The other day just after a lightning storm, my '02 F450 diesel's radio started playing all by itself with no key in the truck. Now my batteries are being drained severely but can't figure out why or how.

Any ideas?

 

My best guess would be a water leak though either the windshield or cab clearance lights. Anything else going nuts on its own?

 

The truck was parked under a metal roof garage and doesn't have a leak that I can find anywhere. It acts more like the key never gets turned completely off and not sure where the drain on battery comes from. I do have the aftermarket Turbo-save installed and not sure if that could have anything to do with it.

Was wondering if the lightning could have caused a computer issue with the main controls.

 

If lighting caused your issue it would be a lot more then the radio. The ignition switch could be bad do a continuity test. Have you done an amp draw test, key off and key on?

 

Everything stays on when the key is removed. Just checked after turning the truck off and removing key. It only kills the motor when the key is turned off and removed. Bummer.

 

Then the ignition switch is your issue. A new one isn't very expensive. You can either get it online and get it re keyed or order from ford with your Vin and it will work with your original key.

 

hey, i have the the same problem pili,do you mean you have to replace the entire system,, including the tumbler, or can i just pull out the ignition switch and replace that?

 

The ignition switch is all one assembly. Did you test the switch yet?

 

thanks, i'll be testing it on monday.

 

correct me if im wrong but this would be the part that needs replacing right?

Discount Car Parts Stuff - Car Accessories & Truck Accessories - Cheap Auto Parts - Car Cover - Floor Mats - Cargo Liner - ignition switch - 2003 Ford F-350 Super Duty Ignition Switch

 

If it tests bad then yes. If it tests good then its the key assembly.

I learned long ago its better to find the problem and know what needs to be replaced then to guess and throw parts at it.

 

Exactly what is staying on? There are a number of accessories run off of the Accessory Delay Relay, which is timed and powered by the Instrument Cluster. That may very well be your problem.

 

it runs like the key is in accessory position, headlight, radio,windows,etc.

 

sorry guys, so after a month of doing nothing lol, i checked everything with my auto teacher, and we found that everything one was fine, so we've narrowed it down to the relay behind the instrument cluster, also we found a wire from the breaker which the p/o had installed, to an unused fuse which was supplying constant power, when removed, radio/windows stopped working. will be taking that cluster off this weekend to see. i was wondering if anyone knew whether the fuse is replacable or does the intrument cluster has to be replaced. thank you

 

Subscribing. Mine is starting to do funny things like radio won't come on right away after starting the engine. Power windows don't work either until I hear a click behind the instrument cluster. There HAS to be a way to replace that relay instead of buying a whole new instrument cluster. I can't believe that's impossible.