ignition switch problem
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ignition switch problem
my 2004 expedition may need a new ignition switch. all power lost to dash components,power windows. no power to circuit breaker. after sitting with ignition off, key out, dash lights, and head lights came on by themselves. does any one know if this switch has to be programmed by dealer or can i replace it myself?
Hotshot
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 19,760
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From: St Louis
There is nothing special about the ignition switch that requires it to be replaced by a dealer.
That said, from your description, I have little confidence that the switch is the correct diagnosis.
Steve
That said, from your description, I have little confidence that the switch is the correct diagnosis.
Steve
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ignition switch
does anyone have an opinion or guess on my situation? with the ignition switch "on" there's no power to 30 amp circuit breaker for power windows. I have no dash lights or gauges either. Is there a relay for this somewhere maybe?
Fleet Owner
Joined: Apr 2008
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From: 0,0,1
I'm inclined to agree with you in thinking ignition switch. However, the odd thing is the headlights coming on problem. Any chance this happened after it rained and your windshield is leaking down onto the fuse box area?
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thank you for your reply. you"re the second person that mentioned the windshield leak thing to me. my fuse block is on the right kick panel. is there another fuse block somewhere ? or is this the one you"re referring to?
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no gauges
it appears the windshield is leaking on my 2004 expedition.I want to thank alloro for the tip. I now have to figure out why the gauges no longer work. My guess is either the vsm(vehicle security module) or the fuse box. I took the fuse box out, dissasembled it, hoping to see obvious signs of water intrusion. nothing noted. I also removed and opened up the vsm. again, nothing noted. after reassembling, everthing worked properly, gauges dash lights, all fine. but for only half a day. now im back where I started.no gauges at all. no power windows, power locks work, but will not allow one to lock down with door open. acts aS IF key is left in ignition. auto headlights may come on by themselves without keys in. radio also does not work. does anyone think this could be my vsm malfunctioning? or maybe bad fuse box?
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 272
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Sounds like you could have a leak that has gone into the GEM computer module. It's fairly common based the number of complaints I see here on the site. The symptoms include failure of various circuits in the truck and it doesn't seem to take much moisture. The leaky windshield is the common culprit. I think I'd be checking that before I just replaced the ignition switch on spec.
Do a search for GEM on the site and you find scads of posts.
Do a search for GEM on the site and you find scads of posts.
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