2000 Ford Explorer: sudden loss of power

Filed May 18, 2010 · Transmission · 117,000 miles · CA

Vehicles transmission slips causing loss of power to gearing. Unsafe conditions exists while trying to use power to avoid accidents. When vehicle key is switched off then on again, transmission resets until next event of power loss.

Filed Mar 9, 2008 · Acceleration · 98,000 miles · PA · fire

In january 2008 I took my 2000 ford explorer to courtesy ford, in altoona, pa to have the recall service performed. They did not have the necessary parts, so they ordered them and disconnected my cruise control to make the car safe to drive. On february 26, I called and was told my part had arrived. When I took it in, they discovered that only one of two required parts had arrived, and they could not repair my cruise control. I left on a business trip the following day. I was to return on march 7, 2008 and my girlfriend and three daughters were driving to the airport to pick me up. About 40 or 50 miles into the trip she noticed the car was losing power because it was not pulling up a hill well and the engine began running roughly. She pulled over to the side of the road. At this point, the explorer had a little bit of smoke coming from under the hood. She turned the car off and waited a moment, then saw the smoke getting worse. She and my daughters got out of the car and she called 911 for help. Other drivers stopped to assist, but while she was on the phone the explorer broke into flames, starting from under the driver's side. The explorer and my belongings were destroyed, but luckily everyone got out safely. My daughters said that they could see flaming liquid (melted plastic or brake fluid) dripping onto the ground under the car while it was burning.

Filed Sep 5, 2006 · Engine · 81,000 miles · CA

Over the past three to four months my 2000 ford explorer (6 cylinder w/ sohc engine) has developed a problem with the engine. The problem occurs on an intermittent basis. At times the engine will not start. When it does start it will not idle and dies unless the RPM's are manually held at a high enough level to allow the engine to run. When braking at any speed the engine will die when the automatic transmission shifts from a higher gear to a lower gear allowing the RPM's to fall between shifts. This requires shifting the car into neutral to re-start with a loss of all power steering and braking functions. A first it seemed the problem only occurred after the car was parked outside during hot days. Now the problem occurs at different times and different weather conditions. The car recently had the fuel system serviced (along with the 65k recommended service package) at a local ford dealer. The problem persists. I wrote to consumer reports magazine and they suggested I forward this information. *b

Filed Oct 29, 2004 · Steering · 81,451 miles · TX · 1 injury

My 2000 v8 ford explorer experienced a serious and sudden loss of steerabilty, which LED to loss of control and inability to turn a corner - and vehicle ran across traffic into field on other side of roadway. The power steering hose in the engine compartment became unfastened due to everyday vibration, and moved into a position where it was rubbing against one of the belt pulleys (the one nearest the power steering fluid reservoir). This caused the power steering hose to rupture, with immediate loss of power steering. I feel fortunate to have my wife still alive after this episode of poor design. If not for a small break in oncoming traffic, she may well have been killed while attempting to complete a right turn at an intersection. Since this occurred today, I have not yet had the vehicle repaired.

Filed Oct 22, 2004 · Fuel system · 44,430 miles · IN

1) driving the vehicle normally in everyday conditions. 2) the vehicle did not idle when the gas pedal was released, the engine died out losing all power, making it difficult to stop. 3) the idle air control valve and gasket was replaced, part # yu3z-9f715-aa, old part is available.

Filed Oct 13, 2004 · Transmission · 20,000 miles · NJ

Purchased explorer xlt with automatic transmission. Repeated problems holding gears, lack of power. Twice was brought to dealer for diagnostics, which were inconclusive. Problem continued and eventually transmission was replaced by dealer. No problems for first eight months with the new transmission, but now when travelling at high speeds, the overdrive dis-engages causing a loss of power. Upon re-start of car, problem subsides. The car was examined at the dealer two more times, but they were unable to replicate the failure and no work has been done.

Filed May 21, 2004 · Electrical · DC

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.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Seat belts, Transmission · 3,807 miles · AR

1st transmission was found to have been sent from factory with no 2nd gear, which resulted in 3rd gear being destroyed, this was after 2 visits with could not verify comments. So at 3807 miles transmission 2 was put in, I was never told this was a refurbished transmission. Oct 30,2000 back in for a chirping sound while idling.jan 19,2001 back in for oil in air filter, and transmission sticking at 20 MPH.seatbelts also on recall list.jan 23,2001 back in, still sticking at 20mph. Car found to be staying in 3rd gear, repairs made with gasket-trans v, mercon r v aut,gasket asy - tra, processor asy, and pats key all being replaced. Mar 9,2001 2nd key set will not start car, car reprogrammed.7/19/01 car back in shop, whines when turning,slowing down,accelerating, could not verify. Hesitate, then surges at 50mph,could not verify, passenger window will not roll down, replace switch.radio lights suddenly go off, radio stays on, replace radio. 6/05/2003 car seems to lose power, still running but wont drive, 60mph on a freeway!! Car returns to normal for a few mins. Then o/d turns off, and light starts flashing about o/d turned off. Get to dealer- 4th gear wrong ratio, needs overhaul of transmission,o/d band & clutches are damaged. Cracked upper intake manifold, manifold & iac valve need to be replaced.car is now at 59,700 miles,warranty expired, and ford and dealership say I have to pay to fix transmission with documented problems, and I find out it was refurbised at that! Dealer and ford will not stand behind vehicle because it has worked for 48,000 miles, calls in to ford regional manager, and complaints being filed any where I can.

Filed Jan 12, 2004 · Engine · MO

The steering wheel will not adjust correctly when driving. The consumer took the vehicle to the dealer for analysis. The problem could not be solved. *ak it was determined that the control sensors needed to be replaced and after being replaced it still failed. As of yet the consumer has not had an accident or been injured but is concerned that the vehicle needs to be investigated before it does happen. *cb the consumer stated the vehicle lost power and died, the computer stated the problem was with the idle control speed senor and a valve, however the problem continued

Filed Aug 10, 2003 · Engine · 52,800 miles · KS

Vehicle started losing power. Was told it needed a tune up. Also was told that the spark plug wires were broken and frayed. They were replaced along with all the filters and new fluids as well as a fuel system cleaner. When this did not work I was informed that the car needed to go to a ford dealer as the car was "throwing out all of these different codes". It was towed to a ford dealership and I was told by the service adviser that the car was fixed and running in tip top shape. Since then I have encountered stalling and still no power and the vehicle is running rougher. The engine light came on right after I picked it up from the dealership. It has cost me $1,000 so far and am afraid what it will finally cost to remedy this situation. I do not feel safe in this vehicle.

Filed Aug 16, 2001 · Engine, Steering · MD

When driving at any speed without any prior warning vehicle stalled, causing loss of all power steering. Also, overdrive light illuminated on dash before vehicle stalled out. Consumer has contacted dealer. Dealer has yet to determine the cause. Please provide any further details.

Filed Feb 1, 2000 · Engine · MI

When parked or driving at an speed vehicle will shut down, and lose all power without warning. The dealer has been contacted.