Tim from Phx with '03 XLT 4WD

[TerribleTim]

Hey.
I bought this at a state auction. It was a DPS cruiser with 150K. Smokin deal. Took four kinds of solvents and a ton of elbow grease to get all the adhesive from the many DPS decals off. I can still see the big faint stars on the front doors, but I'm sure these will take paint rubbing compound. I did have to replace a back O2 sensor to pass emmissions as it threw a code. NBD.

It's white luckily, which is the only color to have in Phx in July.
It has a recent maintenance sticker from a local garage. Was going to swing by and see what they could tell me about it. The 5.4L runs like a top, starts immediately everytime with no smoke, noises, etc. I still have to bondo the holes in the roof from the lite bar and a few in the hatch from police lites too. Right now, duct tape, of course.

Anyway, I'm looking forward to some off roading with this beaut.

The only issue is IMO when they pulled the computer and whatever police electronics, there's a very slow drain which will kill the battery in 3-4 days. I think some of the wiring under the dash is hacked as the cruise isn't working, the O/D button isn't either and I have to use the tiny over ride switch inside the steering column to get it out of park. Minor inconveniences so far. I already bought the shop manual with wiring diagrams on DVD off ebay. If anyone has any suggestions / ideas, I'm open. So far I haven't even checked the fuses...

 

[bedrck46]

Get yourself a DC clamp-on amp meter. Sears has one that will measure DC miliamps.

Hook it around the neg battery terminal and see what amount of amps are being drawn with the key off and doors closed also remove the light under the hood or disconnect it. Start at a higher amp scale and adjust it to the correct range Use that as your starting point and then start pulling fuses to see which circuit/s are causing the battery to drain. Being you have the shop manual you can see what each fuse controls You will mainly be concerned with the fuses that are hot at all times.

 

[BIG GREEN FORD]

Welcome to the site

 

[GAINMOB]

1-hit poster

 

[Bedrck47]

1-hit poster

He will be back when he needs help. To many like that on here.
But the worst part is they can't even say thanks

 

[TerribleTim]

Jeez, tough crowd.
Impatient too.

Truth is, I haven't touched the Exped yet.
Just finished an 8Kmi drive from Nix to Quebec City & back. (and I wasn't dragging an oil well around behind the SUV.) then 2 weeks in Cozumel to recover.
Finally cool enough to do car work again.

Appreciate the basic info on finding current drain. Already have several meters that will do the job fine. Was hoping for some specific under dash experience...

 

[Bedrck47]

Sorry if you think we are impatient But then not hearing any word from you in over 4 months gives a good impression. Many of us on here spend a considerable amount of time TRYING to help and the same amount of Us see to often many new members come on ask a question and then disappear. I guess that 2 weeks in Cozumel and the expy wasn't even on your mind

But as I posted earlier "He will be back when he needs help" and sure enough HE's BACK And before you reply Smart ASS Yes I am

The under the dash experience will come in due time But in order for anyone to offer any help it would be best to start with getting amp draws so we can narrow down which circuit/s are causing the drain.

 

[stamp11127]

There are thousands of parts on these vehicles, the best method is to get the factory set of manuals, read up on how each section of the vehicle operates, then tear into it hoping to find what the clowns did in removing the police equipment.

See the link in the electrical section on parasitic draw to find what is pulling the battery down.