My 2002 f350 crew cab has the following electrical problems:
- Power door locks (pdl) do not work (from either door, fob seems dead)
- automatic headlights do not work (manual works fine)
- over head console gives no readout
- occasional clicking (sounds like static) coming from turn signal flasher relay
- no reverse lights

I bought the truck about a year ago and it had all of these problems when I bought it, so I cannot give any background on when each of these issues began.

Since the pdl issue is the one I find the most inconvenient, I decided to try to tackle it first.

What I've done:
Checked for power at the driver door lock switch. I found power at this switch, but it offers no response when pushed. The passenger door lock switch offers a slight audible response from the actuators (cant tell if it is coming from all of them). I have read every post here about power door locks and also vsm. I read some posts that suggested that the locks operate in sequence, so I replaced the driver door actuator with a new one - no change.

I haven't really tried to troubleshoot the other electrical issues (I did replace the turn signal flasher relay with a new one - no change).

I am considering ordering a new vsm from the dealer and having them install and program it (part will be less than $175 - God only knows what labor will be). After all that I've read, I am thinking that the vsm might have something to do with more than one of the problems that I am having.

If you have any advice on any of these issues, I'd love to hear it before I fork out big bucks on the vsm at the dealership. Thanks in advance.

 

An electrical schematic would help see if there is something common (like the vsm) to these. The shop manuals would be helpful. Maybe someone else has access to your year - I have them for my vehicles, but not for your year. I found 2009 manuals on CD from eBay for under $20.

If you are thinking of having the dealer do the vsm work, what would they charge to diagnose it first?

 

Start by checking fuses F19 and F50 in the CJB and the grounds in the left hand C-pillar. Does your '02 SD have the keypad on the driver's door?

Autolamps run through the VSM, likely related to loss of PDL function.

For the overhead computer, check fuse F27 and ground G300 (left hand A-pillar)

The flasher relay also runs off F27 for the turn signal side of its operation. Its ground, G202, is above the gas pedal.

The reversing lamps also run off F27.

I will note that F27 also provides power to other features that you didn't flag as a problem, notably the shifter interlock (which might have otherwise been disabled). However, these checks will get you started.

 

duplicate post

 

A friend on another board says that like this:

 

SC_Hoaty:
I did not ask about dealer service charge to diagnose. I should have known that would be a good idea but subconsciously was probably afraid to ask. I will ask them if I move closer to that as a possible plan of action.

projectSHO89:
Thanks for the specific information. I checked all of the fuses you mentioned but not the grounds. I will check those and report back.

 

subscribing:
I have an 02 F-350 as well
could be the GEM/VSM or anti theft module malfunctioning
I have had some similar issues

 

Problem solved.... Well most of them. I decided to take it to the dealer to replace and program a new vsm. That didn't fix the pdl. They asked if I wanted them to troubleshoot the pdl for $98. Since I was already in the throwing money away mode and frustrated by the problem, I said sure. They traced down a short and fixed it. Pdl work great. Fob too.

One thing I think I gained probably by replacing the vsm is that the auto headlights now work. I doubt the pdl short was causing that problem, so overall I am very happy.

I also learned a valuable lesson: if I have a problem that I just don't feel that I can accurately troubleshoot, I will not be afraid to take it to the dealer. When they asked me I wanted them to troubleshoot the problem for $98, my exact words were, "Yes. If I knew you would charge $98, I would have brought it to you a year ago." I spent a lot of hours working and worrying on this, as well as hundreds of dollars guess at the wrong solution.

As I said, overall I am very happy. Now if I can just get my last 2 problems solved, I'll be really happy. The remaining problems are:
No readout at the overhead console
Occasional clicking noise from the turn signal flasher relay

Please let me know if you have any ideas in either of those.