Buzzing/static sound from glovebox area

[03_Eddie]

Hoping someone has had this same issue before. I have tried searching several threads to no avail. I have a 2003 Expy XLT.

When driving the expy, once you get to around 35-40 mph, there is a static type noise (akin to electrical arcing or tv static). This noise becomes louder if you roll down the driver or passenger window.

Additional points to note are: Both low beams are out (blown 2 sets of bulbs already) and the check advtrac light remains on and comes back on instantly after doing a code reset or unplugging the battery. Not sure if these are connected or not...

When searching existing threads, I believe I have found a few things that point to a failing VSM (Vehicle Security Module) or maybe some power/ground wires connecting to this module. I have seen that this module is located behind the kicker panel fuse box on the interior of the car.

Has anyone else had this issue? Does anyone know if you can change this as a plug and play module or will I need to have it programmed off of the existing one?

 

[whtbronco]

I suspect you have multiple unrelated issues. Was one issue present before the other?

My first thought was a failed relay in the CJB effecting the headlights, but I don't see a relay in the CJB for my 2004 related to the low beams only the high beams. The VSM does need to be programmed if replaced according to AllData. You might be able to get around this if you find a used Expy with the same options. I think I'd check the relays and fuses for the low beams first and then test wire continuity next

This thread might be of help:

03 EB VSM/gremlins

Hey y'all, hope everyone is doing well. Been a while since I've been on due to work and health but I'm glad to see everyone's cool rides! I've done so much work to my 03 since I bought it about 3 years and I'm now finally getting to the VSM. I had the VSM (which it might not even be called)...

www.expeditionforum.com

For the AdvanceTrac light I would look towards a wheel bearing/speed sensor. May as well check the wires and connectors for the speed sensors first. My experience has been that every traction control failure I have ever repaired was the result of a cut or disconnected wheel speed sensor wire or failing wheel bearing. All this experience has been related to GM cars and my neighbors Toy's. My Expy doesn't have traction control and that was intentional, I wanted a limited slip diff instead.

 

[03_Eddie]

Thanks whtbronco. The expy started making that sound around 3 weeks ago, and maybe with poor decision making I was trying to find the solution myself rather than take it to the shop. About a week into it we noticed the low beams quit working, so I changed the bulbs. Those bulbs blew instantly, and since then I have changed out the fuse box, to no avail either.

I am learning about some of these issues and somewhat mechanically inclined, but definitely no pro. Would headlights blow like fuses, when there is specifically a short to ground?

I got off on the VSM failure track due to a wiring diagram I found on another forum, which shows that the headlamp relay is located in this. (I presume due to the lights being set up to flash when a theft occurs). If there is a short to ground somewhere or some corrosion in this module, I would assume this would cause some noise and issues.

I will try your suggestions out and report back when I get some more data.

 

[whtbronco]

I'm certainly no hot shot mechanic either, I'm just a persistent and stubborn SOB. I learn as I go and since I have been doing so for many yers I have learned enough to get by. Just keep plugging away and you'll figure it out. The other thing that has been truly invaluable to me and allowed me to begin doing everything myself is a subscription to AllDataDIY. It is so worth the money, but model and year specific so my 2004 info may not match your 2003, it will for most stuff I reckon.

Well you clearly have a direct short to blow the headlight bulbs instantly. If you think the VSM is faulty the electrical diagrams you posted provide a good place to start testing the electrical system. Just occurred to me you could check for continuity at the bulb connector. You shouldn't have continuity between the positive and ground with the bulb out unless they are shorted. It does look like in the diagram the headlamp relay is in the VSM/BCM so if you have continuity between the headlight bulb connector wires then you could unplug the BCM and try again.