What might have caused this (fire)?

[MadPSI]

About an hour after parking the truck, my '98 burst into flames and pretty much consumed itself last night. Is there a known defect that could have caused this? I'm just glad it wasn't in the garage.

Secondly, since they're definitely going to total the truck, is there anything worth removing before the junkyard takes it? Any specific items that are expensive to replace?

Here are some pics:

 

[spindlecone]

cruise control switch on the master cylinder

 

[Blee1099]

Wow from the looks of it, it looks like maybe you might have had a oil leak or some sort of leak to cause the engine compartment to combust. To be perfectly honest, once the insurance company totals, its their vehicle so I would leave it at that.

 

[moose1]

wow sorry to hear that, Ive never seen that before but, i dont know of any defecs, at least it didnt spread and get any surronding houses or you werent in it. As far as salvaging, there may be parts members need like me, Id gladly purchase your exterior lower moldings(ones that go from wheel well to wheel well)

 

[410Fortune]

Wow that could have burnt down your house, be thankful nobody was hurt.

Transmission, rear axle, etc, but I agree let the insurance co take it....

that sucks to see!

 

[MadPSI]

cruise control switch on the master cylinder

It's scary that you say that. For a while now, the cruise stopped working. I replaced the switch on the brake pedal, but that didn't fix the problem. I never got around to replacing the switch on the master cylinder... Yikes.

 

[Turdle]

It's scary that you say that. For a while now, the cruise stopped working. I replaced the switch on the brake pedal, but that didn't fix the problem. I never got around to replacing the switch on the master cylinder... Yikes.

I am sorry this happened, but glad nobody was injured
I just unplugged my switch, by the way.

 

[spindlecone]

It's scary that you say that. For a while now, the cruise stopped working. I replaced the switch on the brake pedal, but that didn't fix the problem. I never got around to replacing the switch on the master cylinder... Yikes.

Sorry for your Problem, That switch has been a known issue for yrs.
Is a $15.00 fix and 5 mins. work

 

['92Bauer]

Sorry to hear about your X but I know how you feel.

 

[410Fortune]

Wont Ford replace the switch for free?
I am now worried about my 96...I am going to search...

Okay a quick search on EF brought me the correct threads. I am so glad I checked, my 96 DOES have a red switch on the master cylinder, luckily it also has no battery...I will be replacing the switch.....

Man oh man thanks again EF might have saved my house, trucks, boat, cat, room mate, life and neighborhood......I park in the garage and will have the truck in question running in 2 weeks.....

 

[south59]

Did Ford resolve this issue in the 99+'s ?

 

[aldive]

Did Ford resolve this issue in the 99+'s ?

I replaced the switch on my '99. Take a look at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=137188&page=3&pp=20&highlight=ford+fire . Another thread discussing this issue is at http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=145911&highlight=master+cylinder+switch

Not saying this was the cause of the fire, but it might be prudend to swap that switch.

Sorry about your truck.

 

[SkanlaxJMO]

that really sux about your truck..........as for parts I would take that rubbery thingy in the cupholders i lost mine awhile ago when i was cleaning them out.......wait i think the 98's are diffrent then the 96's...o well

 

[Stic-o]

Yes there was a recall for this, My wife's truck had it replaced before we got rid of it...I think

I don't have to worry though. I don't have cruise!

 

[1894]

Wow, sorry for the loss. I had an engine fire in a Mercury Grand Marquis a couple of weeks ago. The alternator caught fire while I was parking the car. Some pretty good flames before I hit it with an extinguisher I had in the house. My mechanic said it's a known issue -- something about the age of the alternator and increased resistance causing the wiring to overheat and ignite.

 

[kfkodiak]

Based on the burn pattern on the hood and fender, I would definitely suspect the cruise control switch. I'm no fire inspector, but that area seemed to sustain the most damage.

 

[97WillowXLT]

Based on the burn pattern on the hood and fender, I would definitely suspect the cruise control switch. I'm no fire inspector, but that area seemed to sustain the most damage.

How can I find out what recalls have been done to my explorer?

They have varying "coverage" mileages right?

 

[kfkodiak]

I would check with your dealer's service dept. or call Ford customer service with your VIN number handy. They should be able to look that up. I am not aware of Explorers being covered under that recall, just F-series and Expeditions. If it is covered for our trucks, I'd sure like to know.

Good luck.

 

[Xzibit A]

yes the recall is only for the f 150, expedition, navigator, lines, if you PM me your VON i can check the recalls that are on it

 

[expo5.0]

there are some parts i'd like...