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

 

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?

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

Nice info Smiley, I might try that this weekend, Sounds easy enough.

 

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.

 

...Welcome to Ford Truck Enthusiasts! If you have a minute check out the Guidelines, it will help you to navigate through and understand FTE.
Great first post.
We are pleased you have chosen the best source for Fords!
…..See you on the boards.

 

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