2015 ford expedition cuts off randomly

[apeacock66]

I have a 2015 FOrd expedition that I love. A few years ago it began to randomly turn off. I would put in neutral or park it and it would turn on. There is not set pattern, it does not happen everyday, not more in heat nor cold, it is completely random. We have had it at the dealership for over a month a few times and when it cuts off for them, it does not throw a code. It never throws a code. I have taken it to independent mechanics and same answer, they dont know. We called FORD, no help. Their answer was to take it to another dealership for testing. All the FORD dealerships in a 60 mile radius are owned by the same parent company.
It literally feels like someone is reaching over and turning the key off. I have new keys, new batteries. Just looking for answers

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

I have a 2015 FOrd expedition that I love. A few years ago it began to randomly turn off. I would put in neutral or park it and it would turn on. There is not set pattern, it does not happen everyday, not more in heat nor cold, it is completely random. We have had it at the dealership for over a month a few times and when it cuts off for them, it does not throw a code. It never throws a code. I have taken it to independent mechanics and same answer, they dont know. We called FORD, no help. Their answer was to take it to another dealership for testing. All the FORD dealerships in a 60 mile radius are owned by the same parent company.
It literally feels like someone is reaching over and turning the key off. I have new keys, new batteries. Just looking for answers

Some 2015 - 2017 Expedition models had problems with the transmission floor shifter. A sensor would break inside the shifter assembly (under the console cover). This would cause the vehicle’s computer to think the vehicle was not in park, when the shifter assembly was placed in park.

One symptom was a chime sounding when the LF door was opened, with the shifter placed in park and the engine shut off (trying to warn the driver the transmission was not in park, although it was).

The solution was to remove the console shifter cover and replace the shifter assembly.

Have you ever had the door chime sound when opening the door as described?

From afar, I’m betting the problem lies in that shifter assembly or the ignition switch (if you do not have the push-button start feature).

There are a few posts on this forum regarding the shifter issue, you may want to do a search?

 

[drscanman]

Some 2015 - 2017 Expedition models had problems with the transmission floor shifter. A sensor would break inside the shifter assembly (under the console cover). This would cause the vehicle’s computer to think the vehicle was not in park, when the shifter assembly was placed in park.

One symptom was a chime sounding when the LF door was opened, with the shifter placed in park and the engine shut off (trying to warn the driver the transmission was not in park, although it was).

The solution was to remove the console shifter cover and replace the shifter assembly.

Have you ever had the door chime sound when opening the door as described?

From afar, I’m betting the problem lies in that shifter assembly or the ignition switch (if you do not have the push-button start feature).

There are a few posts on this forum regarding the shifter issue, you may want to do a search?

Great response. By chance, could you point me in the right direction for steps/directions to take out and replace "The solution was to remove the console shifter cover and replace the shifter assembly."? Appreciate your time and insight.

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

Great response. By chance, could you point me in the right direction for steps/directions to take out and replace "The solution was to remove the console shifter cover and replace the shifter assembly."? Appreciate your time and insight.

There are several posts on this forum regarding the shifter replacement. If you do a search and some reading, you’ll probably find them quickly.

One crafty member removed the shifter assembly and custom-made a replacement part that had broken, causing the issue - and made a post about it.

The top console bezel is removed by gently prying the chrome rectangle frame, then unbolting the shifter assembly, unplugging the connectors, and reversing the process. The two leather left and right side knob-halves at the top of the shifter are removed by gently prying with a trim stick tool - and transferred to the new shift handle.

You can search by shifter replacement or door chime sounding when driver door opened.

If I remember correctly, the shifter is unique to the 2015-2017 models, although it look like the prior model year shifters.

If you go to FordPartsGiant.com (I have no connection to it), you can enter your VIN and look up the part - and the site has an exploded diagram view.

 

[apeacock66]

COuld it be an ignition issue? Its like someone reached over and turn the key off. All systems shut down, I pull over, place in park and it starts right back up

 

[99WhiteC5Coupe]

COuld it be an ignition issue? Its like someone reached over and turn the key off. All systems shut down, I pull over, place in park and it starts right back up

Yes - it could be.

Do you have the push button or key cylinder start?

I recall GM had an issue with their keyed ignition cylinders in the late 1990’s / early 2000’s failing while the vehicle was being driven. They were dash mounted.

There was some oxidation and burning occurring on the ignition switch used with the keyed cylinders. It would cause a momentary “ignition off” and stall the engine, although the key was inserted in the cylinder and in the run position.

There were posts on Corvette forums that replacing the ignition cylinders and switch solved the issue. I recall reading about them for my 1999 Corvette, which did not have the issue (but lower mileage).

GM also had an issue with people using an ignition key on a keyring with numerous heavy items attached (other keys, key ring fob, spray mace, etc.). The movement of the car caused the heavy key ring to sway, momentarily shutting off the ignition cylinder.