Electrical Gremlins....Arrrrg!
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 242
Likes: 2
From: Chippewa Falls, WI
I came up with a workaround on this so thought I should post in case anyone is have the the same problem.
I think DSMMH was correct in stating that the "battery saver relay" on the instrument cluster is the culprit, because I found that if I pull the fuse for the instrument cluster and put it back in, the relay resets and my interior lights, radio, power windows, etc. begin to function again. I may eventually replace my instrument cluster, but my temporary fix was to remove the fuse (I think it's #35) and put a switch across it with an inline fuse, so now when the relay hangs, I turn the switch off and back on to reset it.
Sure beats removing the fuse panel cover and pulling the fuse, and only cost a few bucks for a switch and inline fuse. Hopes this helps anyone with a similar problem.
I think DSMMH was correct in stating that the "battery saver relay" on the instrument cluster is the culprit, because I found that if I pull the fuse for the instrument cluster and put it back in, the relay resets and my interior lights, radio, power windows, etc. begin to function again. I may eventually replace my instrument cluster, but my temporary fix was to remove the fuse (I think it's #35) and put a switch across it with an inline fuse, so now when the relay hangs, I turn the switch off and back on to reset it.
Sure beats removing the fuse panel cover and pulling the fuse, and only cost a few bucks for a switch and inline fuse. Hopes this helps anyone with a similar problem.
Senior User
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 242
Likes: 2
From: Chippewa Falls, WI
I swapped all the relays around in the fuse box, including the one labeled accessory delay, but the problem remained. I think there is an additional relay built into the instrument panel as noted above. I don't have the truck handy - I'm pretty sure it was fuse 35 and was labeled "instrument panel".
You'll shoot your eye out
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 3,281
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, TX
Would this cause the radio to switch back and forth between CD and Radio? I can't figure out what the problem is. It switches every 10-20 seconds. Even if I turn the power off on the radio, it kicks back on and continues it switching... Odd.
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Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 27
Likes: 1
The radio independently switching modes sounds to me like a pure radio problem; not the problem with the sticking time delay relay.
When I look at the Ford service manual wiring diagram, it shows a relay in the instrument cluster. That relay is upstream, wiring wise, to the time delay relay and is what I believe it is the real culprit to all these problems. It is also not replaceable, at least as best I can tell.
After fooling around with the same "no windows-radio at start up" problem for a long time now, I have found an repeatable solution. When the windows/radio don't work at start up, a light tap on top of the dashboard, directly above the instrument cluster knocks loose whatever is sticking and all works again. That "fix" is consistant with what I believe the problem to be.
The non working climate control system at start up happens infrequently compared to the no windows/radio problem. The solution for me is to turn on the headlights briefly. That always gets the climate control going.
Fords.....gotta luv 'em.
When I look at the Ford service manual wiring diagram, it shows a relay in the instrument cluster. That relay is upstream, wiring wise, to the time delay relay and is what I believe it is the real culprit to all these problems. It is also not replaceable, at least as best I can tell.
After fooling around with the same "no windows-radio at start up" problem for a long time now, I have found an repeatable solution. When the windows/radio don't work at start up, a light tap on top of the dashboard, directly above the instrument cluster knocks loose whatever is sticking and all works again. That "fix" is consistant with what I believe the problem to be.
The non working climate control system at start up happens infrequently compared to the no windows/radio problem. The solution for me is to turn on the headlights briefly. That always gets the climate control going.
Fords.....gotta luv 'em.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati
Subscribing too... I have the windows/Radio issue as well. I have tried all the "love taps" on the dashboard, fuse panel, etc....the only consistent thing for me is to get in and start driving. Eventually The radio and windows will come back on after a few miles. I will try looking at the relays as well and report back. Hey Luxury could you post pics of your fix? I'm interested in giving it a try. This happens to me daily and I am paranoid about leaving my wndows down cuz I know the issue will reappear right as the thunder clouds are rolling in...
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Tuned
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 370
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
Subscribing too... I have the windows/Radio issue as well. I have tried all the "love taps" on the dashboard, fuse panel, etc....the only consistent thing for me is to get in and start driving. Eventually The radio and windows will come back on after a few miles. I will try looking at the relays as well and report back. Hey Luxury could you post pics of your fix? I'm interested in giving it a try. This happens to me daily and I am paranoid about leaving my wndows down cuz I know the issue will reappear right as the thunder clouds are rolling in...
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati
Thanks VR6Nutt...I will try it and report back. This happens to me on a daily basis and my truck is my daily driver so its not an issue of letting the truck sit. I would love to fix the issue but If I can find a suitable workaround I will be happy.
Freshman User
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 48
Likes: 0
From: Cincinnati
It hasn't made a difference for me...I have tried bumping and banging anything I could get my hands on above and below the dash, and tried making something "trip" by slamming doors, horns, dash, fuse box etc. Nothing has ever worked. But if I start driving down the road...couple miles later things come back on. Now that I am thinking about it I have never tried turning on the headlights...I think I saw that in another thread. I will try that as well and report back.
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The Big Al
1999 - 2016 Super Duty
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Jul 10, 2011 01:07 PM
