Electrical Gurus, help... Strange
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Longview, TX
The thread title seemed appropriate so thought I would ask: My '99 7.3 has an issue where the dash lights will not come on alot of mornings, etc particularly if the truck has sat for a week or so. After a little driving it will click under the dash and they come on. No other lights have issues. I am thinking a relay somewhere. Any ideas? it only has 105,000 miles but it has the age. Additionally this morning the overhead outside temp was way low showing -1 degrees vs the actual 35 degrees and then the fuel guage went from actual 1/4 tank to showing Full. The elec gremlins were active this morning!!!
Do the gauges and other things still work, just no lights? Are you using the automatic setting or physically turning on headlights?
Make sure the temp didn't get changed to Celsius. If it did, it wouldn't be too far from actual. Fuel, hey, if it always reads full, you never have to stop and fill up
Freshman User
Joined: Sep 2006
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I'd look into the GEM. The click under the dash could be that. Some other reading last night lead me to that, until Tugly notified the update to VSM in my 2003.
Do the gauges and other things still work, just no lights? Are you using the automatic setting or physically turning on headlights?
Make sure the temp didn't get changed to Celsius. If it did, it wouldn't be too far from actual. Fuel, hey, if it always reads full, you never have to stop and fill up
Do the gauges and other things still work, just no lights? Are you using the automatic setting or physically turning on headlights?
Make sure the temp didn't get changed to Celsius. If it did, it wouldn't be too far from actual. Fuel, hey, if it always reads full, you never have to stop and fill up
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Longview, TX
I do not have auto headlights so they are manual. I already checked the celcius setting and it was faren. so maybe the sensor itself. All other guages are working fine except the fuel and this morning was a first for that. Gotta head to a meeting but will be checking back in and hopefully have a potential solution. Thanks thusfar!!
To test the temp sender, I think AE gives the readout for that. If it gives bad data as well, it is likely the sender. Could be an easy fix.
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Longview, TX
I don't have a clue if the VSM controls starting, but my initial guess would be IDM or fuel pump, considering there is no smoke.
Mountain Pass
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 202
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From: Arvada, Colorado
Every now and then (maybe twice a week) when I crank up the truck, the radio will not come on and windows will not go up and down. These are the only two items I have noticed not working. Usually they come on within 2 or 3 minutes, but i've figured out that if I turn the dome light on, they magically come on and start working. Doesn't work if I open the door to turn the dome on, only by rolling the dimmer switch up.
Any ideas? I'm thinking maybe it's a relay?
Any ideas? I'm thinking maybe it's a relay?
GGood Luck!
Rocky Mountain High
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 135
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From: Parker, CO
Here is the original post about VSM. I found it in my research last night. https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/4...-theory-3.html
I don't have a clue if the VSM controls starting, but my initial guess would be IDM or fuel pump, considering there is no smoke.
I don't have a clue if the VSM controls starting, but my initial guess would be IDM or fuel pump, considering there is no smoke.
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 44
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From: Goodyear, AZ
I am having the exact same issue as you are, especially when it's warm out. I posted on a forum (I thought this one) and I was told it's the relay that keeps the radio on after vehicle key is turned off and the radio stays on until door is opened, relay is going bad, so it's doing the opposite of what it's supposed to do. It's under the hood, on drivers side, the cluster of relays close to fire wall. I've been meaning to look into it, but have another issue I'm trying to figure out, lol!
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Longview, TX
Thread Starter
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Longview, TX
I am having the exact same issue as you are, especially when it's warm out. I posted on a forum (I thought this one) and I was told it's the relay that keeps the radio on after vehicle key is turned off and the radio stays on until door is opened, relay is going bad, so it's doing the opposite of what it's supposed to do. It's under the hood, on drivers side, the cluster of relays close to fire wall. I've been meaning to look into it, but have another issue I'm trying to figure out, lol!
Rocky Mountain High
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 135
Likes: 0
From: Parker, CO
No, the intermittent windows/radio thing only happens IF the truck starts. I was hoping some of the electrical gurus out there could comment on if they have seen VSM issues creating other problems beyond security items such as starting. I am taking it to the dealer on Monday to have the VSM replaced for the windows/radio issue. I'll comment back if it helps with the intermittent starting too.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 428
Likes: 1
From: Hot Springs Village, Ar
I'll say this again as I am the only one that fixed problem by drying out/replacing driver's side window motor. They collect water and cause all kind of goofy issues. Radio won't turn off, radio stays on, interior lights stay on, etc. At one time had to install battery disconnects until I found out the problem and replaced window motor.
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