1998 Ford Explorer: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Nov 16, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 200,000 miles · CA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated to start and smoked appeared on numerous occasions. In addition, the overhead lights in the vehicle did not work and the battery had a shortage. The contact stated that the service engine light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 200,000.

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 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 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 Mar 17, 2003 · Electrical · 81,884 miles · CO · fire

I was driving while towing a trailer and headlights, parking lights, and fog lights went out and smoke came out of the steering column. After cooling off, I drove the rest of the way holding the dimmer switch back towards me for 2-and-a-half hours.

Filed Aug 28, 2002 · Lights · GA

While driving at night at 70 MPH headlights fail due to defective switch in steering column.

Filed Jun 4, 2001 · Body, Engine · LA

Trunk door will not shut properly. Consumer is able to slide his hand in while door is shut. *ak consumer contacted dmv and found out vehicle had been in an accident, consumer specifically asked for a vehicle that had not been damaged, however dealer sold it to him anyway, consumer feels deceived and is experiencing multiple problems with vehicle. Radio is inoperative at times. Hatch rubs agains frame of vehicle. Taillight and headlight are out of alignment, fog lights had lamp failure. Vehicle experiences problems with absorbing road shock, vehicle pulls to right. Check engine light illuminates, vehicle experiences low power. Rear power window motor failed. Power antenna failed. Right windshield wiper interior garnish molding loose, rear wiper blade skips center of glass, dealer replaced rear wiper arm and blade assembly. Steering gear assembly replaced due to noisy. Bumper not even.

Filed Jan 30, 2001 · Lights · MD

Consumer was driving in dark and headlights went out, bright and dim. Consumer had to hold turn signal towards him to keep lights on.

Filed Aug 8, 2000 · Lights, Tires · TX

Turn signals and high beam indicator lamp failed suddenly. Fuses are good. Rear wiper has never work right. Has not work at all for some time. Always had low rumble when moving. Appears to come from front.( dot number: tire size: 70r15 100s )

Filed Mar 8, 2000 · Lights · FL

Whiledriving down the road headlights went out. Consumer had to play with the switch before he could get them back on.