Problems with 2000 Ford Explorer EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Sometimes when i have my turn signal on smoke will come out from the steering wheel where the emergency signal button is on top of the steering wheel. it doesn't happen everytime i use it but it happens quite often. *tr

Multiswitch in 2000 ford explorer failed and gave off smoke, afraid of fire. *tr

When i turned on my left turn signal, it doesn't blink. it just freezes and smoke comes from the steering column. once i turned off the turn signal it stopped smoking. *tr

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

Tl*the contact owns a 2000 ford explorer. while driving 40 mph, she noticed smoke coming from the steering column when she engaged the signal switch. the contact stated that the failure only occurred when she engaged the signal switch. as of february 14, 2008, the dealer had not inspected the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 64,347. updated 03-04-08 *bf updated 03/04/08 *tr

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

When turning on the left turn signal, it accasionally fails to work properly and smoke arises from the steering column. the problem was getting worse and i was afraid i might not notice and my car would catch fire. upon taking it to ford to have the problem corrected hoping it was some type of recall i missed, but it was considered wear and tear. after reviewing a number of similar complaints, i don't believe this should be considered normal wear and tear. it is obviously a manufacturer's defect that jeopardizes safety that should be corrected at no cost to the owner.

When using the left turn signal, flashing pauses, then smoke drifts up from the area of the emergency flasher switch opening. with so few complaints, i assume the remedy is to allow the vehicle to catch fire and file suit against ford. would seem more reasonable for ford to investigate and resolve their quality issue.

When turning on the left turn signal, it occasionally fails to work properly and smoke arises from the steering wheel/hazard lights button. i took it to ford to have the problem corrected, but they were estimating a few hundred dollars in charges, and considered it to be normal wear and tear on the vehicle. after reviewing a number of similar complains on the mycarstats.com website, i don't believe this should be considered normal wear and tear. it is obviously a manufacturer's defect that should be corrected at no cost to the owner. *ak

The left turn signal light in the interior of the dashboard remained on and caused smoke to come out of the steering column. this could be dangerous because there could be an electrical short which would result in a fire.*ak the consumer placed the vehicle in park to release the turn signal and stop electrical smoke. *bf *nm

This is for a 2000 ford explorer sport. when i turn the left signal on, every few days, the signal light will stick and smoke will come out of the steering column near the hazard switch. ford refuses to remedy the problem. this is a fault in the multi-function switch which was recalled on several exploreres (just not specifically mine).*ak

The brake lights failed while backing up. *nlm.

*note* problems arose when vehicle was bought* vehicle bucks while in od. also vehicle makes a ticking/hissing noise. dealer cannot locate noise. od light flashes. rear right passenger door is hard to open from inside, consumer must pull latch to extreme point to open, also when open, after closed dome and door ajar lights stay on. ford refuses to fix. lighter while in use was pushed through dash, unit and all. plastics melted. vehicle also gets 7 mpg highway, but is supposed to get 14. efi cleaned, higher grade fuel used, ect. and stll gets bad mileage. - update- transmission bucking caused vehicle to hit parked car behind vehicle when accelarator stuck. shoulder dislocated. rear entertainment headphone jack 1 broken when bought, dealer refuses to replace. on occasion while turn signals are in use, smoke omitts from hazard switch on steering console. vehicle's rear wiper arm snapped in half while in use. if this is the best ford can build, henry ford must be spinning in his grave! *pr. *ak

The second row seat belts will not unlock once buckle is latched. also,the tail light lenses continued to fill with water, causing the bulbs to explode. dealer will not repair the seat belts or the tail lights without the consumer paying for the parts or labor.*ak

The brake lights do not come on under light braking, dealer showed me that this happens on other vehicles he had on his lot. dealer is unable to fix, i contacted ford customer service, file 1495490060, and ford requested that i test other similar vehicles, i did, and once i confirmed to ford that the other vehicles exibited the same problem ford told me that there was nothing they would do as the operation is normal. since seeing the problem on my ford explorer i have notice that many ford explorers stopped at trafic lights do not have any brake lights on. is this the same problem as i am seeing? ford does not appear to care. dt

On three separate occasion the multi-function switch failed. contacted the dealer, and was told it was the cruise control. consumer states you could smell the plastic burning. please provide any further information. *nm . this vehicle wa snot included in the recall. *ak

Dealer had to replace multi-function switch for second time because of smoke coming from steering column. feel free to provide any further information.*ak

When starting up vehicle air bag light remains on until vehicle is turned off. have been to dealer for repairs several times.*ak consumer also statred the turn signals and hazard lights were inoperative, dealer replaced the multi-function switch, also there was an unusual noise coming from the engine compartment,and there was also smoke coming from the upper steeing column.*slc

About 50% of the time the turn signal will not lock in place, you have to jockey the steering will to get the turn signal to stay on. the mechanism was supposedly replaced on 1/17/2001 and the problem still existed. i was told that this was normal operation for the turn signal. on april 30, 2002 i had the vehicle in the dealer and mentioned the continued issue with the turn signal. i was told that some of them act this way...it's just the way it is (greg bower). i continue to deal with this problem. i find the problem not only an irritant, but also a saftey problem. i find my attention diverted from driving safely when i am trying to get the turn signal to lock in place (to safely signal to other drivers my intentions).*jb

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 *jb

While engaging the turn signal and making a turn, the windshield wipers will engage. the dealer has been contacted and i was told this was part of a recall for 1999 models, but he hadn't heard about this on the 2000 models. said it is result of failed "multi-function switch".

Everytime it rains tail lights fill up with water. also, water enters in the vehicle through the back windows. vehicle has been taken to the dealer on 4 different occasions. dealer has resealed lights and windows as remedy, but the problem still occurs.