The contact owns a 1997 Ford Explorer. The contact attempted to open the windows, but was unsuccessful. The windshield wipers, interior lights, and the 4X4 also failed to operate. The dealer has not diagnosed the vehicle. There were no warning indicator lights prior to the failures. The contact is unable to drive the vehicle due to the safety risk involved. The current and failure mileages were 50,000. Updated 03-04-08

- Macomb , MI, USA

On a 1997 Ford Explorer had problems with transfer case. First noticed when driving on interstate with cruise control on vehicle made grinding noise and would not decelerate had to put into neutral to stop. When decelerating while driving vehicle it would also make grinding noise almost sounding like it was not down shifting. Few weeks later when vehicle was put into reverse it would make a grinding noise and would not go into gear. Did not feel safe to drive. Ending up having to have a mechanic rebuild transfer case, cost almost $1000. Now five months later having problems with check engine light continuously coming on. Replaced sensors and spark plug on #4 cylinder twice. This will be replacement number 3 for spark plug in four month period. Mechanics cannot seem to figure out why.

- Grand Island, NE, USA

1997 Ford Explorer. The consumer states the four wheel/ two wheel lights are flashing on and off. This will happen until the vehicle is turned off. The vehicle automatically engages into four wheel drive. The only way one can tell this has happened is from the popping and cracking noises coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to cumberland falls Ford twice. They have not been able to diagnose the problem. The vehicle was also taken to a local mechanic, they thought it was the switch. The transfer switch was replaced, but the problem recurred. The vehicle automatically slows down when it goes into four wheel drive.

- Williamsburg, KY, USA

On 5 separate occasions when driving in the snow, the 4-wheel drive failed, resulting in the vehicle skidding and hitting a guard rail, a mail box and rocks. When the four wheel drive engaged the vehicle went into a skid.

- Chesterville, ME, USA

The automatic 4WD system selects 4WD on dry pavement during sharp turns causing the gears to bind, intermittently - about half the time. However the same "automatic" 4WD selection does not result in 4WD when wheels are slipping. In fact the implementation of 4WD when "auto" is selected seems to be completely random. This has happened since the vehicle was new. I complained to the dealer when it was under warranty and they said "it is supposed to do that." I am about to rewire the system to a manual selector as I am now on my own with the warranty expired. However Ford has seen the last of my money.

- Franktown, CO, USA

While driving at highway speed, consumer states "there was a sudden big bang and then sound like a machine gun". consumer tried to keep driving, when a big cloud of smoke emerged from the rear. Cause is unknown. Dealer states transfer case had completely locked up.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

Loss of drive accompanied by a ratcheting noise coming from the transfer case during coast or deceleration or when in reverse. After reseaching this problem on the net I have found many with this same problem. The dealer says the transfer case must be replaced at cost of $3000. The September issue of gears magizine has an article on page 64 that address the cause and how to correct it. And states that this is a defect. However the article says that it is cheaper and more efficient to buy a new unit. You would think that a problem like this should at leased be addressed by Ford.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

Consumer stated the transfer case in the front and rear fell out, dealer was unable to correct the problem completely, the vehicle was eventually sold.

- Elmwood Park, IL, USA

Consumer stated the transfer case in the front and rear fell out, dealer was unable to correct the problem completely, the vehicle was eventually sold.

- Elmwood Park, IL, USA

While traveling down a hill and letting off the gas, the transfer case makes a grinding sound, dealer stated that the transfer case is defective.

- Edwardsburg, MI, USA

4 wheel drive is inoperative, the dealer drained and filled the transfer case.

- East Fayetteville, NC, USA

Transfer case failed.

- New York, NY, USA