Excessive Static Electricity

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Mar 31, 2000 | 03:16 PM

jtate

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Excessive Static Electricity

This may be a strange question, but has anyone noticed the build up of personal electric charge from the interior fabrics. Probably, noticed when the static charge is discharged when you touch the door to close it upon exiting the vehicle. It seems that every time I get out of the truck (99 F250 w/ grey fabric interior)a large static charge jumps from me to the door. A charge that can be seen by my wife on the other side of the truck. Really only a nuisance. However, the other day I got out of the truck to pump some fuel into it. I had left the door open and the static charge was dissipated when I touched the pump handle. I locked the handle down to pump while I sat in the truck with the door still open (it was cold). Nearly full I got out and another charge connected with the still pumping handle. THIS CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS. I have a diesel which is not a problem but, if I had a gas engine then I would be careful to discharge myself onto something before pumping.

Mar 31, 2000 | 04:16 PM

unaFORDable

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Excessive Static Electricity

I never thought about electric charges and fuel together but it does sound like it could be a problem. I too have a diesel and don't tend to worry about it. I've gotten some pretty nasty shocks from my truck and sometimes even shocked my kids getting them out the back. I have noticed that when it gets warmer, the shocks go away. And I'v never heard people w/leather seats complain.

Mar 31, 2000 | 07:04 PM

Sam

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Excessive Static Electricity

Here's a tip: While exiting your vehicle, make sure to hold on to the door, or at least remain in constant contact with a metal part of the vehicle. This will keep you from getting that nasty shock.

Static electricity build up is more prevalent during winter months due to the lack of moisture in the air. Dry air conducts electricity more readily than humid air does.

Mar 31, 2000 | 09:13 PM

Roger_B

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Excessive Static Electricity

I've had static discharges from every vehicle I've ever owned.. (The worst being a 90' Ford Probe).

The best trick I know of is to hold on to the metal part of your key and touch the key to the door jam after your out.. The spark will jump from the key to the truck and you don't feel a thing.

The static discharges can pose a fire hazard at gas stations, although I've heard of no cases of a fire when fueling a vehicle..
HOWEVER, if your filling a gas can, always remove the can from the bed and put it on the ground first.. There have been several cases of fires from static discharge in this situation. This advice hold true regardless of what type of bedliner you use, or if you don't use one..
I've heard some rumors that there is more static buildup when you have bedliners because the can is more insulated from any ground.

Apr 3, 2000 | 09:47 AM

jtate

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Excessive Static Electricity

In reply to Sam's comment,
Dry air DOES not conduct electricity better than moist air. You are shocked more in the winter because air is dry and static builds up on you body and is not dissipated as it would be in the summer. Therefore you get more intense discharges in the winter.

Apr 6, 2000 | 09:05 AM

yates99

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Excessive Static Electricity

jtate- Its nice to see I am not the only one with the static problem. My husband and I also have a 99 F-250 w/ grey int. (diesel). Every time I tell my husband about the shoccks I have been getting he pretty much tells me im crazy. I look like a real idiot when i try to shut my door and avoid being shocked. Its kind of a quick shove to close the door but still i get that shock.

Apr 8, 2000 | 06:31 PM

tobyw

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From: Tri-Cities, WA

Excessive Static Electricity

Here is a tip from my fellow car buff; He says to use regular clothing fabric anti-static spray a couple times a month and the shock is no longer a problem. Static Guard; Wal-Mart; $1.97; apx, 50 uses.