NHTSA Complaint #10275510 — 2000 FORD EXPLORER

ON THIS DATE I EXAMINED THE 2000 FORD EXPLORER INTERIOR LIGHT LOCATED ABOVE THE MIDDLE OF THE DASHBOARD IS A TWO LIGHT ASSEMBLY. ONE OF THE LIGHTS WAS OPERATIONAL, WHILE THE SECOND WOULD ONLY OPERATE WHEN THE LIGHT ASSEMBLY WAS JIGGLED, GOING FROM OFF TO ON, TO DIM. THE CONTACT POINTS FOR THE LIGHTS IS A THIN COPPER STRIP WHICH ENCOMPASSES EACH LIGHT. THE STRIP IS FRAGILE AND THE HEAT FROM THE LIGHTS CAUSED THE COPPER STRIP TO SEPARATE AND MELTED THE PLASTIC ASSEMBLY TO MELT INTO THE LIGHT FIXTURE AND CAUSING FAILURE IN BOTH LIGHTS. THIS RESULTED IN FAILURE OF ALL INTERIOR LIGHTING EXCEPT THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER. DIFFICULTY IN LOCATING SEAT BELTS, LOCATING DROPPED KEYS, INSURING SAFETY OF PASSENGERS. HAVING PASSENGER READ DIRECTIONS OR MAPS AFTER DARK IS NOW IMPOSSIBLE WITHOUT A FLASHLIGHT. *TR