My Explorer Problems

[snemerow]

I purchased a 2011 Explorer Limited 6 weeks ago. I've encountered the same problem 5 times in the past 6 weeks. When I go to start the vehicle I get four messages on the left hand screen:

Collision Warning Not Available
Service Advance Trac
Cross Traffic System Fault
Blindspot System Fault

The vehicle refuses to start. It doesn't crank, it does nothing. If I play with the start button it usually starts after about 5 minutes. After the 1st 4 times, when it happened, I had it towed to the dealer with the messages still on the screen. When the messages are up, it's stuck with all the message lights on, so overnite at the dealer, the battery ran down. They replaced the battery and said that was the problem. The next day after I got it back, it happened again. This time it was at the dealer for 4 days. They said they don't have a clue. The next time it happens (probably soon) it'll go back to the dealer and they said they'll get a Ford rep involved.

I find myself leaving early to go places, just in case this happens. I'm disabled and have lots of doctor appointments. This is really aggravating. Any insight as to what's happening with my new car?

 

[peterk9]

I purchased a 2011 Explorer Limited 6 weeks ago. I've encountered the same problem 5 times in the past 6 weeks. When I go to start the vehicle I get four messages on the left hand screen:

Collision Warning Not Available
Service Advance Trac
Cross Traffic System Fault
Blindspot System Fault

The vehicle refuses to start. It doesn't crank, it does nothing. If I play with the start button it usually starts after about 5 minutes. After the 1st 4 times, when it happened, I had it towed to the dealer with the messages still on the screen. When the messages are up, it's stuck with all the message lights on, so overnite at the dealer, the battery ran down. They replaced the battery and said that was the problem. The next day after I got it back, it happened again. This time it was at the dealer for 4 days. They said they don't have a clue. The next time it happens (probably soon) it'll go back to the dealer and they said they'll get a Ford rep involved.

I find myself leaving early to go places, just in case this happens. I'm disabled and have lots of doctor appointments. This is really aggravating. Any insight as to what's happening with my new car?

Welcome to the 2011 Explorer Forum snemerow. :wavey:
I've been on this forum since December and I can't recall anyone else having this problem. When the vehicle is operating, are the systems you listed as inoperative actually working then? It seems like all but the Advanced Trac warning would be related to the sensors, but if they actually work when you are able to get it going then I think there is another gremlin causing this problem. Sorry I couldn't be of any help. Good luck.

Peter

 

[snemerow]

I don't know if the sensors are working, Peter, when this happens, as it won't start. When it actually starts, everything seems to be working fine. It's been embarrassing. First time was in a car wash. They vacuumed it and went to move it, and they had to push it off to the side when it wouldn't start. Second time, was at a restaurant to leave. Third time it happened to my son who went to a mall, scared the heck out of him, thought he broke it. 4th time I was trying to leave my house, so it was in my garage (had it towed in). When it got to the dealer, they saw all the error messages still going by on the left screen one after another. 5th time I stopped at a convenience store last week to pick up charcoal to BBQ with, got back in the car, wouldn't start, same messages. While I was talking to the service dept at the dealer, he heard it finally start. I smell a lemon in my garage

 

[Holligl]

Early on, mine had a bad battery and I got similar messages, along with strange acting MFT. It was slow cranking to start, but never got so bad it wouldn't start. Make sure they have replaced your battery, not just charged it. Mine cleared up with the new battery, and they updated the MFT/Synch at the same time.

 

[snemerow]

Holligl, they told me they replaced the battery. But the next day it happened again. It doesn't crank slow, it just shows the messages and doesn't crank at all. After about 5 minutes of playing with the start button, it finally starts. When it does start, the cranking is as normal and it starts right away. They said they reinitialized the MFT. Frustrating!

P.S. My brother lived in Hoffman Estates, we're originally from Chicago and Des Plaines.

 

[Holligl]

Holligl, they told me they replaced the battery. But the next day it happened again. It doesn't crank slow, it just shows the messages and doesn't crank at all. After about 5 minutes of playing with the start button, it finally starts. When it does start, the cranking is as normal and it starts right away. They said they reinitialized the MFT. Frustrating!

P.S. My brother lived in Hoffman Estates, we're originally from Chicago and Des Plaines.

Clearly something not right in the electronics somewhere. Maybe a losse connection. I would have them give me a loaner until it is fixed. These really are great cars after you get the initial bugs out.

With no foot on the brake, does the ignition switch cycle through the accessory mode correctly? Did you try it in neutral with the emergency brake set?

 

[snemerow]

Holligl, normally without the foot on the brake, it'll cycle through all the right things by tapping the start button. It's only wierd when it decides to act up. Otherwise it works like it should. When it does crank it cranks rapidly and starts immediately. Haven't tried in neutral with brake on. Does it even crank if you're not in park?

 

[lookgoodn43]

snemerow, you said it started to happened after you went and got your car washed, maybe they hit the fuze box and and a fuze is loose in some way or hooked a wire underneath your dash board. Sorry to hear you are having these problems, hope this helps......

 

[snemerow]

Lookgoodn43, It seems to be so random. At times 1 day apart from happening, and then 2 weeks in between. At the car wash, they vacuumed the car then tried to start it to move it up. They ended up pushing it out of the way. While I was on hold waiting for the service dept at the dealer to answer, the vehicle started. That was when it was less than a week old.

 

[snemerow]

11:50, today, the 3rd of August, it happened again. Called the service advisor immediately. He told me the service manager was out and he'd call me back as soon as he could consult with him. It's now 3:30 and have not heard from them yet. I'll wait till about 5:30 and then I'll call them.

 

[jrmexplorer]

11:50, today, the 3rd of August, it happened again. Called the service advisor immediately. He told me the service manager was out and he'd call me back as soon as he could consult with him. It's now 3:30 and have not heard from them yet. I'll wait till about 5:30 and then I'll call them.

Does the car have accessory power? (Press the start button without the brake engaged).

Have you tried a different key fob?

I would send a private message to Cory from Ford. His username is FordCustSrvc and he has helped many members escalate issues with Ford.

 

[GregV8]

11:50, today, the 3rd of August, it happened again. Called the service advisor immediately. He told me the service manager was out and he'd call me back as soon as he could consult with him. It's now 3:30 and have not heard from them yet. I'll wait till about 5:30 and then I'll call them.

I'm sure Cory from Ford Customer Service will chime in this thread soon. He can escalate the issue so that you don't have to call your dealer - Ford will.

FWIW, I don't think I ever had a car dealer who called me back even when he promised. After the sale, that is.

 

[Spengracin]

Cory should get see this soon, he can assist you, I researched even ford's web site, haven't seen this before, just the one thread in our forum? Sorry your having such the issue.

 

[snemerow]

Followup, I called the dealer yesterday late afternoon and they hadn't hear back from whoever they contacted. Said they'd call me back today.

To answer a question, yes, there is power in accessory mode when the start button is pressed without depression of the brake. And yes, early on I was advised to change to the other key fob and that didn't solve the problem.

 

[snemerow]

Thanks for the suggestions, I've written a message to Cory, Thanks again.

 

[snemerow]

It's 10am, and the service manager called me from the dealer. He's contacting Ford, he says, and will call me back later today. I'll keep you all posted as this progresses.

 

[FordService]

Thanks for the suggestions, I've written a message to Cory, Thanks again.

snemerow,
I see that you messaged me with your information, so I will be escalating your case. I will send you a response via PM with further details.

Also, thank you so much for everyone’s recommendations.

Cory

 

[Pas1963]

This happens to me occasionally, next time I start the car the systems reset to normal. Seem like it happens in heavy rain.

 

[snemerow]

Thanks to Cory!

to PAS1963, I'm in Texas, we don't even know what rain is It's rained once since I got the car and it was in my garage. The problem has always happened when it's bone dry outside, twice inside my garage at home.

 

[FordService]

This happens to me occasionally, next time I start the car the systems reset to normal. Seem like it happens in heavy rain.

Pas1963, even if you’re experiencing this off and on, I can help by escalating your concern as well. I already have your VIN from previous messages, so you would only need to PM me your contact information, mileage, and dealer info for me to help.

Thanks to Cory!

to PAS1963, I'm in Texas, we don't even know what rain is It's rained once since I got the car and it was in my garage. The problem has always happened when it's bone dry outside, twice inside my garage at home.

You’re welcome, snemerow. Keep us posted with the latest updates.

Cory