We have had some electrical problems with our 1997 Ford F-150 for a couple of years, but it is getting worse and I am looking for suggestions as to the cause.

When the engine is running, the speedometer reads either 77 mph or is pegged all the way to the right no matter what speed we are going. The tach reads 2200. Using the turn signals will often cause the cruise control to turn off. The windshield wipers ramdomly speed up and slow down. But the worst thing was last week the truck would not start...evidently because the aftermarket anti-theft unit thought the truck was being stolen. After jiggling things around, pulling fuses on the anti-theft unit, etc, the CD changer started buzzing (I know this sounds wierd...). We took the CDs out and the truck started.

Friends have told us that there is some central electrical connection in the steering column that may be responsible for all these things.

The Ford dealer service department wanted $500 to begin any diagnosis. We don't want to put alot of money into the truck since we plan to trade it in soon, but if there were some simple/not-so-expensive things to check we would like to fix it.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Gozvrrm

 

i have heard that some of the early 150s had a rain leak in the windshield seal in front of the driver seat. the water got into an electrical box under the dash and caused random electrical problems that make no sence. i think the terminals corroded and shorted out from one circuit to another. i have not had the problem and have not looked for the "black box". maybe others can clue you in exactly where to look. have you had water on the drivers floor after a rain????

 

Hmm, no, I don't think we have ever had water on the floor.

If anyone can tell me where to look for this electrical box, I can check it out, though.

gozvrrm

 

The relay/fuse box is located right above your left foot(when you are driving) right over the emergency brake pedal.
You will have to remove it,open it and check for water,or rust inside it.If you find any,then it will have to be replaced,and the windshield resealed.

 

I looked in the relay/fuse box and there is no evidence of water. Fuse #3 (25amp) was bad though. I looked in the Haynes manual and can't seem to figure out what fuse #3 is for. Can anyone help me on this one?

Any other ideas?

Thanks.

gozvrrm

 

Figured out that #3 fuse is for the cigarette lighter...

gozvrrm

 

Your multifunction switch may be bad.

 

I agree with Lariat 97, but some of the stuff sounds GEM related.

 

Are either of those things (multifunction switch or GEM) something a semi-competent do-it-yourselfer can deal with (check and/or fix) or do they require a Ford mechanic? Expensive?? or not so much?

Thanks for your help

gozvrrm

 

The multi-function switch is easy. If you do a search, there are some pretty good step by step instructions here. Not sure about the GEM, I believe it's up under the dash. Might not be a bad idea to start with the multi-function switch, I'll bet it's easier and cheaper than the GEM. See what happens a post back with the results.