For approximately two weeks prior to december 5th, 2004, the heat element in my 2000 ford explorer driver seat would become painfully hot under the left leg near the torso to the point where it needed to be manually turned off each time. It was turned off as it became painful, and we were concerned we would become burned and would the seat catch on fire. My other concern for this is someone, such as a diabetic, with neuropathy wouldn't feel the intensity of the heat and become burned. 2) approx 2 weeks after the initial event the seat light will come on but no heat is produced. Why did it take 2 weeks for the element (assumed) to burn out? 3) the car is scheduled to go to an independant mechanic as I do not trust ford to do the right thing. The dealer is not concerned that my driver airbag light goes on and off at will for days or weeks at a time. They recalled the 98 and 99 models for a tensioner pulley problem and issued a service bulletin for the '00 but the dealer wants to charge $500 for the repair......most defects I took in for warranty repair remain unfixed, (mostly electrical in nature) including a rear wiper that rarely goes on, radio stations and clock display that occasionally can be seen and a rear passenger door handle that after 5 attempts (ford went against their engineer recommendations to do a recall) will unlock with power lock but the unsuspecting or in a hurry will just about rip a hand off to get it open.
2000 Ford Explorer electrical complaints
Page 3 of 4: complaints 41 to 70 of 78, newest first, as owners wrote them.
When using turn signal smoke comes from the steering column.
The vehicles electrical system has failed. The dealer stated that the multi function switch was the cause of the failure. *nm the harness wires all shorted and the consumer noticed smoke coming from the dash. The power windows failed. The speedometer and gauges failed. The air conditioner failed. The radio blinkers and lights failed. A burning smell came from the dash frequently. The consumer request reimbursement.
Lights for radio and clock have gone out- periodically come on for a few minutes and then disappear. Lights are off 99% of time- for weeks at a time. This has been happening for two years. It was recommended I replace the radio at my expense, but I have heard of a number of other explorer owners with same problem- I think it is a defect of an expensive radio.
Consumer lost power to windshield wipers, windows, and interior lighting. *la the consumer indicated that every two weeks the vehicle loses power to the wipers, power windows and interior lighting. While driving during a thunderstorm, the vehicles wipers did not function which almost caused an accident. . The consumer searched the federal safety agency website and found a recall (00v072000) concerning an identical issue with a module (gem) which controls the wipers, windows, etc. The consumer's vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN.
The consumer stated that when he got into vehicle and turned windshield wipers on, they did not work and managed to get the vehicle to a dealer. The dealer determined that the generic electronic module (gem) malfunctioned. This caused windshield wipers/ rear defroster/rear lighting/4-wheel drive/ interior lighting, and power windows to malfunction. Recall 00v072000 was issued; however, this vehicle was not included in the recall due to VIN. *ak
The windshield wipers, power windows, dome lights, and warning indicators stopped operating due to a malfunction in the generic electronic module. *nm the dealership was helpful but was unable to obtain the parts for about a week.
After starting the vehicle smoke came from behind the turn signal switch. Consumer shut the vehicle off, and took the key out of the ignition switch to stop the smoking. *ak neither ford nor the dealership acknowledged this was a defect and neither have offered to repair the vehicle. *ph
Vehicle overheated/ thermostat, rear wiper motor stopped working, check engine light stays on continually, belt squeals on rainy days, radio comes on by itself, tires to be replaced, lived at same address since vehicle purchase and not even a notice for recall on tires.
I have a 2000 ford explorer in the last year I had to change my spark plugs twice because coil keeps burning out, I purchased the vehicle 5/03 and the airbag light stays on.
While the consumer's wife pulled into the driveway, the gas pedal became stuck and caused her to run into the side of the house. The collision caused $18,000 worth of damage to their home. Since the vehicle had been in the repair shop 8 times. Every once in a while the rpms revved up causing the engine to race. There were problems with the tail lights. The dealer/mechanic stated that they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle, so they could not repair it. After almost having an accident, the vehicle was taken to the chevrolet dealership and an electrical problem was found and the dealership repaired the vehicle. *ak *scc
2000 ford explorer. On several occasions smoke comes from steering column when using left turn signal. Turn light would freeze on and acrid smoke come from around hazard light switch area. Then will be ok for a while and could not recreate for mech but still happens on occasion unexpectly. Where there is smoke there is fire.
I own a 2000 ford explorer with 36,000 miles. For the past week the vehicle shuts off with no warning. It has done it 7 times now; it as if someone threw a switch. It does not seem to have a pattern of occurrence. It has done it on acceleration coasting and braking. This is a very dangerous problem because at high speeds the power steering shuts off and it is difficult to get off the road. Once off the road, you have to put it in park, will not start in neutral, and it starts right back up.
The vehicle experienced problems with the lower ball joints and smoke emitted from the steering column, the dealer replaced the relay switch.*mr there were problems with the left turn signal indicator. Intermittently without warning when the brakes were fully applied the lights stayed on. When the brake was disengaged, the indicator signaled again, in spite of replacement the problem the continued intermittently, however the dealer stated there was no problem. *ts
When the vehicle sits for 4-8 hours I would attempt to start it and then it would cut off. Then attempted to restart it cuts off. I would have to step on the gas to start it and kept my foot on the gas. If I let go of the gas the engine would shake and then it would stall. No engine light came on when driving. This happened at 60,000 miles. Took it to the dealer in woodstock ga on june 30, 2003 and stated that most of the explorers and expeditions are coming in with the same problem. The dealer found it is the iac valve sticking or the ignition moducle sensor bad and had to be replaced. If it was for not the extended warranty the part alone costs $225.00 if this is a common problem, with the ford don;t understand why ford does not recall them. I considered this a defect.
While at a light driver noticed white smoke coming out of the dashboard where the hazard light is located. Air conditioning was then turned off, and after a few minutes the smoke stopped.
The firestone tires were replaced with goodyear tires due to humming noises and recall#00t005000. The engine made noise, vibrated, overheated and would not respond upon acceleration. The vehicles faulty shocks caused noise when driving over bumps in the road, vibration and noise in the front end. The ABS warning light illuminated. The drivers side window was off track, would not go up all the way and went up unevenly. The starter became stuck made scraping sounds. The consumer requested a full refund of the purchase price in accordance to the lemon law. *mr *scc
Consumer stopped vehicle at a traffic light and engaged the turn signal when smoke suddenly began emitting from the steering column into the passenger cabin. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed the problem as an electrical wiring malfunction.
The multi-function switch in my 2000 ford explorer xlt started smoking when the turn signal was turned on. The service man informed me that this situation needed to be taken care of as soon as possible because if it was not fixed there was a chance that a fire would start because of this malfunction and could cause a fire that would take out the entire wiring system of my vehicle. Ford explained to me that they did not consider this a "hazard" it was something they considered a "maintenance issue." I have 42,000 miles on my vehicle. I have owned 2 explorers previous to this and one of my other explorers experienced this problem as well.
Our 2000 ford explorer, has for the second time burned through the spark plug wires. The first time the dealer replaced the damaged wire, but did not indicate that any other problems existed this past week it occurred again but the dealer indicated that because of the failure of the spark plug wire, fuel has now backed up into the top side of the engine, and significant repairs and the removal of the fuel must take place. It seems this condition could cause an engine compartment fire very quickly. Considering the reaction of the vehicle would indicate the need for a tune up only. I contacted ford motor company and they said it was a maintenance problem and not a ford problem. Never had a vehicle burn through spark plug wires before and I don't see how a 3 year old vehicle would experience this problem twice. It appears to be something you should look into before a fire does occur and cause injury or death.
While driving at 55 MPH eletrical system completely went out. Dealer notified. Please provide additional information.
While driving and putting on turn signal, turn signal failed and smoke started to come from steering column. Dealer notified.
Consumer states the seat belt on left back seat does not work, however the dealer could not duplicate the problem.
The truck burst into flames 2 minutes after being shut off. Vehicle completely totaled.
Electrical system is causing intermittent operation of interior lights/ instrument panel functions, and windshield wipers. Dealership examined vehicle, but could not determine cause of problem. Vehicle was not affected by recall campaign 00v072000/ electronic functions. Please provide any additional information / documentation.
When driving, groves,water puddles ,a low part in the road ,ect will make the car jerk to one side or th other, or pull very hard depending on the side the grove,water ect is on. It has not yet caused harm to my family but it very well could have many times. This happens at speeds as low as 10-15 mpr.
Cruise control and horn has failed possibly due to electrical problems . Also brakes take longer time for vehicle to stop.
Vehicle failed to start. Also, while driving 55 MPH, vehicle decelerated without prior warning causing loss of power. Consumer has contacted dealer, dealer unable to determine cause of problem. *ak transmission was replaced.
Consumer was traveling about 65 MPH on highway, and without prior notice windshield wipers stopped working intermittently. Dealership was aware of problem. Also, when consumeer started vehicle he had to shake shift selector in order for it to crank. Filures occur sporadically.
While driving at normal speed vehicle died, no steering/ no brakes. Consumer was almost killed.
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