Dead Battery (Again)
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Dead Battery (Again)
Well, I thought the new battery would solve my problem with my 03 Epoxy 5.4 XLT...but guess what...I went out today to take my daughter to school and its dead (again). So far I have been to 2 different Ford dealerships and one independant mechanic and gone through 3 new batteries. I am at a loss for what could be causing the drain. Any suggestions would be appreciated..
KO
KO
Posting Guru
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 2,297
Likes: 0
Can you determine any linkage between the Expy being exposed to rain and/or a car wash and these battery discharges? If the windshield weather seal is defective and allowing water to drip into the GEM (mounted behind the underdash fusebox and which controls the operation of certain electrically operated systems and accessories), the GEM could be allowing certain components to remain powered even after the ignition switch is in the OFF position. Ever notice any peculiar electrical component behavior or inappropriate warning or status light activation?
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Paul - thanks for the reply. No, there is no ryme or reason for the drain. Sunny days and unwashed truck. And to further complicate it all acc. dash board functions work fine. The only electric items done to truck since ownership is 1 headlamp replaced due to moisture by Ford and I replaced a PIAA bulb in halogens??? I think that the dealership is going to now place blame on "after market" DVD system which was in truck when I purchased it.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Your in the same boat I'm in, I purchased an aftermarket DVD system and now Ford will not touch my problem. when it first happened I brought the vehicle to Autozone and they ran an alternator check. The tech suggested it's not charging up my battery as it should. Check to see what an Autozone tech says about your alternator.
Brought it to a dealer and they say all is good and it's my aftermarket system that is causing the problem.
If the truck sits for about 10 hours, the battery is dead also. I had to purchase a jump starter to insure I'm not left stranded.
I've considered buying an Optima Battery. Kiley8955 is that what you bought? Also do you have an aftermarket alarm?
another option is to have the installers reroute the power to my video system and install a seperate battery.
Brought it to a dealer and they say all is good and it's my aftermarket system that is causing the problem.
If the truck sits for about 10 hours, the battery is dead also. I had to purchase a jump starter to insure I'm not left stranded.
I've considered buying an Optima Battery. Kiley8955 is that what you bought? Also do you have an aftermarket alarm?
another option is to have the installers reroute the power to my video system and install a seperate battery.
New User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Try using a multimeter in the milliamps(mA) position, disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 30 minutes. The connect the red wire to the negative battery cable while its disconnected and the black to the negative battery post.
(make sure all car doors are closed and everyting turned off prior to disconnecting battery).
You are looking for a high draw of 30 mA or more. If so, have a significant other start pulling fuses until the draw goes away. I would start in the circuit where anything has been added recently.
That should get you in the ball-park of the problem.
(make sure all car doors are closed and everyting turned off prior to disconnecting battery).
You are looking for a high draw of 30 mA or more. If so, have a significant other start pulling fuses until the draw goes away. I would start in the circuit where anything has been added recently.
That should get you in the ball-park of the problem.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Vernon, I have replaced battery 3 times and each time with a better / more evpensive brand. As far as blaming some "after market option" I will completly disconnect the DVD system and let the truck die once again (or not) to identify wether or not the dvd system is at fault. No alarm on my end to blame, but you problem sounds exactly the same as mine = 10 hrs +/-. It is a serious drain on the system. Please advise if you come across a solution....Smiley - thanks for the input, Ford just towed it in to the shop, do you think the tech will be able to follow this kind of testing method...lol
Peace
KO
Peace
KO
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 170
Likes: 0
From: San Diego
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
As suspected Ford just called to inform me that they believe it is the DVD system.....I was waiting for the old "its not our problem" phone call. I asked that if I unplug the DVD player from the back of the unit = problem solved? I will have to test out this therory and see.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 161,999
Likes: 75
From: 3rd Rock
Originally Posted by smiley_73
Try using a multimeter in the milliamps(mA) position, disconnect the negative battery terminal and wait 30 minutes. The connect the red wire to the negative battery cable while its disconnected and the black to the negative battery post.
(make sure all car doors are closed and everyting turned off prior to disconnecting battery).
You are looking for a high draw of 30 mA or more. If so, have a significant other start pulling fuses until the draw goes away. I would start in the circuit where anything has been added recently.
That should get you in the ball-park of the problem.
(make sure all car doors are closed and everyting turned off prior to disconnecting battery).
You are looking for a high draw of 30 mA or more. If so, have a significant other start pulling fuses until the draw goes away. I would start in the circuit where anything has been added recently.
That should get you in the ball-park of the problem.
Great first post.
We are pleased you have chosen the best source for Fords!
…..See you on the boards.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
Smiley, thanks for the information pertaining to the mA drain. Ford has determined that my DVD player has a draw of 550 mA!! Ouch....I guess that I will have to pull the plug on the unit for the time being...
KO
KO
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Supertommy68
2007 - 2014 Expedition & Navigator
1
Jul 15, 2016 12:49 AM
