Intermittent Buzzing from Dash
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
Intermittent Buzzing from Dash
My truck just started a intermittent buzzing from under the dash. I've searched past threads and found others having the same issue but didn't see any sure fixes. The truck has been dry for months, I was driving down the hiway, not using brakes or turn signals. The sound comes and goes. When I first started hearing it, I thought my speakers were going out. I don't see it causing any issues with my truck and it happens with the lights on or off.
It seems to be coming from under the dash just to the right of the steerig column. 02 F350 7.3 SRW CC.
It seems to be coming from under the dash just to the right of the steerig column. 02 F350 7.3 SRW CC.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 197
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From: Kansas
Has any experienced the same problem? It sounds electrical in nature and it's fairly loud but I can't pin point it. I read that it could be the flasher relay but could it be doing it without using them? 
New User
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 18
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Its a common problem. Happened to my 2001 F250 as well, replace the handle and its base(all one unit) on the left side of the steering wheel that controls the turn signals, wipers and high beam...not sure of the real name for it. Fixed me up.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 4,243
Likes: 16
From: AZ
Don't know about your problem, but if it turns out to be the multi-function stalk there is a possible fix which can save you $100 or so. Work your way into the switch assembly and then Deoxit the electrical contacts. My right signals went out and I fixed them just by cleaning all the contacts in the switch with Deoxit (you can buy at Radioshack). Once you get all the contact cleaned up, then Faderlube them (Radioshack, I think).
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 197
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From: Kansas
Thanks for the replies. I was able to track it down to a large relay that sits just to the left of the radio. It started buzzing after I returned from a trip to Lowes. It seems connected to the brake lights some how because when I push on the brake pedal the buzzing at the relay quites. I'm not sure why it would buzz with the brake lights not on and stop when they are. I need to find a schematic to figure out why. Does anyone know why? Would it still be something from the turn sigal stalk?
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 62
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From: Kentucky
Thanks for the replies. I was able to track it down to a large relay that sits just to the left of the radio. It started buzzing after I returned from a trip to Lowes. It seems connected to the brake lights some how because when I push on the brake pedal the buzzing at the relay quites. I'm not sure why it would buzz with the brake lights not on and stop when they are. I need to find a schematic to figure out why. Does anyone know why? Would it still be something from the turn sigal stalk?
HRJ
9 ECHO 1
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12,467
Likes: 58
From: Missouri
My buzzing comes and goes based on RPM... somewhere around 1500-2000 rpm but only at when cruising. Or else in lower gears I cant hear it.
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
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From: Long Beach,CA.
Mine will do that every once in a while. I think it's the flasher relay under the dash to the right of the steering wheel. I have felt it while its buzzing and I can feel the buzz
. Wait, that didn't sound right!
Well you understand what I mean!
. Wait, that didn't sound right! Well you understand what I mean!
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FTE-Spread The Knowledge
Joined: Feb 2008
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We had a lady come in the ER after a traffic accident, buzzing like that. Her problem ended up being in her rear end 
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Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 388
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From: Long Beach,CA.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
From: Kansas
I found the suspect relay under the dash. I believe its the one they call the multi-function. I changed it out with one from AutoZone and then it sounded like a turn signal flasher ticking all the time but with no lights flashing on the truck. I think the OEM relay must be electronic instead of mechanical type but it would be helpful to have some kind of schematic to figure out what can be making it malfunction. I pulled the AutoZone relay back out and put the OEM back in. The buzzing still comes and goes and beyond being annoying it doesn't seem to cause any problems so I'm just putting up with it for now.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 388
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From: Long Beach,CA.
It's a heavy duty relay. I tried a swap from Autozone as well. Returned it a half hour later! It was smaller in size than the OEM one. I even went to Napa, but they didn't have a heavy duty the same size as what's in there. Mine is currently not buzzing, it's very intermittent. Might be forced to go to the dealer to get one when it starts acting up again!
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 18,849
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From: Puget Sound
It would be nice if you visit here more often - now that your truck has a decade on it.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 62
Likes: 0
From: Kentucky
Just to follow up, my buzzing flasher relay (that would stop with a brake pedal or turn signal light) was remedied by a new multi-function switch (ie, new turn signal leverl assembly). Had a little trouble finding the right one at Autozone. My 2001 F-350 ended up having to use one listed for a 2000 F-250 to get exactly the right plug configuration.