My 02 F250 periodically has no acccesories like electric windows, radio, and AC do not work for a minute or so. It has been doing this for awhile and seems to be getting more frequent and I am concerned that it might go out on a trip. Like to see if anyone knows what the most likely culprit could be. It runs OK when this is going on and usually happens on the first start on the day. I was thinking maybe the ignition switch?

John Henley, Alabama

 

My guess is a relay going south...

 

I have heard that the bottom of the key cylinder can wear out and not work as designed in the electrical circuit.

so for me right now, when I turn the truck off, the hey-dummy-you-left-the-lights-on-buzzer fires up - even with absolutely nothing turned on. as soon as I turn something on (still with the key off and taken out), the buzzer turns off, but the accessory doesn't come on, because the key is off.

so if you can't find a relay issue or any bad fuses, consider replacing the key cylinder on the steering column

 

There's a relay in the instrument cluster that is known to go bad. Smack the top of the dash next time it happens. If things start working immediately, that's the problem.

 

Where is this relay located? Now and then my windows and radio won't work when I start the truck up. A little tap on the dash gets it working again and it doesn't act up for a while.

 

It's an integral part of the instrument cluster. The good news is it can be repaired. The bad news is the cluster has to be removed (and most likely sent out) to do it.

 

for the OP, the key cylinder has a rod attached. The other end of that rod attaches to a box with electrical contacts. It may be that ignition switch that is causing the problem. Will try to find a previous thread about it.

 

Dang! Looks like a tap on the dash will have to keep working. Thanks