Strange electrical issues

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Jul 17, 2021 | 08:27 PM

FLD45

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Strange electrical issues

I have a 2001 7.3 Ive owned for about 4 years with no electrical issues.
This morning I was woken up by my horn stuck on and going off. I unplugged the horn and went back to sleep thinking it was just an issue with the horn switch.
A couple hours later I go outside and I hear my door locks locking and unlocking automatically every min or so, as well as a few random chimes coming from the dash (like when you turn the key).

So I have my horn relay going on and off randomly, my door locks doing whatever they want, and random chime sounds happening.
From what Ive been able to find online it seems like the door locks and horn are on separate relays, and I dont know anything about the chiming.
Does anyone have any idea what might be causing all of these issues together or where I can look next?

My batteries are only about 6 months old and both charged. We did get a little rain last night / this morning but I dont know if that is what caused the issue somehow.
Any thoughts are definitely appreciated as I am lost!

Heres a vid of the issues:
https://imgur.com/a/6ZBoyVV

Jul 17, 2021 | 10:01 PM

Y2KW57

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Post text approved, and now bumped.

Video link not reviewed, nor vetted.

Jul 17, 2021 | 10:38 PM

udsuth78

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From: Ponca City, OK

Sounds like a GEM phantom, your truck is haunted. The 01's still the GEM(generic electronic module) didn't they? The interior fuse panel is attached to it and it controls all our little creature comforts. They are known to suffer from water damage caused by leaks around the windshield. I'm not aware of a source for replacements but there is a pretty detailed write up in the tech section showing how to clean and repair them. Having a little trouble finding it at the moment though, been a long day so I'm not firing on all cylinders at the moment. Someone else may dig up a link for ya otherwise I'll give it another go in the a.m.

Jul 17, 2021 | 11:58 PM

FLD45

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Quote:

Originally Posted by udsuth78

Thank you that is very kind. That sounds like good news if the GEM is able to be repaired I will definitely try it. I didn't see any water on the wires or fuses when I was looking at them but I did notice a little moisture on the driver side carpet. Ill definitely have to inspect my windshield tomorrow and pick up something to reseal it.

Jul 18, 2021 | 03:04 AM

aawlberninf350

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From: Elk Grove, CA

Moisture on the driver side carpet is a bright flashing clue that Udsuth was on the right track with water intrusion. In the short term pull off the fuse panel cover under the steering wheel, hang a hair drier off the steering wheel and dry out the area for a couple hours. With luck and a new windshield seal you're good to go.

Jul 18, 2021 | 06:26 AM

FordTruckNoob

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From: Henderson, NV

Here is the GEM Pinpoint Test from the Tech Folder. It is a good place to start.

Jul 18, 2021 | 08:48 PM

FLD45

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Thanks everyone for the info and links. When I stick my head down by the GEM and look up I can see a gap with sun shining through where the wiper rod comes out of the truck under the windshield. This looks like its almost directly above the GEM also, are the wiper rods another common point of entry for water or is this still most likely a windshield issue? Thank you!