Hey guys, about 2 weeks ago, I started having problems with my 2010 Expedition. At first, my dash lights weren't coming on in the morning, then all of the sudden they were on. Next, using the command start - Alberta, already some cool mornings), I couldn't use the key fob to unlock the doors, and once inside, I couldn't use the door lock switches. This morning, the dash lights were on, and my son was getting in the back but didn't close the door fully, the dash lights went out and were off the whole time, even after I re-started the truck. I had this in a shop about a month ago, and they had the whole dash off to replace a piece for the heater. Would this have anything to do with it or is this a "gremlin" that happens? I don't know a thing about electrical and will not be taking it back to that garage, but would like to have some input on any ideas? Thanks.

 

The best place is your local Ford dealer if you don't want to do it yourself.

 

I’m not well-versed into anything electrical either, wlittle. Please send the odometer reading of your vehicle; I'll see what I can do to assist. Also, I highly recommend contacting your dealer; they'll be happy to look into it.

Kwasi

 

Thanks guys. The odometer ia around 132,000 kms. We bought it used and of course started having problems after the 100,000 km warranty was done. I guess I was just wondering if this would be an easy fix or a expensive one. The last 2 times this has been at the shop, it has cost us over $1000 each time and about $60 in parts total. Makes me sick every time something goes wrong because it is a $1000 and I can't do a thing about it.

 

Hell. I'd just the feed into the dimmer switch and tap it directly to a headlamp wire to run the dash lights. It cost 10 bucks and about 20 mins down time.

I'm not sure about your door locks and all though.

 

Do this. Grab a cheap socket set and find the fuse box in the cab. (I think they're still in the cab on 2010s...) make sure the battery has been disconnected and then makes sure all connections in the box and under the consoles are secure and working.

If you need help getting the dash apart you can ask here.

DO NOT Mess around with the wires if the battery is still connected. You could deploy the airbag system and possibly TOTAL your car while putting you in the hospital.

 

Check that battery !

 

^^^ This.

Nobody wants to spend a thousand bucks if they don't absolutely have to. How old is the battery, 5 years? A VOM or voltmeter is a relatively inexpensive tool that everyone should have, can save needless shop charges.

A checkbook is a useful tool to, but only on my terms! The symptoms sound a lot like a battery on last legs. A cold snap will tend to expose problems. A few simple tests will diagnose a bad battery. With modern vehicles, it's probably wise to replace before they get wonky versus trying to wring every last electron out of them, too.

 

Thanks again guys. I never would have guessed a battery issue as the truck has no problems starting and all gauges work good, just the lights. This is where my lack of electrical knowledge comes into play. I had originally thought that the last place that worked on it(took out the whole dash to replace a heater vent plate, was at fault, but what got me was the door lock issue. If I use the command start, I can not use the key fob to unlock it. Or the power locks. Anyways, will see what I can figure out, and appreciate the feedback. Take care!

 

It's real helpful to report your findings - that way when searching the archives in the future others won't wonder what the deal was. It sounds a lot like a bad battery.. May not be.