this something the government should investigate "before" having the vehicle repaired? Second: should ford be the one investigating this problem? Third: should ford replace the turn lever assembly and provide the labor at their expense? ... On a personal note, after working for the same company for 12 years and being a workaholic, I just got laid off last week. This expense is definitely going to cost several hundred dollars in parts and labor, when I can least afford it. At this time, I can rule out trying to apply for a night job.

Filed Jul 23, 2010 · Airbags, Lights · KY

Wipers works when they want too. Power windows work when they want too. The interior lights works when they want too.

Filed Mar 23, 2010 · Electrical, Lights · 112,000 miles · NY · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer xlt. The contact stated that the turn signals were inoperable. The dealer replaced the directional control arm yet the failure recurred within a year. The directional control arm was replaced a second time by the dealer. He also noticed that the wires were discolored and stated that the vehicle needed several additional repairs. The contact declined to have the vehicle repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the control arm did not need an additional replacement but suggested replacing the fuse. On a separate occasion, while using the turn signals, the turn signal switch inside began smoking. There were no additional repairs made to the vehicle or related recalls. The manufacturer stated that since there were no recalls, they would not provide any assistance. The failure mileage was 112,000 and the current was 191,000.

Filed Jul 7, 2009 · Lights · 150,000 miles · CO

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer. The contact stated that the brake light would not illuminate when the brake pedal was depressed. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle was repaired at a repair shop, but the failure continued. The contact took the vehicle back to the repair shop and had it repaired again for free. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified. The current mileage was 167,994 and failure mileage was approximately 150,000.

Filed Aug 1, 2005 · Lights, Seat belts · 150,000 miles · MO

Dt: driver's side back seat belt latch broke. On june 1, 2005. Caller said the other two seat belt latches broke about a year ago and caller had them fixed. Also, she low beam iwasnot working . She had it checked at a repair shop and was told they could not find what was wrong with it. Dealer and manufacturer have not been contacted yet.

Filed Jul 29, 2005 · Acceleration, Body · 131,000 miles · AL · fire

Dt: 1998 ford explorer. The brakes lights failed on the vehicle. Consumer had the brake light fuses changed. They used the fuses that came with the vehicle. As soon as the second fuse was put in the vehicle caught on fire. Another person put the fire out by beating it with a towel. Then, consumer contacted a dealership by phone, they told her that there was a recall on the master cylinder but, he was unsure of the model years included. When the consumer contacted ford, they told consumer would get back to her. There were no fire or police reports available. The incident occurred on 7-262005 before the hood latch had acted up. Also, cruise control malfunctioned. . It melted the wires for the ABS and the spot for putting in the brake fluid.

Filed Sep 13, 2004 · Lights · 128,000 miles · PA

Headlights suddenly stopped working. Side markers and turn signals still work, as do hi-beams when in flash/passing mode. I have replaced the headlight switch, but they still don't work.

Filed Aug 23, 2004 · Lights · 76,000 miles · CA

Headlights go off unexpectedly while driving. Action to be taken is to have the dealer inspect and repair.

Filed Nov 4, 2003 · Acceleration, Lights · 76,000 miles · GA

The accelerator pedal would stick causing sudden acceleration. This will eventually get someone killed. Ford should recall vehicle. *ak the vehicle would surge when the brakes were applied. The problem remained the same. *scc the reverse lights were inoperative, the heater control valve was replaced, the left rear brake light was replaced. *jb. Surges into oncoming traffic with brakes on. The consumer received a response from the federal safety agency that indicated that review of the evidence during the investigation concluded that there was insufficient evidence to include the 1998 ford explorer 5.0 liter engine in the scope of recall 00v‑422.