Electrical Issues - Diesel Forum

jposes · 03-22-2009, 02:08 AM

Well tonight when I got in my truck and turned the key my head lights came on and my odometer and radio time displayed but all other illumination is off. I checked to wheel dial next to the head lights and switched them from auto to on but had no luck getting the interior instrument panel lights to come on. I checked fuse 35 and 41 but they were both ok. Not sure what is going on???

jposes · 03-22-2009, 02:26 AM

Just went to look at it a little more and found that my running lights are not coming on with the headlights set to automatic, on or parking lights. ?????

HDone · 03-22-2009, 12:15 PM

I have some really crazy electric problems also. Some say its the Gem module??l

jposes · 03-22-2009, 03:35 PM

Gem Module? I will try to look into that. Everything was fine yesterday morning (before sunlight) all lights were working without issue then last night I got in my truck to run an errand and no instrument lights in the cab, none of the other illuminated stuff door/window lock buttons, A/C controls etc would come on either. Got out with my truck running and noticed my tail lights were out too unless I stepped on the brakes or put the signal on. Running lights on top of the cab were out too

Anybody got any other ideas???

ttmech · 03-22-2009, 05:34 PM

check the fuses under the hood ?

**klhansen** · 03-22-2009, 06:08 PM

He's got an 02 guys, NO GEM and NO fuse box under the hood.

I'd say it's most likely a fuse issue. They should be checked with a meter or test light. I know there are multiple fuses in the headlight circuits on 99-01 trucks and probably the same thing in the later trucks. Check 'em all.

HDone · 03-22-2009, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by klhansen

He's got an 02 guys, NO GEM and NO fuse box under the hood.

I'd say it's most likely a fuse issue. They should be checked with a meter or test light. I know there are multiple fuses in the headlight circuits on 99-01 trucks and probably the same thing in the later trucks. Check 'em all.

Great ,back to square one for me. My truck the power locks keep going up and down,door ajar light on dash stays on and chimes,radio stays on after turning truk off and opening and closing door,horn blows and lights flash at times while driving down road,neighbor called the other day to tell me my lights were on when the switch was in the auto mode,dome light does not come on when opening door but will come on once i turn the key. there is more I just cant thik of right now.

jposes · 03-22-2009, 09:53 PM

Started going through my fuses and found fuse #17 a 15amp fuse that according to my owners manuel is for exterior lamps. It was blown and as soon as I put a new one in it blew too.

jposes · 03-23-2009, 12:23 PM

Checked the voltage at the fuse block for #17 and it seemed to be ok between 11-12v Not sure where to go from here. Anybody have a diagram showing the wiring associated with fuse #17? I am guessing there is a wire shorting out somewhere?

**klhansen** · 03-23-2009, 01:38 PM

Yes, I'd say you have a short somewhere.

First thing to try is check all the bulbs. You'll be looking for one that's burnt out and the filament holder wires touching. That's just like a dead short and is an easy fix.

If that doesn't do it, you'll have to trace the wiring to look for a chafed spot.

To conserve fuses, once you have the bulbs out, use a multimeter to check for continuity between the downstream fuse contact (circuit side, not hot side) and a ground. If you get less than 5 ohms there, you'll have to hunt the short down.

If you get that far, and still need a wiring diagram post back or better yet, PM me (not readily available or I'd post it for you now).

wafreeskier · 03-23-2009, 09:29 PM

My 01 has a fuse box under the hood, as well as under the dash. I blew my trailer lights the other day, and the 20 amp mini was in the fuse box under the hood.

Quote:

Originally Posted by klhansen

He's got an 02 guys, NO GEM and NO fuse box under the hood.

I'd say it's most likely a fuse issue. They should be checked with a meter or test light. I know there are multiple fuses in the headlight circuits on 99-01 trucks and probably the same thing in the later trucks. Check 'em all.

**klhansen** · 03-23-2009, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wafreeskier

My 01 has a fuse box under the hood, as well as under the dash. I blew my trailer lights the other day, and the 20 amp mini was in the fuse box under the hood.

Yep, 99 thru 01 have 2 fuse boxes. 02 & up just have one under the inst panel. For 02 models, Ford did a major change to the electrical system, I think including electronic odometer.

jposes · 03-31-2009, 12:56 AM

Well after going through all of the exterior lights and trying to trace every wire out I finally got it figured out today (well almost). Turns out the problem was in the wiring that runs to the lights in my headache rack. I never thought to check there until today. Once I disconnected the wire that was tapped into the circuit with my parking lights etc. the fuse popping stopped. I went and bought new lights and installed them and it seemed to be working fine and then it started popping fuses again. I just disconnected it for now which still leaves me with turn signals and brake lights on the headache rack just dont have the parking ones for now until I figure the problem out. It sure is nice to be able to drive at night again

**bugman** · 03-31-2009, 12:49 PM

Depending on how many lights you have "taped into the circuit" you might want to put a relay on all the extra ones. You may just be overloading the circuit and blowing the fuse.

Jim

jposes · 03-31-2009, 05:34 PM

Is there a particular type of relay for this application? Also can I find them at any autoparts store?

Thanks