2004 F350 4x SWR 380k miles
Short story - key off and out there is some power to the dash, a few dash lights and odometer stay on but super dim. Then randomly acts as if key is in the run position, headlights on (auto position) radio comes on. Dont hear the injectors clicking or fuel pump running (I really wasnt listen for then either).

Beginning last week the door chime was coming on even with key out. A banging on the steering wheel made it go away.

I am at total loss on this one

In the last month -
Gauge cluster was redone at Circutboard medics
2 new batteries (bad cells)
140a alt installed

Today -
New ignition cylinder (needed it anyway)
New ignition module - figured give it a shot.

 

My truck is a 10/03 model 04 and it does that same crazy thing. Sometimes it has a door chime, sometimes not. It's definitely key cylinder related somehow. I've had the dash lights come on randomly (just flash) while sitting in the passenger seat talking on the phone. 285K 2wd cc.

 

Very common --- remove and replace 1L3Z11582A cylinder (70% likelihood)............other candidates (lesser probabilities): Switch under column 20% likelihood, Power Junc Box and wiring 10% likelihood.

 

Im having the same exact problem. most people ive talked to said it was the ignition switch, changed that and still doing it. changed out the ignition relays as well and no change. my next thing is the lock cylinder. heard it could be the alternator shorting out? ill report back after the lock cylinder is replaced.

 

I havent tried the relays
I have changed the Ignition switch on column as well as the key cylinder. been on the rad for work so I havent had the chance to chase it down more

 

looks like I am down to junction box and wiring. Before posting I did replace cylinder and Switch under column. When I get back to my truck I will try relays before I get to the Junction Box and Chasing down wiring probs

 

could it be the gauge cluster going bad? read that on another thread last night.

 

Just had it fixed by Circuit Board Medics in Nov for the battery minder prob. They tested it after fix all checked out.
appreciate you looking out though!

 

Just noticed this part, Alt is new 140a. The plug is old though Need to be replaced I'll check that out too, by diconnecting it..... Cant wait to try all this stuff, working rediculous hours for the next few days just too tired to get to it.

 

a little update for my problem of the same kind long story short, had my alternator and both batteries replaced this week and my cluster is working like normal again.

checked the alternator and saw 17+ volts and later on the passenger side battery started to off gas from being over charged. I know you said you had a new alternator put it but you might want to check on it or the pigtail.

hope you get yours figured out

 

Be careful with the battery -=- they will detonate.

 

thats exactly why i pulled over when i saw the "smoke" coming from under the hood and a weird smell. stopped and opened the hood and saw the battery releasing vapor and one of the top plugs on the battery was missing. if i wasnt paying attention it would have ended up a lot worse.

 

Sorry guys I fell like a chump for not reporting the fix.
I ended up replacing the alternator plug and all was well


.... until today but I think its related to another issue, I came back to this to see if there were more suggestions (being it came back) and realized I never reported back on the initial fix. Once I fix my other electrical problem I'll start a new thread on it if it continues.