Problems with 2000 Ford Explorer ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

2000 ford explorer. consumer writes in regards to recall states engine running without ignition key could start a fire. consumer states thought dealership repaired recall problems. vehicle exploded seven minutes after consumer exists vehicle. *smd

I came home from dropping my son off at his school social. i heard some sparking noise. unplugged my cell phone charger. i didn't know what it was at first. 1 minute later i saw smoke and flames coming from my hood. i jumped out the car and called fire department. guys from the neighborhood put fire out. it started around the brake master cylinder. the cord that attaches to it. later found out it is control deactivation switch. i'm trying to see who's responsible for repairing the vehicle. wasn't informed about recall. *tr

Before my transmission went out my over drive would flash then my 4wheel drive stopped working. i had the 4wheel drive switch replaced and everything was fine until i went to sacramento. after taking care of my eddie bauer explorer having the transmission flushed and filled on a regular basis. while leaving sacramento stopped at a chevron to fill up before heading back up to tahoe. as im leaving the gas station all of the sudden there's a loud crunch of metal sound coming from under my car and it wont kick into any gear. had to have it towed and after reading the thousands of complaints from other owners about their exploders doing the sme thing i figured i would complain. im tired of big companies screwing the little people over who purchase their products when they are perfectly able to fix it. shame on u ford.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. the contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it burst into flames. the vehicle was destroyed. the fire department was called to extinguish the flames. the fire was caused by an electrical component. no one was injured during the fire. the contact called the manufacturer and filed a complaint. the manufacturer stated the fire was not caused by any manufacturer design defect. the failure mileage was 140,000.

My vehicle caught on fire while driving on the highway, my mechanic indicated that the fuel system, gasoline was defective. there was a recall in june 13, 2006 for my vehicle, i was not notified of this defect by ford company. it is now that it was brought to my attention that this was an occurring problem with my vehicle. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. the contact stated that after parking her vehicle she heard a loud noise and then vehicle engulfed into flames. a police report was filed. the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who advised her that the failure was due to the electrical system. the vehicle was deemed destroyed. the manufacturer was notified but have not followed up with the contact regarding the failure. the failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

Vehicle engine compartment firewall wiring harness caught fire and partially melted shorting out electrical system while vehicle was was under steady load (3500 rpm) for less than 5 minutes pulling out a stump. fire was under hood and was extinguished within seconds with water. engine runs but dash warning lights periodically appear: engine, abs brakes, gas cap, etc. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. the contact stated that the vehicle was parked with the engine off when she engaged the headlight switch to shut off the headlights. the knob had become abnormally hot and fell to the floor when engaged. she then observed a chemical coming from the knob casing and black smoke began emitting from under the dashboard near the steering column. the contact stated that the vehicle was parked near a gasoline fuel line and the vehicle then exploded. the stereo was blown out into the street and glass exploded in several different directions. a second vehicle that was parked nearby was also damaged. the fire department was called and a fire report was available. the vehicle was destroyed. the manufactured was not contacted in regards to the failure. the failure mileage was 170,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. the contact was driving 5 mph and attempting a left turn with the left turn signal engaged when white smoke emitted from the steering column. the dealer was called and informed the contact that the multi function switch could potentially be the cause of the failure. the manufacturer was called and advised the contact that there were no recalls on the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 100,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. while driving at speeds of 70 mph, smoke began pouring from under the hood. as the contact was moving the vehicle off the roadway, the vehicle caught on fire. the fire department arrived and advised the fire was so severe that they were unable to determine the exact cause of the failure. the fire chief ruled the fire as mechanical. the contact stated the vehicle was previously repaired under an unknown recall campaign in order to prevent a vehicle fire. the dealer advised the contact that they were not liable for the fire. the vehicle was destroyed. the current and failure mileages were 125,000.

My ford focus 2000 has a problem with the ignition switch locks up so that i can put my car key in... but it will not turn. i was left stranded at a gas station at night, if that isn't dangerous than i don't know what is. i put my key in the ignition and it would not budge. i had my car towed to the ford dealer and they fixed the ignition lock cylinder but cost alot of money and from what i read alot of people have this problem and even when fixed it still happening to people! we need help, no person should be left stranded like i was it was scary to say the least. *tr

2000 ford explorer xls. driving down the road at 25 miles per hour. vehicle running properly and smoothly. smoke began bellowing from under hood. stopped vehicle to open hood to discover engine fire. vehicle has regular maintenance with full diagnostic less than a weak before hand with no issues. vin number is not part of current recalls. baffled as to the start of fire. mainly burned the main engine electrical harness. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. the windshield wiper fuse intermittently failed. she replaced the fuse at least four times within two months. the car was parked in front her home when she heard the vehicle alarm going off. she was unable to shut the alarm off with the keyless entry. she found there was smoke coming from the vents of the vehicle. the vents began to melt and she then noticed flames. the fire department was called however she was able to put the fire out before they arrived. the dealer advised her vehicle was not under recall however she found several complaints online pertaining to possible fires and one recall pertaining to the failure of the windshield wiper motor (see nhtsa campaign id number: 00v072000) her vehicle identification number was not included in any of the recalls. no repairs had been made to the vehicle to date. the current and failure mileages were under 125,149. the vehicle identification number was unavailable.

Total battery drain within 48 hours of charge....alternator checks ok....battery checks ok....regulator checks ok... *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. the contact stated that her door locks have failed several times. the contact had the vehicle repaired by a local mechanic. the door locks continued to fail after the vehicle was repaired. the contact spoke with the manufacturer and was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the failure and current miles were not available. updated 04/15/10. *lj the consumer stated the locks have failed one-by-one. the passenger rear and driver side rear door locks could not be repaired. the trunk lock also sticks. updated 09/02/10

Tl* the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. the contact stated that smoke emitted from the steering column. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was found that there was a shortage in the wiring. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 98,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. for the past two months, the contact has experienced electrical failure with his vehicle. the instrument panel and headlights do not illuminate, the windshield wipers work intermittently, and the battery is always low. the vehicle was taken to the auto garage, but they were unable to diagnose the failure. the vehicle was taken to the dealer on april 8, 2008 and they stated that the headlight and globe wiring were the cause of the failures. the cost of the repair is $800. according to the manufacturer, the dealer informed them that the failure was not under the hood; therefore, they were not responsible. the contact believes that his vehicle is included in nhtsa campaign id number 00v072000 (electrical system:fuses and circuit breakers) and he did not receive a recall notice. the vin, engine size, and number of cylinders were unknown. the current and failure mileages were 100,000. updated 05/19/08 *bf updated 05/19/08. *jb

I am deeply disgusted with your service. i had filed a complaint online and on the phone about the vehicle i have specified on this online system. this was done back in 2011 and followed through with the manufacture and the ca state dept. of investigations with dmv. i had also sent the 20 page or so complaint directly to a ca state senator. i was sold a vehicle with a fire recall still in effect and registered to the auto dealer of auto west group. the vehicle come to find out had well over 15 safety related recalls in its hisotry. for a number of years i have been trying to aquire copies of what i had sent into your department, the ftc, the state of california and the bureau of auto repairs. now i find that i am being stonewalled and being told things like they no longer have any records of the problems. i never received a replacment vehicle and i was in fact a victim of financial fraud associated with the purchasing of this vehicle. bank of america and the used vehicle department at the dealer. since this time the state of california had enacted a few new lemon law protections. i am certain that my paperwork and complaint write-ups assisted in serving the legislation. it couldn't be more apparent that i am being harassed as a whistle blower.. i have received no information or followup letters from any source. all of them are simply trying to pretend i do not exist. their has been no resolve of this matter.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. the contacts wife noticed smoke rising from the rearview mirror after she started the vehicle. she shut the vehicle off, but the headlights remained illuminated. the dealer stated that an electrical short in the wire caused the failure and they made the repair. the contact stated that since the repair, the headlights would no longer illuminate automatically. the dealer stated this could cause a fire. the consumer stated a recall was performed on the cruise control 2 weeks prior to this incident. the failure mileage was 92,865 and current mileage was 93,000. updated 01/02/08. *lj updated 12/12/07 *tr

Aug 2007, received recall notice from ford motor co to replace defective speed control deactivation switch (scds). sep 2007, received notice from ford motor co advising of parts shortage to repair defect and authorizing "an interim repair of disconnecting the speed control system" on the vehicle. on subsequent service visits and on most recent visit of 3-mar-2008, service representative at ford dealership says that dealer does not have the part to effect a repair. *tr

Smoke coming from steering column / turn signal area, that comes and goes. on going problem. *tr

The problem started with the drivers door it would not open , with the remote control , the actuator works but the door latch would not open after several weeks of having to open it with the keys i took the door panel open and spay some wd-40 and it started to open but as time when on the rear passenger doors have started to do the same , the child safety locks have got jam and now both doors are failing at one point the rear driver side door didn't open and i had to take it to a mechanic to get it to work but the problem still persists and now the front passenger door does not open it got stock and the handle to open the door has fallen off it has been such a frustrating problem and i went to find out how much it would cost for the parts and its going to cost about $87.00 per door not including the labor and it very frustrating i wish they do something about it also their was a recall for the cruise control i went to the dealer to get it fix , and they disconnected the cruise control i have call several times they say their is no openings and it has now been four years i have given up. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer xlt. while the vehicle was parked in the garage on april 17, 2007; the contact observed the fire and called the fire department who determined the cause was the engine. no prior maintenance work was performed on the vehicle. the current and failure mileage were 104,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer xlt. while driving the vehicle, the factory installed interior lights began flashing on and off. the dealer stated that the failure was due to a faulty connection with the rear view mirror. she was charged $477 plus labor for the repair. the contact wrote and called the manufacturer, but they have not responded. the approximate date of failure was in november of 2006. the second incident occurred when the vehicle was taken to the same dealer who stated that there was a leak in the engine. she stated that the vehicle has an engine warranty of 60,000 miles. however, the dealer charged her for this repair as well. this failure occurred on february 6, 2007. the contact notified her state attorney generals office who stated that they received a letter from ford and that she could sue ford if she wished. the engine size was unknown. the current mileage is 57,000 and failure mileage was 55,000.

I was driving, coming just off the highway in my 2000 ford explorer and there were puffs of smoke coming from the steering column. i researched some of the recalls at ford and this problem was recalled on some other vehicles of the same model, but not my vin #. the recall was for the multifunction switch in the steering column. no replacement parts have been installed, i will bring to dealer for diagnosis. *nm

2000 ford explorer. on several occasions when using the left turn signal, a large puff of smoke can be seen coming from steering column. now, when using the left turn signal all of the entire rear lights flash along with the blinker. the smoke instances are occasional, but the blinker problem is continuous now. *jb

On several occasions when i put on my left turn signal it doesn't blink it just freezes and smoke comes from the steering column. as soon as i turn the turn signal off it stops smoking. it will be ok for a while but then happens again. yesterday when it happened i had trouble getting it to stop smoking. i am making an appointment today to have this corrected. *nm

Dt*: the contact stated a fire erupted in the engine compartment. the fire was first observed on the passenger side of the vehicle near the alternator and wiring harness. shortly before the fire started the vehicle made a grinding noise. the vehicle has not been inspected by a fire investigator however the contact believes the fire was electrical. the vehicle is currently at the dealership although they are unable to determine what component was involved in the fire. the cruise control on the vehicle was seldom used therefore; the contact is unaware if it works. the insurance company was alerted and a claim was filed. *ak

Dt: the contact states there is nhtsa recall campaign 00v072000 concerning the electrical system. this vehicle has the same problems as indicated in the recall, but it is not included in the recall due to vin. *ak updated 1/11/2006 - the windshield wipers stopped working during a snow storm. the dealer installed a new gem module. the consumer requested reimbursement from the manufacturer. *nm

While having a regular inspection consumer was told that vehicle had the same problem as stated in nhtsa' recall 00v072000 concerning electrical system:fuses and circuit breakers. when contacting manufacturer consumer was explained that this vehicle was not included in the recall due to vin. *ak

Numerous electrical problems with 2000 ford explorer xls. wipers sometimes do not work, the dshboard gauges sometimes do not work (fuel, oil and temp). it has been to the dealers numerous time both in and out of warranty. this actually started when the vehilce was less than two months old. never has a dealer been able to diagnose the problem. very frustrating. *ak

When using the left turn signal, the signal stops working & smoke comes from the steering column around the hazard light button and from around the turn signal arm. the smoke also causes visability problems. this needs to be taken care of before there is a fire and/or death and ford has more lawsuits on their hands!*ak

Car was parked when it caught on fire in the parking lot. the incident was reported by metro rail security, stating that smoke was coming from under the hood before the fire started. police report was issued. the fire was extinguished by the fire department.*ak *nm

The vehicle caught fire while parked. the driver called the fire department to extinguish the fire. the vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. *ak

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.*ak

When using turn signal smoke comes from the steering column. *ak

I have a ford 2000 explorer xlt. the rear wiper works when it wants to usually when i don't need it and i am on the second motor for it. the check engine light stays on for three or four days then goes out for one or two then back on. i have lost all faith in ford. at times it will shut off when i am driving and it starts right back up, but won't idle for about 2 days after that. i've had it with ford no wonder their having problems selling their auto's. i am about to trade the vehicle and it sure won't be for another ford. *jb

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 nhtsa 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. *nm

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. *nm

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 *sc

My 2000 ford explorer radio lcd no longer work the radio works fine i just can not tell what time or what station id numbers are. *jb

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 *nm

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. *la

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.*ak

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 *jb

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.*ak

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.*ak

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. *ak

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. *nlm

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. *nlm