Strange Electrical Problem-Need Help

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Nov 24, 2008 | 09:39 AM

azskycop

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Strange Electrical Problem-Need Help

I have a 03 Expedition and just replaced the battery. Since then, almost every morning the radio and power windows do not operate. As the day gets warmer, and the car is shut down and re-started, everything works fine. I live in Arizona so the overnight temps are not that cold, maybe in the 50's.

What could be wrong?????

Any help would be appreciated, Thanks

Nov 24, 2008 | 04:13 PM

alloro

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I would suspect an ignition switch going bad. Both the windows and radio run off the accessory circuit of the ignition switch.

Nov 25, 2008 | 03:05 PM

azskycop

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Quote:

Originally Posted by alloro

I would suspect an ignition switch going bad. Both the windows and radio run off the accessory circuit of the ignition switch.

Isn't there some type of relay that controls the windows and radio when the key is turned?

Nov 25, 2008 | 03:11 PM

alloro

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Yes there is. It keeps the windows and the radio powered for 10 minutes after the ignition is turned off, or until the driver's door is opened, whichever comes first.

Nov 25, 2008 | 05:09 PM

Luzer27

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From: Tucson

There is a time delay relay that keeps the radio and power windows active for 10 minutes after you turn the truck off or open a door. Is your door ajar light working normal with all doors. If so I would suspect the delay relay.

Let us know.

Dave

Nov 25, 2008 | 05:54 PM

azskycop

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Luzer27

Yes the lights are normal. Is this one of the relay's in the fuse box or is it somewhere else. And does anyone know which one I should replace?

Thanks

Nov 25, 2008 | 09:52 PM

madsonp

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Joined: Dec 2005

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From: Billings, Montana

See page 249 of your owners manual, if you don't have it you can find it here. http://www.motorcraftservice.com/pub.../03exdog5e.pdf

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Jan 2, 2010 | 01:13 PM

azskycop

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FIXED!!!

I finally got this bug fixed without spending $800 at the dealer. My problem was in the instrument cluster and the whole thing needed to be replaced according to the dealer. Instead I took the time to run down where the power needed to go and another source to get it from.

Here is the fix:

Run a jump wire from Pin 87 on Relay #02 (the delay relay) to pin 5 on Relay #203. Just look on the side of the relay and it will tell you what pin is what. Then I broke off the 87 pin on Relay #02 so if/when power did come in it would not matter.

Now I get stereo and power windows as soon as I turn the key, just like it should be, and with $800 in my pocket!