Relay prob?
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Relay prob?
2001 Expedition. I had been having intermittent electrical issues, and thought it was the typical GEM problem of windshield leakage. However, I noticed that the problem occurred primarily when shifting into reverse (auto tranny)...I'd lose radio, power windows, wipers, etc. I then lost all of these accessories, no matter the shifter position. Just recently, I discovered that all accessories seem to work when the key/ignition is in the ACC position (one position BACK from Off).
What's going on here? Could it be a faulty relay of some kind?
What's going on here? Could it be a faulty relay of some kind?
Fleet Owner
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I agree that it's the ignition switch. Mostly because it was a progressively worsening problem, and because switching to Accessory turns everything on. This rules out issues with the individual items and their circuits. Moving the shifter around probably effects pressure on the ignition switch or it's wiring harness. Have you tried tilting the steering column (if equipped) to see if that makes a difference?
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If the symptom had gone straight to the last one then I would agree that the switch would be the prime suspect.
However, a fault in the ignition switch cannot produce the progression of symptoms.
However, a fault in the ignition switch cannot produce the progression of symptoms.
Fleet Owner
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Of course it can. The switch is nothing more than a series of contacts. One of those contacts can go back before another, corrosion or oxidation can develop, or plastic parts can crack and fail to keep the need pressures within.
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Well, the GEM wasn't the problem...swapped it out and have the same symptoms: everything works with the key turned to ACC, but no radio, wipers, windows while running. Any other ideas?
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I changed the ignition switch, and when that didn't fix it, I swapped out the GEM, which also didn't fix the problem.
It just doesn't make sense that there isn't a problem when the key is turned to ACC, but accessories don't work when the truck is running. The ACC position isn't on a separate circuit, is it?
It just doesn't make sense that there isn't a problem when the key is turned to ACC, but accessories don't work when the truck is running. The ACC position isn't on a separate circuit, is it?
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Newly discovered symptom: when truck is running and headlights are turned on, the warning alarm sounds like when the headlights are on but the ignition is turned off. It's almost as if the truck doesn't "recognize" that the key is in the "On" position.
Fleet Owner
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I'm not trying to sound insulting but I want to make sure we're on the same page. By ignition switch, you changed the electrical portion of the switch, not the mechanical key switch part, correct?
You are correct, I changed the electric switch, not the key cylinder. Both fuses #111 and #113 register continuity when tested.
Fleet Owner
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Then it's time to start probing the connectors at the ignition switch to see if there is power where power should be. When the power loss is found then that circuit needs to be traced to find where the power stops.