1988 Ford Aerostar Electrical system Problems

“Truck experienced electrical system failure. As a result the truck caught on fire within two hours after being parked. The fire originated under the hood. All the under hood electrical components were melted. The heat also cracked the windshield.”

“I would be driving the van down the road at a speed of 30-40mph and the engine would go dead without warning. The dealer ran the computer codes and found nothing, but the problem was still there. After three fuel pumps, ....ect, the only thing that was not replaced was the onboard computer. I got a second hand computer for the van and went to install it. When I unplugged the old computer I found the problem, the heat of the engine compartment and age cause d the plastic coating on the wiring harness to shrink. …”

“Distributor failed on freeway at high speed , at night, going uphill in heavy traffic 100 miles from nearest repair facility. It was necessary to roll vehicle backwards, downhill in traffic to get it off the highway. We were very fortunate not to have been hit and injured from the traffic. I thought it was just normal wear and tear that caused failure but recently I heard about the lawsuit against Ford for knowing about the potential problem and not recalling or notifying owners of the possibility of the failure due to placement of the electrical components due to engine heat. …”

“Vehicle caught on fire 6 hours after being parked. State fire marshall determined that ignition switch caused fire. Home and vehicle were totaly lost. 3 children had to jump through window to escape the fire, one sliced tendons on wrist. Ignition switch was replaced under recall 96v071000 on 30 sep 1997. Information provided by sherrie hansen, attorney.”

“First time it happened was when vehicle had been parked. Noticed smoke from under hood & ash tray. Checked under hood & vehicle was on fire. Put flames out. Vehicle towed home. Fire had originated around the alternator. Vehicle not taken to dealer. The second time was 3/21/99.”