2004 Issues

[Dad0220]

I have a 2004 Ford explorer with the following issues:
1: Automatic headlights don’t work
2. Interior lights don’t go on when entering the vehicle but do go on once the ignition is turned off and a door opens.
3. Radio stays on for a short while after the ignition is turned off.
Any suggestions on what I can check or do to correct these problems?
Any help provided would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[Number4]

The 02/03 models have issues with wires breaking in the drivers door jam boot. May still be your issue.

Open the door, pop the boot out of the door jamb and start pulling on each wire. If one is broken, you’ll find it. I had excess OE wire on hand and just spliced a 2-3” piece in.

 

[Dad0220]

The 02/03 models have issues with wires breaking in the drivers door jam boot. May still be your issue.

Open the door, pop the boot out of the door jamb and start pulling on each wire. If one is broken, you’ll find it. I had excess OE wire on hand and just spliced a 2-3” piece in.

I’ll definitely look into that, thanks

 

[J_C]

Welcome to the forum!

Are you aware of how to control the automatic headlights? I don't have an '04 but on my '98 there is a switch on the windshield rearview mirror that controls whether they come on and how long they stay on after power down. There might also be some adjustment on a headlight dial to the left of the steering column involved - I don't know, check the owner's manual. Otherwise it could be that the rearview mirror switch is gummed up with old grease.

#2, did you mean "do go on once the ignition is turned off ON and a door opens"? If so then I'd wonder about a battery saver relay.

#3, that might just be normal behavior. My '14 does that. There might be a timer setting, check the owner's manual.

 

[Dad0220]

Welcome to the forum!

Are you aware of how to control the automatic headlights? I don't have an '04 but on my '98 there is a switch on the windshield rearview mirror that controls whether they come on and how long they stay on after power down. There might also be some adjustment on a headlight dial to the left of the steering column involved - I don't know, check the owner's manual. Otherwise it could be that the rearview mirror switch is gummed up with old grease.

#2, did you mean "do go on once the ignition is turned off ON and a door opens"? If so then I'd wonder about a battery saver relay.

#3, that might just be normal behavior. My '14 does that. There might be a timer setting, check the owner's manual.

The interior lights don’t go on when the door is opened, the headlights don’t go on automatically when the dashboard switch is in auto mode, and the radio stays in when you exit the vehicle. I always turn the radio off before I exit the vehicle.
I’ll check the things that you’ve mentioned. I appreciate your help. Thanks

 

[Dad0220]

The interior lights don’t go on when the door is opened, the headlights don’t go on automatically when the dashboard switch is in auto mode, and the radio stays in when you exit the vehicle. I always turn the radio off before I exit the vehicle.
I’ll check the things that you’ve mentioned. I appreciate your help. Thanks

To clarify my problem, I’m having the same issues as listed below:

Customer: my 2004 explorer-the auto headlights shut on and off automatically with a light sensor--the interior lights come on when you open the door-the radio shuts off when you open the door--ALL of these quit working at the same time--is there a relay or fuse --bought it used without owners manual --any help would be greatly appreciated--thanks

 

[chris8428]

Good morning,

I have a 2005 Ford Explorer and had the interior light issue as well as some issues you have not listed. As Number4 said, my issues were caused by a split wire in the drivers door. I used the YouTube link below as a guide to access this wiring harness, find the frayed wire and repair it.



Chris

 

[J_C]

Good morning,

I have a 2005 Ford Explorer and had the interior light issue as well as some issues you have not listed. As Number4 said, my issues were caused by a split wire in the drivers door. I used the YouTube link below as a guide to access this wiring harness, find the frayed wire and repair it.



Chris

So it was a signal wire to the door latch switch?

 

[chris8428]

So it was a signal wire to the door latch switch?

No. Mine was a ground wire that broke. It ran to the controls in the driver’s door for the windows, mirror controls and door lock. With this wire broken when I would open the door, the interior lights did not come on. But when I turned on the ignition, the interior lights briefly came on, and then cycled off as normal as the car started.