raining on the computer
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
raining on the computer
We have a 2001 Ford Expedition XLT. When it rains, the floorboard is wet. It is leaking inside onto my computer. We are having it replaced for the 2nd time in 2 months. They said it was the glass... the glass man said it is not leaking from the windshield. When the computer gets wet, it acts as if the key is in the ignition and drains the battery using everything that is on. We have contacted Ford and they don't have a solution. However, we were told by our mechanic the a service bulletin relating to this has been issued by Ford. Does anyone know where it is leaking or where I can view this "service bulletin"? All help is appreciated.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 1
From: Annapolis, Maryland
raining on the computer
Sorry to hear about your problem. I can't find a TSBs on it, but it is well documented on this site - apparently the windshield leaks and it drips down onto the GEM and destroys it.
Racerguy is a Ford tech and he's well aware of it.
Do yourself a favor and have a windshield place re-seal it for you. They shouldn't charge too much for it and it only takes about 45 minutes, then a few hours of sitting for the glue to cure. Certainly can't hurt to try.
Keep us posted!
XXL
Racerguy is a Ford tech and he's well aware of it.
Do yourself a favor and have a windshield place re-seal it for you. They shouldn't charge too much for it and it only takes about 45 minutes, then a few hours of sitting for the glue to cure. Certainly can't hurt to try.
Keep us posted!
XXL
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
raining on the computer
I've seen this problem quite a few times and it has always been the windshield. That's not to say that it couldn't be something else but that's the most common.
The GEM which is right behind the fuse box gets wet and usually the heater staying on is the first symptom. Quite often the fuse box gets wet too and corrodes inside and it has to be replaced too.
The GEM which is right behind the fuse box gets wet and usually the heater staying on is the first symptom. Quite often the fuse box gets wet too and corrodes inside and it has to be replaced too.
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
raining on the computer
The Ford Service dealership sent a Glass Co. out to our house to replace the windsheild. When he looked at it, he said it was not coming from the windshield. Do you think that maybe the person missed something or wasn't experienced enough or would you think it was leaking from somewhere else?
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
raining on the computer
All the ones I've seen were leaky windshields but you could maybe have a leak in the cowl panel area too.
You might have to lay under the dash while someone hoses down the windshield/cowl area and see if you can find any leaks that way.
You might have to lay under the dash while someone hoses down the windshield/cowl area and see if you can find any leaks that way.
Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 1
From: Annapolis, Maryland
raining on the computer
Criminy dutch - you can't tell just by looking. If there's a leak in the seal, the only way to find out is by recreating the leak. What the glass co. should have done is taken your windshield out and reinstalled it. Since they've been subcontracted by Ford, you'd think they would do some work in order to get some $ out of the whole thing...
I would call a reputable window glass place and have them take your windshield out and re-seal it. It shouldn't cost much (maybe $50?) and if it fixes your problem, send the bill to your dealership and tell them to get bent.
XXL
I would call a reputable window glass place and have them take your windshield out and re-seal it. It shouldn't cost much (maybe $50?) and if it fixes your problem, send the bill to your dealership and tell them to get bent.
XXL
New User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Had this problem recently. Middle of the night after a rainstorm, the ignition on my 97 Expedition started turning over, the locks opening and closing, interior lights coming on and off. like some SciFi movie. Turned out to be the multi function module and fuse box had gotten water in them from a leak in the windshield.
Glad to have confirmation of problem, sealed windshield and replaced module and fuse box.
By the way thomp, our guy would not put a new module in until the glass was sealed, lest it happen again,
Glad to have confirmation of problem, sealed windshield and replaced module and fuse box.
By the way thomp, our guy would not put a new module in until the glass was sealed, lest it happen again,
Last edited by C Sandra; Aug 13, 2007 at 07:33 PM.
Trending Topics
Hotshot
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 12,679
Likes: 15
From: BC, Canada
Welcome to the forum C Sandra 
I've never seen one start turning over by itself. That must have been exciting
Good to hear that you got it figured out.
I've never seen one start turning over by itself. That must have been exciting
Good to hear that you got it figured out.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Euclid OH USA
Has anyone experienced rust around the windshield? I took my 00 EB into the glass shop when the leaking started. The glass shop reported that there was rust around in the channel and this was the source of the leak. They "gooped" it up with their butyl sealant. Well that was a year or more ago and the leak is getting worse. Drips out of the assist handle and around the compass module onto the stereo (head unit was not workign last night after an afternoon in the rain - worked once dry).
Any ideas?
Any ideas?
New User
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
I don't have the starter or heater issue, my locks act like someone is playing around with them and the instrument panel freaks out. My rear windshield wiper is also trippin out from time to time. Anyone think this is the same issue as the water on the GEM module??
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 898
Likes: 0
What I thought was the GEM getting wet turned out to be one of the license plate lights. It was corroded & shorting out something someplace & causing all sorts of strange things. Cut it off & taped up the wires and everything has been fine for over a year now.
Local auto electric shop found it for me.
I have found it's usually cheaper to take it to them then try to replace everything it "could" be.
Local auto electric shop found it for me.
I have found it's usually cheaper to take it to them then try to replace everything it "could" be.