Dead batteries
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: British Columbia
Dead batteries
99 F350 diesel. Batteries dead this am. Put on charger, found that the heater fan was running with ignition off and no key. Also, found vac. pump running. All this should be off when ignition is off. What is wrong?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Payson, AZ
Wierd things like this happen when the GEM (General Electronic Module) gets wet because of a windshield leak. The GEM is mounted to the back of the under dash fuse box and is subject to getting wet if the windshield leaks. Has it been raining there lately?
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,549
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From: Payson, AZ
Check out the cab side of the firewall. You will see the dampness. If it didn't get to wet it may possibly dry out itself. Aside from removing the GEM to dry it out you could try a hair dryer. Again, if possible, make sure the shop sees where the water entered the cab before you try to dry it out. They are ultimately responsible for any repairs.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2005
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From: British Columbia
Took it back to the shop, they did extensive check and maintain everything is ok. Can't find moisture on firewall inside. Shut off fan manually and checked for battery drain. Found only 0.05 amp draw. Then @ 7PM, the daylight running lights went on by themselves. The truck had been sitting for about an hour. weird and getting weirder. Think I have Gremlins. Will put a heater in cap for the night, hope everything clears up. Don't want to have to go to stealership, but may have to. Any other thoughts????
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Joined: Mar 2003
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Took it back to the shop, they did extensive check and maintain everything is ok. Can't find moisture on firewall inside. Shut off fan manually and checked for battery drain. Found only 0.05 amp draw. Then @ 7PM, the daylight running lights went on by themselves. The truck had been sitting for about an hour. weird and getting weirder. Think I have Gremlins. Will put a heater in cap for the night, hope everything clears up. Don't want to have to go to stealership, but may have to. Any other thoughts????
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,549
Likes: 14
From: Payson, AZ
If I were you I would break out the hose and test for leaks myself. The shop may not have simulated the "hard rain" your truck was in. Problems with the GEM after rain have been posted many times and it is usually a windshield leak, especially after having the windshield replaced.
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Junior User
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Palm Springs, CA
How often is everyone having to change out batteries? Sure seems like I'm changing mine out frequently!
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Lead Driver
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From: Eccles, WV
If everything is running properly, a set of batteries should last at least five years. Heavy mods which require a lot of current witout an alternator upgrade will kill batteries a lot sooner. Batteries are made to keep the voltage level in the same area 13.4 to 14.2. They are not made to deep cycle. A "Ghetto Blaster" stereo will kill batteries in less than a year if your juice maker is not up to the draw. The same goes for off road lights.
Junior User
Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Palm Springs, CA
I too found my truck dead this AM, turn the key, "click" thats all she's got. My vac pump runs with key in the on position... I don't recall ever noticing it before. Maybe it has something to do with dead batteries?
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Jim
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Payson, AZ
The vac pump should not run continuosly with key on. There is s switch on the pmp that will turn the pump of once it senses the proper amount of vacuum in the vacuum reservoir. If it runs continuosly there is either a vac leak or the pump is not working properly.
If it is not running with the key off it has no effect on the batts.
If it is not running with the key off it has no effect on the batts.
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 9,549
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From: Payson, AZ
Is everything back to normal now? Did the GEM dry out on it's own?