The truck is a 2002 F350 superduty crewcab powerstroke. It has the factory options of automatic headlights, keyfobs, power windows. Recently, I changed both batteries and installed AGM batteries.

I left for a trip recently around 5am while still quite dark. Truck started and was operating normal. Automatic headlights worked as they have since I have owned the truck (>10 years). After about 30 minutes of driving, it was still quite dark. The headlights/dashlights all suddenly went out. I could flip the headlight switch to manual and they returned. I noted that I could switch back to auto and sometimes they came on for a few minutes but would go back off. I would always get normal headlights, dash lights, fog lights and highbeams manually however.

When I arrived at my destination, I turned off the truck and opened the driver's door. Interior lights came on as expected but the headlights which at that point were on auto stayed on and the radio continued to play. I got back in, shut the door, restarted the truck to try again and noticed that the door open indicator was also on. Anyhow, turned it off, opened door and symptoms repeat - interior light on, headlights on, radio on. I did not have time to further mess with it so I turned off the headlights by manual switching them off, turned off the radio and shut the door to lock the truck with the fob. The door locks would not operate with the fob. I opened door and they would lock with the door switch. Locked doors with switch and shut door. Interior lights stayed on as I watched for at least 1 minute. I left the truck parked as it was and returned about an hour later. Interior lights were off (I assumed it was the 20 minute or so accessory delay). Key fob would not unlock. Drove to next destination with radio, headlights, etc but the door open light on.

Returned home in the afternoon and started trying to figure this one out. Sprayed WD40 on all door locks - no change. Did a few more start/stop cycles, no change. Finally, I disconnected both batteries and let it sit for 20 minutes. Reconnected battery and everything was working it appeared. Next morning, left before sunlight again and the auto lights worked as expected again for about 20 miles down the interstate then they went off unexpectedly. Manual control was possible.

Arrived at destination and the radio, interior lights, door open, keyfobs, and even headlights all responded as appropriate to stopping truck, removing key from truck. Closed door, keyfob to lock, horn beeped, lights off in about 5 seconds. I replaced the headlight switch thinking this might have been an issue just in the switch itself which appeared original. Nope, auto headlights still randomly turn off but normally only after they have been on 20 minutes or so (does not happen on a short drive).

I have been reading posts online for a few days. Has anyone had a similar pattern of symptoms and what were your findings and solutions?

John Harris
Nashville, TN

 

 

I thought about that. The batteries show a full charge on a multi-meter and on the readings through the OBDII port. Shows charging at 14.1 to 14.4 and no problems turning over the diesel.

 

the others sound like a good thing to check out and spraying on the door latches is a good thing but the switch for the lights have to be sprayed from in side the door. no access from outside to get to them