About 10 days ago following a heavy rain, I went to start my truck. It made a series of clicks and chirps, and acted like there was no power. Like dead battery or something. After fiddling get with the key and trying to figure the issues, all the sudden started normal door chimes....and truck started...no issues after that for several days. Had another rain storm...same issues only this time took longer to get it to act normal. Once it did....no problems till today. This time wasn't a big rain...still acting wierd. Battery's have power. ..it's not a battery or alternator issue I'm sure. Seems like a grounding issue if I had to guess....but can not tell where...or if that's really it. Any idea? Thoughts? No codes or lights once it acts normal.

 

Thought I had a signature. 99 f350. 7.3l. No mods. 315k miles. 4x4. Club cab, lwb

 

Have you had the windshield replaced?

 

No. I've had the truck for about 2 years and a friend of mine had it for a year before that. I don't know any prior history. But I know the windshield has not been replaced since I've had it or he had it.

 

^^^

Leaking windshields can cause all kinds of eletrical issues in addition to mold and mildew.

Is your floorboard wet? Try pulling back the carpet or liner under the glove box and behind the brake pedal.

There are a few threads about the "GEM" and other components regarding issues that occur when they get wet.

 

What have you done so, far to fix the problem?

 

1. Nothing so far to fix the problem as I didn't have a clue as to where to even begin.

2. There IS water under the carpet on the passenger side. Drivers side appears to be totally dry. So what does this mean?

 

It is time to get the windshield replaced or at a minimum removed and resealed.

Some may scoff at the idea of getting it removed, cleaned and resealed but there is a local guy that does a great job doing just that for $75 if the glass is pristine.

 

Ok....what about for the electrical part. What do I need to do in the short term to be able to drive truck?

 

I would suggest that you start by disconnecting your batteries, starting with the negative posts. Clean the terminals and the battery cables until the contact ares are shiny. Check the starter cable for cleanliness and tightness. remove the batteries to have them tested for capacity, if okay,Then reconnect the batteries starting with the Positive cables after using a anti oxidant grease on the contact areas.

 

Nick99 offers good advice.

It seems it happens after a rain. Once the GEM or other affected electrical parts get wet the moisture doesn't completely clear out, hence your carpet is still wet, so it is cumulative.

I just noticed that your truck is an F350 so I will assume that it has clearance lights on the roof. It could be leaking at one or more of those as well. Is the head liner wet as well?

You can attempt to locate the source by pressurizing the cab through one of the holes coming in through the engine compartment. There should be vents that equalize the pressure in the cab for when you close the door, etc. They should be located between the cab and bed on the back wall. You'll probably have to stuff rags between the cab and bed, blocking them, to build enough pressure. Spray the windshield and clearance lights with soapy water. Bubbles indicate the leak.

At a minimum get a tarp and cover the windshield while it is parked unless you can garage it. If you have access to a dehumidifier grab it and use it to dry the electronics out. Desiccants work also but they will have to be changed and baked to remove the moisture if you reuse them. If you must drive the truck while it is raining, get some good tape; Tyvek is the best but it can remove paint when you take it off, and seal the windshield.

You can seal the clearance lights with RV sealant

These are all band-aids for the larger problem. If the windshield is leaking...it will only get worse. If the GEM is eventually fried due to moisture, the last one I found was nearly $400.

 

Actually no clearance lights believe it or not. I'll work on trying up the humidity and start there. Batteries are both 4 months old and clean. So I won't worry about that. I will do a search on the GEM....