1994 Ford Probe: engine overheating

Filed May 26, 2003 · Brakes · 70,400 miles · MN

Rear caliper brakes seized on my 1994 ford probe gt, causing extreme overheating and smoking.

Filed May 20, 2001 · Brakes · CT

In march of 1999 the left rear brake caliper of my ford probe locked while I was driving and would not release, causing the brake pads to overheat and smoke while I drove and adversely affect the handling of the vehicle. This happened with no warning from the vehicle's brake warning system or otherwise - I was unaware of the problem until I saw and smelled smoke from that wheel. At the time, I had both rear brake calipers replaced by a ford dealer (dillon ford), who said that both had failed. On may 18, 2001 (about 20,000 miles later) the replacement left rear brake caliper again locked and would not release while I was driving, again causing the brake pads to overheat and burn. I have researched this problem and discovered that many other people who own this vehicle have complained of the same situation - however, I contacted the ford motor co. On both occasions and they refuse to get involved, saying that there is not a recall or tech. Service bulletin regarding that problem. This seems unsafe to me - I appreciate any assistance you can give me.

Filed Mar 20, 2001 · Electrical · CA

This is a typical problem with this car: ignition cut-out at highway speeds due to heat. The ignitor overheats, causing sudden stop of the engine in highway traffic. The stopped engine also causes loss of power steering. This is a safety hazard that should be addressed by a recall. 1995 and later probes are equipped with a redesigned distributor that does not have this problem.

Filed Apr 22, 2000 · Brakes · KS

The rear brake calipers do not disengage after using the handbrake. The handbrake is currently useless on the car since it never disengages properly. This essentially makes the car immobile at the point where the handbrake was used. Any passenger or driver can engage the handbrake not knowing that there is a problem with it disengaging. If the car is driven in this condition there could be dangerous consequences such as a wreck due to the vehicle not having normal control and fire due to the brake discs overheating. This is a problem that puts the driver and passengers in a situation where there is a higher probability of danger.

Filed Nov 24, 1998 · Transmission · MN

This car was taken back to dealer while still under warranty with transmission problems. They said it was fine. One month after warranty was up automatic overdrive would not dis-engage and transmission was overheating. Dealer let car sit for over 10 days and did nothing. Took car to different repair shop. They said short term memory was wipped out, needed overdrive warning light to come on again in order to get code. Took car and drove for a long distance. At that time the transmission overheated causing loss of speedometer and massive fluid leak while driving 65 MPH. Advised to immeadeatly stop driving car as it could catch on fire. Vehicle since fixed twice buy a different dealer. Dealer stated that notch was missing out of transmission piston from the factory. Transmission also had numerous other problems and total repair cost 1,328.58. I have since been told (to late) that there are several bullitens out for these transmissions.

Filed Sep 17, 1997 · Brakes · OH

Corrosion of a pivot pin in the rear brake calipers, causing parking brake to lock up, resulting in overheating.

Filed Sep 8, 1997 · Brakes · MO

When the emergency brake pivot arm rusts preventing the emergency brake from disengaging, upon moving forward the caliper gets stuck to rotor. Friction causes the rotor to overheat, causing rotor to warp and pre mature wear of pads.

Filed Aug 18, 1997 · Brakes · MD

Right rear caliper does not fully release, resulting in the following: brake pads drag, causing excessive friction when driving, overheating of brake components and smoke. Could potentially be a fire hazard.

Filed Dec 15, 1995 · Brakes · NH

Brake caliper is freezing in the closed position which causes the disc brake to overheat which could cause a fire. Please describe details. Tt