2014 explorer with lot's of quirks

[Angie Yarnton]

Hello I am new to this forum. Hope to learn a lot about what to expect from Ford Explorers. Min has been a challenge so far

 

[MagneticCharm]

Welcome to the forum Angie. Which trim level do you have?

 

[Angie Yarnton]

Welcome to the forum Angie. Which trim level do you have?

Hello MageticCharm. I have a 2014 4DR XLT 4WD. The issues I have been having are lift gate acting chaotically when using the remote. To the point of being hit on the head a number times.
The battery not holding a charge (replaced once so far). The ignition also also been replaced as we found that the ignition was not shutting off completely and thought this may be the cause of the drain. However, it is still happening. Perhaps the alternator? Or the accessories staying on?
Also the automatic lights have been unreliable at night.

Would love to hear from others who have had similar experiences and may have some solutions. Thanks Angie

 

[peterk9]

Hello I am new to this forum. Hope to learn a lot about what to expect from Ford Explorers. Min has been a challenge so far

Welcome to the Forum Angie.
Does the liftgate work properly when opened without the remote? I can't see the remote being the cause here. More than likely it is a problem with the strut.
Accessories left ON should be turned OFF after 10 minutes by the Battery Saver Program.
When you state that the automatic lights are unreliable, I'm guessing you are referring to them coming or not coming ON. They are governed by the sensor on the dash so that is an area that should be kept clear of any possible obstructions. If it really is that bad, you can always turn then from the 'Auto' function to 'Manual'.
Also, please complete your registration by adding the 'Required' "Trim Level" (XLT) to your profile so it appears in the margin. That can be useful info to have at times. Thank you.

Peter

 

[MagneticCharm]

I agree with Peter re: the issue with the lift gate is likely the hydraulic strut no longer supporting the weight of the gate properly. Is it simply 'falling or sagging' down or is it trying to close under power?

About the automatic lights... I have a 15' and find that mine tend to not come on as soon as I would like at dusk/ turn off too soon at sun up. Bothers me primarily because I had a 15' F150 FX4 where the lights came on earlier and turned off later respectively. Again, agreeing with Peter, I find myself manually correcting this more on the Explorer due to the difference. Hoping in your case the lights aren't turning off/out on you when it is too dark.

I would have the alternator checked. Your service department, or neighborhood auto parts store, should be able to help test it to make certain it is charging correctly. Not common to have consistent battery issues unless there is an issue with the charging system.

 

[KayGee]

Liftagte: Is this a power liftgate? Is the liftgate closing/dropping on peoples heads when they are under it or is it just not opening all the way and people are bumping their head into it? I believe the opening height is adjustable, maybe try resetting it. I don't have a power liftgate on mine, but I noticed the max height is not conducive to taller folks as I have to duck to make sure I don't hit my head on it.

Battery: Have you gotten the "christmas tree of lights" on your dash from the low battery? Any other issues/warning lights on the dash from the low battery? Other posts here seem to indicate that low batteries can cause a multitude of other problems to potentially appear.

Auto lights: As far as auto lights, they are all programmed differently from vehicle to vehicle. Are yours consistent in that they turn on/off at the same darkness/brightness levels each day or do they turn on/off inconsistently (at different times each day)? If they are consistent, just not turning on/off when you would like, there may not be much you can do as I don't think the programming can be changed (maybe you could replace the sensor and see if that changes anything, or you could obscure your existing sensor so they turn on sooner and stay on longer). If they are inconsistent, perhaps it is a bad sensor or wiring issue. Most of the vehicles I have currently have with auto light sensors also have DRLs, so I don't really worry about exactly when the sensor turns the rest of the lights on/off and I don't pay attention to the differences from vehicle to vehicle.