Hello All,

I am new to this site and I am a new 2006 6.0 owner and am having an electrical anomaly. I am mechanically and electically inclined and have an idea of what may be causing the issue, but thought I should run it by the serious amount of experience embedded in this site.

Okay bare with me; I walk out to my truck the other morning after it had been off all night only to hear my radio playing! So obviously I'm stunned and immediately turn the aftermarket radio off and then try to start it. The truck offered me a hard start, obvious low battery condition. I ran it for a bit running errands and such with no issues starting between stops. I made sure to turn the radio off before putting the truck to rest for the night.

Well the next morning and afternoon startups were hard starts even after I made sure the radio was off. Here's another tidbit of information, no matter how long the key is off I can roll the windows down (not sure if this normal).

Pls let me know if you need information and I will try to answer the best I can.

By the way, I had no idea what an EGR delete, deltas, scan gauges etc, were until a couple of days ago while researching on this site. Awesome threads and unbelievable experience here! Thanks already and in advance!

Any help would be great!

 

As I was starting to read about shutting off the radio I was thinking these more going on here, and that the windows are still powered states that. I don't have the diagrams or manual for your year so it's difficult for me to troubleshoot.

If the radio is powered there is more current going to other systems as well depleting the battery storage. A key switch fault could be an issue, but if your model year uses a module like the older trucks, the GEM, then a fault within it could be an issue. If the windshield was every replaced and done poorly rain water could be coming down onto fuse panel and its harness, corroding and causing a short.

 

I believe the courtesy delay function is sticking. I believe that function is embedded in the instrument cluster. We have a couple of first class options for repairs and advice here. Hopefully Ed at ficmrepair.com or the folks at Circuit Board Medics will post up some guidance for you or you can contact them directly.

 

Thanks guys! I have been reading both of your posts through out the site and appreciate your experience and forethought!

Too Many Toys, what do you think about Axlerod's thought? Sounds pretty good to me? I'm saying this because, the windows and radio are the only things that work for a small time period after the key is actuated to off.

I tried to respond earlier to notify that I am Law Enforcement and will be on patrol the next 3 days without time to work on the truck. I will keep all suggestions and keep you all in the loop. So pls don't think I'm blowing anyone off.

 

Rusty is more familiar then I am with that model year, so I have to defer. But we mainly are thinking about the same strategy for delayed power after key-off being at issue. Another question I would ask is if this truck has or had an aftermarket alarm system installed. Over the years some of the installs of those have created issues far ranging.

Take your time, I'm can be here hit or miss as well as are others.

 

Thanks guys!

I will keep y'all posted as I begin troubleshooting. Thanks again fellas!

 

I'd keep a "smart" charger on it until you get the problem figured out, or charge and disconnect the batteries if it will be sitting much. You don't want to damage the FICM (or batteries) due to running It with the batteries discharged.

Side note: if you have a Windows laptop around the house, you can get a OBDII adapter on eBay or Amazon for $20 or less and download FORScan for free. It includes a user iniated test on several different modules including the instrument panel that may help with troubleshooting. There is a version for Windows, Apple and Android phones also but I don't have any experience with it.

 

Thanks Rusty, charged and disconnected the batteries. Unfortunately (depends on how you look at it) I dont have any Windows or android assets. Im gonna start by pulling the accessory delay relay to see if it ceases the radio after the key is off. If that works then I will work backwards from there.

Thanks again man!!

 

They shouldn't, but in the world of possibilities a relay could latch on and not release.

 

It sounds like you have a faulty instrument cluster that is not timing out properly and disconnecting the power to the radio and power windows when the door is opened. We see this quite often. The good news is that we have instrument clusters in stock that are fully programmed to your VIN, mileage, and engine hours. Please find complete details regarding our service here:

2005-07 Ford Super Duty Instrument Cluster Repair | CBM

Advanced replacements (exchanges) are available here:
2005-07 Ford Super Duty Instrument Cluster Core Exchange

Please let me know if you have any questions. We are here to help!

 

Gentlemen,

Agian thank you for all the input. Circuit Board Medics--is there a quick check I can do for a bad relay before I drop the coin for the cluster? As of now I have that batteries disconnected and charging for troubleshooting purposes.

Again, thanks everyone for your input! One way or another advice and points given here will fix the truck.

 

Disconnect the cluster. See if the windows still work with no key.

 

That's a good idea cheeezit! Unfortunately, I don't have an indoor garage and it raining side ways here. As soon as the weather and work allows, I will dive into it.

 

Okay guys, finally stopped raining and I am off today. So. After batteries were disconnected for three days (and charged), truck started right up.

I turned off and restarted the truck twice with the accessory delay working as advertised. Meaning, I stayed in the cab after I turned the truck off and watched as the radio stayed on then turned off once I opened the door. I'm gonna run her around town and see what she does.

While doing the checks this morning I checked the alternator's charging volts; said volts were hanging around 13.89 - 13.91. This seems fairly low. My experience with charging systems is usually around the 14's. Feel free to prove me wrong

I will keep y'all posted with the results of the test run.

Thanks again for the help guys.

 

Actually that's pretty good... after the batteries are full, the Alt puts out what it needs to maintain the battery and run the truck, not charge the battery to run the truck. I wouldn't be worried at those voltages.