1999 Ford Explorer: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Dec 31, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · 210,000 miles · IN

I need to know what causes the electric to go haywire. The overhead lamp clicks on and off the driver door lock doesn't work completely. The driver window does not work correctly. Some of my gauges will decide not to work sometimes and then other times we'll be fine. My radio clock does not work. All happens the same whether I'm driving or not whether I'm parked with the engine running or not. I can't figure out anything it's causing this

Filed Sep 15, 2016 · Acceleration, Suspension · IN

Transmission started slipping. Neutral is actually reverse over drive is neutral 2nd is od 1st is 2nd past 1st is 1st gear. When I move power lamp to off my headlights turn off. All of this haopened when I turned my vehicle on or when I was driving.

Filed Jan 28, 2008 · Lights · 110,493 miles · AL

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford explorer. While driving approximately 60 MPH at night, the headlights failed for ten seconds before returning to normal. The contact notified the dealer, but they could not duplicate the failure. The failure and current mileages were 110,493. Updated 02-25-08 *bf updated

Filed Jul 7, 2005 · Electrical · 112,000 miles · MO · fire

Headlight switch and wiring harness burnt. Car was parked, not running or lights on. Car filled full of smoke. Was lucky it did not set the car on fire.

Filed Jun 24, 2005 · Electrical · 72,741 miles · MI

Dt: the contact owns a 1999 ford explorer. He states that while driving he noticed smoke was coming from steering column. This did happened three or four times. Took vehicle to the dealer, and they replaced the multi-function switch (turn signals, windshield wiper, and headlight dimmer module). He has found complaints for this problem on the federal safety agency website.*ak the multi-function switch burnt and was replaced. *tt

Filed Sep 28, 2002 · Lights · IN

While driving at night headlights went out. I was able to stop safely only by other vehicle lights. Possible problem with auto lamp switch in vehicle. After vehicle sat for a while lights came back on. Very difficult to find dash switch and turn on lights while driving in the dark at 65 MPH. Mr

Filed Aug 22, 2001 · Visibility · MA

When driving at highway speeds (65-70mph) the interior electrochromic rearview mirror begins to vibrate. The vibratation causes reduced visibilty as the images are blurred. This problem is compounded when driving at night as a result of rear traffic headlights. The resulting decreased rear visibility creates a hazardous condition which could result in an accident. The vehicle has been taken to the dealership numerous times and ford motor company has been contacted directly regarding this problem. The dealership has tried tightening the mirror, replacing the mirror, balancing the tires, and changing the tires. The final conclusion as determined by the dealership and ford engineers is that the agressive tread on the tires is causing the vibration. I have been told to replace the tires with a tire having a highway tread. I find this explanation difficult to accept because the tires that are on the vehicle are brand new as a result of the firestone recall.

Filed May 11, 2000 · Visibility · CA

The rearview mirror vibrates at highway speeds reducing driver visibility and causing visual distraction potentially resulting in an accident and possible personal injury. At highway speed, the electrochromic interior rearview mirror begins to vibrate rendering images unclear. This condition makes it difficult to impossible for the driver to discern traffic conditions behind the vehicle including distance, rate of closure, etc. In addition, this problem is compounded during nighttime driving when the rear traffic headlight image oscillates, creating a visual distraction for the driver. Both these hazardous safety conditions could result in an accident and possible potential personal injury. This chronic safety problem has occurred since the purchase date 05/31/99 and has been repeatedly escalated to the dealership and ford motor corporation for resolution. While the dealership in conjunction with ford has tried to identify and repair the problem, including replacing the mirror, adjusting the mirror, balancing tires, balancing the drive train, and replacing 1 wheel, they have yet to resolve the issue and identify the vibration source.

Filed Sep 15, 1999 · Lights · NM

The new headlight which the vehicle is equipped, the low bea light is too bright and blinds other drivers. This may result in a crash. The high beam is way too bright. Please provide further information and VIN#.

Filed Mar 11, 1999 · Suspension · CA

I had called earlier today to submit a complaint but I thought this would be quicker. I am writing to you in reguards to the ford explorer sport 2 door sport utility vehicle. This vehicle has a manufacturing defect with the rear suspension system. Ford has replaced the standard 4 steel leaf springs with 1 carbon fiber leaf spring and used 4 spacers to raise up the vehicle so it won't be noticable. Unfortunatly this system will not withstand any weight. The maximum tongue weight is 540 pounds. Ford states and falsely advertises that this vehicle will tow 4,880 pounds. If one were to attempt to tow this amount of weight the rear end would almost be touching the ground. This vehicles design is inadequate for a 4x4 sport utility vehicle and technically should be considered unsafe. When one transports 4 persons and gear the vehicle sags to tremendously at night that the headlights blind oncomming traffic. Also, with that amount of weight the vehicle becomes unsteady and is hard to control. One leaf spring supporting the entire rear end of this vehicle does not provide enough support which in part will cause the shocks to work just that much harder and wear out much faster. I went to a dispute board on the 2nd of march to plead my case. I made sure to call them ahead of time to let them know that I was bringing down the vehicle so they could see just exactly what I was talking about. When I told them that I had brought the vehicle they stated they didn't want to see it. Without actually viewing the vehicle they coulden't have possibly made a valid decision (in which they turned down my case) and I believe they weren't there for the consumer, but the manufaturer. Ford has an obvious manufacturing defect with this vehicle and I can't seem to get anyone to understand that it is inadequate and technically unsafe. At night and with a minimul amount of weight this vehicle sage so much that it blinds oncomming traffic. Cutting corners on a $22,000 + vehicle obserd!!!!