1998 Ford Explorer: windshield wiper failure

Filed Dec 31, 2015 · Electrical · 160,000 miles · OK

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer. While driving 30 MPH, the speedometer, windshield wipers, interior lights, and four wheel drive failed. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

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 Feb 6, 2012 · Electrical, Visibility · 130,000 miles · WV

Tl* the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30-70 MPH, the vehicle would loose power but the engine would continue to run. The vehicle would eventually stall but was able to be restarted after several minutes. In addition, the wiper blades would also fail and would not operate as they should when inclement weather arose. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where they advised the contact that the wiring in the entire vehicle needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

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 Apr 2, 2010 · Electrical · 108,000 miles · IL

Cigarette lighter caused wiring harness to burn. Smoke filled the cabin when lighter stuck and immediately turned off vehicle. Afterward several exterior and interior lights stayed on. The rear wipers were also activated.

Filed Jul 31, 2009 · Electrical · 42,000 miles · VA

Tl*the contact owns a 1998 ford explorer. The contact stated that the windshield wipers in the vehicle would randomly stop working. This causes dangerous driving conditions in rainy weather. A mechanic stated that the electronic module in the wiper/washermotor was defective. The contact found the federal safety agency campaign id number 00v072000, the federal safety agency action number pe99049 (electrical system:fuses and circuit breakers) on the federal safety agency website. He called the manufacturer and was informed that his VIN was not included in the recall. The contact believes that his vehicle should be included because the failures were identical. The current and failure mileages were 42,000. Updated 09/01/09. *lj updated 09/04/09.

Filed Aug 22, 2005 · Electrical · 70,686 miles · MD

To whom it may concern: I purchased a used 1998 ford explorer 13 months ago. On aug 15,2005 I started my truck up and I could not roll my windows down then I went on to testing the wind shield wipers ( front & back ) they did not work (this is a safety hazzard ) I tried the interior lights they did not work and as well as the 4x4 system. I had to get home so when as I was driving ( luckily it was not raining ) I randomly tested everything again still nothing worked, so I left the switches on and every now and then everything would come on for a split second. When I got home I was baffled and started looking through my owners manual, no info that could help me figure out what the problem could be. So I went online and did some research on ford explorers and its electronics. My search brought me to the recall sights and when I looked on that sight I noticed that I had found the same excact problems I am having as the 1999 & 2000 ford explorer recalls as well as 1999 & 2000 mercury mountainers which is by the ford company. They are under the title - component: electrical system, fuses, and circuit breakers and the federal safety agency recall # 00v072000 and the remedy for this problem is that the dealers will install a resistor in the gem circuit. I called ford company and they are not willing to help me with this problem because my truck is not on the recall list and I feel that it should be and that someone needs to understand that if this problem is happening to the 1999 & 2000' s then it is happening to the 1998 as well, they are the same truck made with the same materials and only updated with more physical features or omitted out dated physical features. Unfortunatly I can't drive my truck now unless I know the weather is going to be clear of rain or other bad weather. I am not able to get it fixed because I can't afford it so I am stuck at the moment if anyone can help or advise it would be greatly appreciated - thank you david stansbury

Filed Sep 22, 2004 · Visibility · TN

While driving in inclement weather windshield wipers would come on and off on their on. This problem was intermittent, and consumer was aware of the problem.

Filed May 13, 2004 · Visibility · 44,134 miles · DE

One month after getting my 1998 ford explorer in october 1998 the rear wiper motor failed and was replaced under warranty. The dealer said that they were having problems with the wiper on all explorers. In july 2001 the rear wiper moter again failed and was again replaced under warranty. Again the dealer said that this was a continuing problem with the explorers. On may 13, 2004 the rear wiper motor has again failed. Now the dealer wants $320 to replace the motor assembly. This time there was no acknowledgement that this has been a continuing problem with the explorer. Without the rear window wiper being opperable it is impossible to see out of the rear window during rain storms or when the road is wet and dirt splashes up onto the window. This creates a hazard that ford should address as soon as possible.

Filed Apr 20, 2004 · Visibility · TX

Defective tires, hood latch, seat latch, cruise control, rear window wiper, etc... *ph the consumer stated the hood latch , seat recliner, cruise control and tires were all recalled. The rear windshield wiper and passenger power window were inoperative.

Filed Nov 9, 2003 · Transmission · 45 miles · OH

Have ford exeplorer 1998 transmission has been acting up for a year and a half. Jerking when you put it in reverse and clunking when you put it in to drive. My exeplorer just turned 60.000 miles and the transmission is no longer working,I can not believe the problems I have had with this car,from having a wreck and airbag not deploying to all of the recalls,had the bad tires and windsheild wipers not working.they should really have to do something about the exeplorer from that year.ibought my exeplorer in oct,98 of that year new. When my exeplorer was hit head on ,the police asked if I turned off my airbags.the car had to be towed.

Filed Oct 15, 2003 · Visibility · TX

Rear window wiper not working when raining. *la the vehicle has been to the dealer three times and there's nothing they can do. *ph