Electrical Problems

[Kathleen Rezzo]

Hello - I own a 2000 Expedition 5.4L Model. The vehicle has been a workhorse for 18 years and I have 397,000 miles on it. A week ago, at the end of a one-hour drive, the gauges began bouncing back and forth, the battery and ABS lights on the dash illuminated, clicking sounds began coming out from behind the dash and speakers, and the radio and air conditioner died. I drove to a gas station at the end of the nearest offramp and had the car towed home. Overnight the 18-month old battery drained and had to be recharged.

I reviewed numerous posts on First Generation Expeditions and began to suspect the GEM unit. I do have a crack in the front window but never had water intrusion that I know of. I purchased a used GEM and spent the better part of today replacing the old GEM along with new fuses and relays...but nothing changed. Gauges still pegging back and forth, battery and ABS lights on, clicking sounds in different places, and no radio, A/C or door locks. One oddity. When I attach the battery terminal to test the car, I get about 10 seconds of "normal" before all the weird electrical malfunctions take over. The car starts and runs fine.

I hate to think this is the end of the road for my Expedition. But local mechanics want arms and legs just to "try" and figure out what might be wrong. Any similar experiences or ideas out there?

 

[stamp11127]

Well shoot, if you want to keep the car going you will have to troubleshoot the electrical system.

Do you know how to read wiring diagrams?

Do you have access to a digital multimeter and know how to use it?

 

[Copper93]

You would be surprised what a low battery or alternator will do to a vehicle now. I would have them checked and replaced if needed. Also check your ground and make sure they are good.

 

[Kathleen Rezzo]

Thank you Copper93 - I'll do it.