Equipment Problem on the 1998 FORD EXPLORER
Car problem(s) with the 1998 FORD EXPLORER.
This database includes information received by NHTSA from consumers either directly or as recorded by the Vehicle Safety Hotline. This information may be used by NHTSA during the investigation process.
You may file your own complaint by calling the NHTSA Monday-Friday 8am to 8pm at (888) 327-4236, TTY: (800) 424-9153. You can also file your complaint online.
Problem with Equipment
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Aug 20, 2008 - Mukilteo, WA - Equipment
98 FORD EXPLORER STEREO-CD-CASSETTE PLAYER, VOLUME CONTROL AND DISPLAY IS DEFECTIVE AGAIN. HAD IT FIXED OUT OF WARRANTY AT 40 MONTHS, NOW BROKE AGAIN...MANY UNHAPPY PEOPLE HAD SAME PROBLEM ON "EXPLORERFORUM.COM". SHOULD HAVE BEEN A RECALL.
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May 14, 2007 - Georgetown, TX - Electrical, Air Conditioner
THE AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM WAS LEAKING IN THE 1998 EXPLORER, AND THE ACCUMULATOR WAS RUSTED VERY BADLY SO THAT IT TOO MAY HAVE LEAKS IN IT. FORD NEEDED TO RECALL THESE UNITS, AND REPLACE THE RUSTED ACCUMULATOR.
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Jan 15, 2007 - Hercuels, CA - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
AM/FM/CASSETTE CD RADIO DISPLAY NO LONGER WORKS. AT TIMES THE DISPLAY APPEARS BUT THEN GOES BLANK FOR SOME UNKNOWN REASON. CURRENTLY THE DISPLAY HAS BEEN BLANK FOR MONTHS.
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Jul 03, 2005 - Martinez, GA - Equipment
FIRE STARTED IN VEHICLE IN THE GARAGE OF OUR HOME
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Jul 07, 2004 - Plano, TX - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
RADIO DISPLAY GOES OUT. CANNOT SEE THE CLOCK OR RADIO SELECTION. THIS HAS BEEN VARY DANGERIOUS IN THE WINTER DURING EARLY MORNING DRIVING WHEN I CANNOT SEE MY WATCH AND TRAVEL THROUGH SCHOOL ZONES AND I DON'T KNOW IF THE ZONE IS ACTIVE OR NOT. THE RADIO WAS REPLACED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY AND HAS SINCE GONE OUT AGAIN.
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Jun 12, 2004 - Odessa, TX - Air Conditioner
THE AIR CONDITIONER IN MY 1998 FORD EXPLORER GRADUALLY DID NOT OPERATE PROPERLY. AT THIS TIME, IT IS NOT COOLING AT ALL. TODAY (JUNE 12, 2004), I READ ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH THE A/C ACCUMULATOR. I PEALED BACK PART OF THE "THERMAL BLANKET" WRAPPED AROUND THE ACCUMULATOR, AND FOUND IT TO BE RUSTED. THE AC HAS NOT BEEN COOLING IN ABOUT 2-3 MONTHS, BUT IT IS MOST INCONVENIENT AND DANGEROUS NOW WITH THE SUMMER HEAT IN FULL FORCE.
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Nov 05, 2003 - Beaver, OH - Air Conditioner
AIR CONDITIONER MODE WILL COOL GREAT IN MAX A/C MODE BUT NOT IN ALL OTHER MODES. ONLY HOT AIR COMES OUT. I'VE HAD THIS INVESTIGATED ONCE IN GERMANY AND TWICE IN THE STATES. NO DEALERSHIP CLAIMED TO HAVE FOUND ANYTHING WRONG. FINALLY, THE DEALER SAID IT WAS THE AIR BLENDER. IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT IS IN A LOT OF EXPLORERS FROM WHAT I SEE ON THE INTERNET. THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND SHOULD BE RECALLED TO FIX. THE INTERNET SHOWS A BACKYARD GARAGE FIX, BUT IS NOT IDEAL SOLUTION. FORD NEEDS TO CORRECT DEFECTIVE DESIGN.
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Sep 02, 2003 - Cincinnati, OH - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
THE INFORMATION FOR THE RADIO WAS VISIBLE AT TIMES AND SOMETIMES IT WAS NOT VISIBLE.
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Jan 27, 2003 - Richomd, VA - Equipment
RADIO LED DISPLAY DOES NOT WORK THE MAJORITY OF THE TIME.
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Dec 03, 2002 - Laguna Niguel, CA - Air Conditioner
THE AUTOMATIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL FAILS TO ADJUST THE TEMPERATURE OF THE CABIN. ONLY THE MAX A/C CONDITION WILL BLOW COLD AIR, WHILE ANY OTHER SETTING BLOWS VERY HOT AIR REGARDLESS OF THE OUTSIDE OR INSIDE AIR TEMPERATURE. THE DEALER DIAGNOSIS WAS TO REPLACE THE PLEMUN CHAMBER AND ACTUATOR + FREON, WHICH RESULTS IN A $1,200 REPAIR. THIS APPEARS TO BE A DEFECTIVE DESIGN ISSUE THAT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY THE MANUFACTURER AS THE VEHICLE IS LESS THAN 5 YEARS OLD. DT
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Aug 09, 2002 - Marion, IL - Air Conditioner
AIR CONDITIONER MODE WILL COOL GREAT IN MAX A/C MODE BUT NOT IN ALL OTHER MODES. THE HOT AIR ONLY COMES OUT. I ALSO AS A RESULT OF THIS HAVE HAD THE THERMOSTAT READ HOT UNLESS I TURN ON THE VENT, WHICH ALSO TURNS OUT HOT AIR. I WENT TO THE DEALER WHO SAYS IT IS THE PLENUM, A DOOR IN THE AIR CONDITIONER. IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM THAT IS IN ALOT OF 98 EXPLORERS FROM WHAT I SEE ON THE INTERNET. THIS IS A MANUFACTURERS DEFECT AND SHOULD BE RECALLED TO FIX. IF THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL, I HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING OR TOLD ABOUT IT WHEN I WENT TO MY LOCAL FORD DEALER.
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Jun 04, 2002 - Irvine, CA - Mechanical, Carrier/Rack
SPARE TIRE IS RETAINED BY A CABLE. CABLE END FAILED. TIRE CAME LOOSE AND ROLLED INTO BUSY TRAFFIC, SENDING VEHICLES SWERVING TO AVOID IT. VERY NEARLY CAUSED A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. HAD THIS BEEN AT NIGHT, OR ON A BUSY FREEWAY, THERE COULD BE SERIOUS CONSEQUENCES TO HAVING 50 LBS OF WHEEL AND TIRE LET LOOSE ON THE FREEWAY. FROM INTERNET NEWSGROUPS, THIS APPEARS TO BE A FREQUENT PROBLEM AND A DESIGN FLAW. CABLE IS ABOUT 1/4 INCH THICK, AND ONCE IT FAILS THERE IS NOTHING (NO RETAINING BAR OR OTHER SAFETY FEATURE) TO PREVENT THE SPARE WHEEL FROM DROPPING INTO FOLLOWING TRAFFIC. I AM SO THANKFUL NO ONE WAS HURT THIS TIME, BUT WANT TO MAKE SURE NTSA IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. THANKS.
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May 14, 2002 - Ellijay, GA - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
THIS PROBLEM WAS FIXD ONE TIME BY FORD, 2ND TIME IT FAILED THAY SAID IT WAS OUT OF THERE HANDS. THE RADIO GET SO HOT YOU CANT TOUCH IT!THIS MIGHT START A FIRE.
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Jan 31, 2002 - Cedar Bluff, VA - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
RADIO LIGHTS GO OUT INTERMITTENTLY. VEHICLE NOT TAKEN TO DEALER YET.
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Aug 24, 2001 - Rochester, NY - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
RADIOS DO NOT OPERATE PROPERLY,STEERIG WHEEL WHEN GO OVER A BUMP IT SWING LEFT/ RIGHT.
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Jun 04, 2001 - New Orleans, LA - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
TRUNK DOOR WILL NOT SHUT PROPERLY. CONSUMER IS ABLE TO SLIDE HIS HAND IN WHILE DOOR IS SHUT. CONSUMER CONTACTED DMV AND FOUND OUT VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR A VEHICLE THAT HAD NOT BEEN DAMAGED, HOWEVER DEALER SOLD IT TO HIM ANYWAY, CONSUMER FEELS DECEIVED AND IS EXPERIENCING MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. RADIO IS INOPERATIVE AT TIMES. HATCH RUBS AGAINS FRAME OF VEHICLE. TAILLIGHT AND HEADLIGHT ARE OUT OF ALIGNMENT, FOG LIGHTS HAD LAMP FAILURE. VEHICLE EXPERIENCES PROBLEMS WITH ABSORBING ROAD SHOCK, VEHICLE PULLS TO RIGHT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES, VEHICLE EXPERIENCES LOW POWER. REAR POWER WINDOW MOTOR FAILED. POWER ANTENNA FAILED. RIGHT WINDSHIELD WIPER INTERIOR GARNISH MOLDING LOOSE, REAR WIPER BLADE SKIPS CENTER OF GLASS, DEALER REPLACED REAR WIPER ARM AND BLADE ASSEMBLY. STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY REPLACED DUE TO NOISY. BUMPER NOT EVEN.
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Jun 04, 2001 - New Orleans, LA - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
TRUNK DOOR WILL NOT SHUT PROPERLY. CONSUMER IS ABLE TO SLIDE HIS HAND IN WHILE DOOR IS SHUT. CONSUMER CONTACTED DMV AND FOUND OUT VEHICLE HAD BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT, CONSUMER SPECIFICALLY ASKED FOR A VEHICLE THAT HAD NOT BEEN DAMAGED, HOWEVER DEALER SOLD IT TO HIM ANYWAY, CONSUMER FEELS DECEIVED AND IS EXPERIENCING MULTIPLE PROBLEMS WITH VEHICLE. RADIO IS INOPERATIVE AT TIMES. HATCH RUBS AGAINS FRAME OF VEHICLE. TAILLIGHT AND HEADLIGHT ARE OUT OF ALIGNMENT, FOG LIGHTS HAD LAMP FAILURE. VEHICLE EXPERIENCES PROBLEMS WITH ABSORBING ROAD SHOCK, VEHICLE PULLS TO RIGHT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ILLUMINATES, VEHICLE EXPERIENCES LOW POWER. REAR POWER WINDOW MOTOR FAILED. POWER ANTENNA FAILED. RIGHT WINDSHIELD WIPER INTERIOR GARNISH MOLDING LOOSE, REAR WIPER BLADE SKIPS CENTER OF GLASS, DEALER REPLACED REAR WIPER ARM AND BLADE ASSEMBLY. STEERING GEAR ASSEMBLY REPLACED DUE TO NOISY. BUMPER NOT EVEN.
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Jun 04, 2001 - Rochester Hills, MI - Mechanical, Carrier/Rack
THE INSERTS, WHICH HOLD THE ROOF RACK TO THE ROOF, CAME LOOSE WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY WITH LUGGAGE ON THE ROOF. HAD I NOT FURTHER TIED THE LUGGAGE TO THE FRONT BUMPER, I BELIEVE THAT THE ROOF RACK COULD HAVE COME LOOSE FROM THE ROOF, WITH POTENTIALLY SEVERE CONSEQUENCES TO OTHER VEHICLES. I DID TALK TO THE DEALER WHEN I RETURNED FROM THE TRIP, BUT THE VEHICLE WAS OUT OF WARRANTY BY THAT TIME, AND THEY SAID THAT THEY DID NOT KNOW HOW TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM.
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Jun 02, 2001 - Lewis Center, OH - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
AM/FM/CASST/CD RADIO DISPLAY QUIT WORKING. TOLD TOUGH LUCK BY DEALER, BUY A NEW ONE FOR $400.
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Mar 06, 2001 - Fairfield, CT - Mechanical, Jacks
CONSUMER HAD A FLAT AND WHILE JACKING UP VEHICLE , METALJACK CRUMBLED INTO PIECES. DEALER WAS TO CONTACT CONSUMER PER MANUFACTURER, BUT THEY HAVE NOT CALLED. CONSUMER STATES THAT THE VEHICLE FELL OFF JACK.
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Jan 03, 2001 - Gainsville, VA - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
RADIO/CD PLAYER WORKS SPORADICALLY. NLM
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Jan 03, 2001 - Gainsville, VA - Air Conditioner
AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM INOPERABLE. NLM
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Nov 09, 2000 - Lutherville, MD - Air Conditioner
THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE READS COLD ALL THE TIME, THE ENGINE WHISTLES SOMETIMES AT LOW SPEED AND IDLE AND THE CONDENSOR WENT UP - ALL PRETTY MUCH AT THE SAME TIME THESE STARTED. (TIRESIZE: P3575R)( DOT NUMBER: TIRE SIZE: P3575R )
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Aug 19, 2000 - Peachtree City, GA - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
THE CDS IN THE SINGLE CD PLAYER HEAT UP TO WHERE IT IS HOT TO TOUCH. THIS COULD BE A FIRE HAZARD. THE OUTSIDE OF THE CD/RADIO UNIT IS ALSO HOT. I WAS TOLD BY FORD THAT THIS WAS COMMON. THE ADVISOR AT FORD SAID HE HAS A 2000 FORD TRUCK AND HIS WIFE A 1998 MUSTANG THAT DOES THE SAME THING. I NOTED THIS ON MY 30000 MILE SERVICE AND FORD DID NOT EVEN LOOK AT THE PROBLEM. IT WAS DISMISSED AND NOT EVEN NOTED ON MY REPAIR RECORD/INVOICE. ALSO, THE REAR WINDSHIELD WIPER MOTOR HAS BEEN REPLACED FOR THE SECOND TIME. IN FACT, I ONLY USED IT ONCE OR TWICE AFTER THE FIRST TIME IT WAS REPLACED. .
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Jun 09, 2000 - Marquette, MI - Mechanical, Carrier/Rack
AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS LUGGAGE RACK SEPARATED FROM THE ROOF OF VEHICLE, CAUSING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE.
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Nov 29, 1999 - Colorado Springs, CO - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
CD'S BECOME VERY HOT, REMOVAL CAUSES RAPIDMOVEMENT AS IF HAND WILL BURN. COULD CAUSE A FIRE OR ACCIDENT.
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Sep 08, 1999 - Lakewood, CA - Air Conditioner
CYLINDER WASN'T FIRING AND NEEDED REPLACEMENT; AC NOT FUNCTIONING AT FULL CAPACITY.
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Jul 12, 1999 - Lee's Summit, MO - Air Conditioner
WHEN I TRIED TO USE THE AC IN MARCH IT BLEW OUT ONLY HOT AIR. A NEW COMPRESSOR HAD TO BE PUT IN IT. IT STILL LEAKS UNDER THE DASH WHEN IT RAINS HARD OR GOING THROUGH CAR WASH. REAR WIPER MOTOR BURNT OUT. WIPER WOULD NOT WORK, HAD TO BE REPLACED. REAR SEAL, PINON SEALS, AND REAR DRIVE SHAFT WERE REPLACED TWICE. THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR PANEL AND WINDOW RATTLED REALLY BAD. HAD REPAIRED. NOW FRONT DRIVER DOOR PANEL AND WINDOW RATTLES. HAD A "VIBRATING" NOISE REPAIRED. WHEN VEHICLE IDLED A PIECE OF METAL VIBRATED. SEVERAL TIMES I HAVE GONE TO TURN ON THE HEADLIGHTS AND THEY WON'T COME ON. I HAVE TO TURN THE BUTTON SEVERAL TIMES BEFORE THEY WILL COME ON. AFTER MY AUTO HAS SET OVERNIGHT AND I START IT, IT IDLES VERY ROUGH FOR A FEW MINUTES. THE GAS PEDAL HAS BEEN STICKING FOR QUITE A FEW MONTHS. ONLY WHEN YOU INITIALLY PUSH ON THE GAS TO GO. YOU HAVE TO TAP ON IT TO GET IT TO UNSTICK; THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON THIS, THE PA
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May 18, 1999 - Flushing, NY - Air Conditioner
ON FRIDAY, MAY 14TH, 1999 AT APPROXIMATELY 9:15 PM, I WAS DRIVING MY FORD EXPLORER ON THE NY THRUWAY WHEN THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN TO SPEEDS UP TO 70 MPH WITHOUT ANY EXPLANATION. I APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT THE VEHICLE ONLY SLOWED DOWN TO 50-55 MPH. AFTER DRIVING THE VEHICLE WITH THE BRAKES APPLIED FOR A FEW MINUTES (SINCE I DIDN'T KNOW WHAT ELSE TO DO), I DECIDED TO TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND THAT CAUSED THE ENGINE TO SHUT OFF. FORTUNATELY, I WAS ABLE TO GLIDE THE VEHICLE TO THE SHOULDER ROAD ON THE HIGHWAY WITHOUT DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE, OURSELVES OR ANYONE ELSE. I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED IT FROM TO INVESTIGATE AND FIND OUT WHAT CAUSED THIS PROBLEM. TO MY AMAZEMENT, THE SERVICE DEPT. INDICATED THAT THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG WITH THE VEHICLE AND THAT I COULD TAKE IT HOME. I TOLD THEM I CAN'T ACCEPT HIS RESPONSE AS AN ANSWER FOR ALMOST LOSING MY LIFE, AND THAT I WANT THEM TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE OF WHY THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED A SUDDEN AND UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATION. SINCE THEN I HAVE BEEN GIVEN THE RUN-AROUND AND NEED YOUR ASSISTANCE IN GETTING THIS MATTER RESOLVED QUICKLY BEFORE SOMEONE ELSE'S LIFE IS PUT IN DANGER WITH THIS VEHICLE, OR OTHER ONES IN THIS CLASS THAT MAY HAVE THE SAME PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR YOUR ATTENTION IN THIS MATTER AND PLEASE CALL ME IF YOU NEED ANY FUTHER INFORMATION REGARDING THIS MATTER.
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Mar 12, 1999 - Playa Del, CA - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
STEREO RECIEVER FAILED.
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Feb 01, 1999 - Sierra Mad, CA - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
AUDIO VOLUME CONTROL MOUNTED ON STEERING WHEEL IS OUT OF ORDER. YH
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Feb 01, 1999 - Burbank, CA - Air Conditioner
A/C FAILED. YH
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Feb 01, 1999 - Santee, CA - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
RADIO FAILED. MJS
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Feb 01, 1999 - Los Angeles, CA - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
CD PLAYER IS NOT WORKING.
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Feb 01, 1999 - San Marcos, CA - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
RADIO LED INDICATORS FAILED. NLM
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Nov 22, 1998 - West Chester, OH - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
I HAVE THE 6 DISC CHANGER 91P EDDIE BAUER RADIO WITH CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL. AT TIMES, WHEN I USE THE CONTROLS ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO TURN UP THE VOLUME, THE VOLUME SHOOTS ALL THE WAY UP AND I HAVE TO USE THE KNOB ON THE RADIO TO TURN THE VOLUME DOWN. ANOTHER PROBLEM IS THE RADIO STATIONS LOCK UP. THE RADIO GETS "LOCKED UP" AND I HAVE TO TURN IT OFF AND THEN BACK ON TO CLEAR THE PROBLEM. THE DEALER HAS HAD THE TRUCK AT LEAST 4 TIMES AND CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM. IT IS A RANDOM PROBLEM. THE SERVICING DEALER IS KINGS FORD AT 9555 KINGS AUTOMALL DRIVE CINCINNATI OH 45249 513-697-2414. THEY ACT LIKE THEY DON'T CARE SINCE THEY CAN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM.
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Jun 08, 1998 - Concho, AZ - Electrical, Radio/Tape Deck/Cd Etc.
STARTED TO EJECT CD. THE CD HAD OVERHEATED & MELTED CD. A DESIGN FLAW. CALLED MANUFACTURER. & DEALER. MECHANIC HEARD OF OVERHEATED CD PLAYER. CHECKED OUT ELECTRICAL SYSTEM & COULD NOT LOCATE PROBLEM.
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