Ok so maybe my truck isnt really haunted , however it is giving me this impression. I have an issue with the truck 1st it is a 2003 XLT Excursion, has the V8 motor in it and about 89,000 miles on it. 2nd i have searched this forum for a simliar issue im having with not much luck. 3rd Here is the deal with the truck. Right now it is acting as if it has an electrical issue with it. In the past the battery light has come on and gone off of it. i took it in to have it diagnosed and they tell me everything checks out ok with the charging system except for there is a small current leak somewhere in the truck. Its not in the alternator, nor is it the battery's fault and to be honest i havent a clue as to were to look for this leak considering that would be the equivalant of opening a small can of worms right now. So i will just say what exactly it has been doing. It chokes under a load(like a hill or climb) but when i put my foot in the gas it goes away. IT THROWS NO CODES AT ALL!!. Also the dash gauges go bizerk on it at times, like the speedo gauge back and foward, abs light comes on/and then goes off. the battery light does the same also. And YES i have had the recall work done on the truck (cruise control issue). I havent had to do much work to the truck except for the normal things like tires, brakes . I did have a power converter installed in it about 3 years ago , BY PROFFESIONALS and it never gave me any issues. Things i have done recently to cure this problem 1 change the fuel filter 2 run a cleaner through the fuel system, change oil and check all fluids . Also did an underhood inspection of wires and gadgets. I would really lke to find the answer to this issue myself. Hopefully someone could chime in on this that may have had a simliar issue with theres?

 

I will try to help you with this gremlin.

First I would like for you to clean the battery post and cables, not inspect them but clean them one by one, postive cable, negative cable and postive and negative post on the battery.

Remove the battery ground cable from it grounding point and clean the grounding point and the end of the cable.

Check the postive cable and make sure it tight where it connects.

This may cure your problem if by some chance you have a floating ground. If not then we will take a different approach.

I am assuming this is a problem that just developed on its own.

Now if you have added or changed anything prior to this problem occuring or messed with the wireing go and recheck all you have done before anything else.

Once the above is done give us an update.

 

Will do that Urban and get back with a update. Thanks

 

And yes it is a problem that has developed on its own. i have done nothing at all to the wiring in this truck.

 

My "gut feeling" is a faulty ground or floating ground.

We will know soon enough.

You have not replace any blubs?

 

Whether it works or not, it's good to hear someone recommend starting with the most basic issue of GOOD circuit connections.

 

OK. I just spent the last hour or so doing the cleaning of ground connections, including negative battery cable connection (battery post , connector and connector at the rear of the block from ground) even cleaned a ground wire that was attached to the front drivers side fender , near the battery. I also cleaned the positive side battery post, connector , and small hot wires running to the battery post connector. Got in the truck, started it up , put it in drive and the battery light came on and this time remained on for the entire trip . the abs light flickered on and off a few times, however the speedo guages did not have any issues nor did i have an issue with the stumbling under a load( may be to early to tell for sure on the stumbling , since it seems to only do it under a load like a hill.) When i got back to the house and put the truck in reverse to back into my driveway, the battery light went off. If you need more info let me know. Ive noticed on some other post's that most ex's with electrical gremlins have had window, door locks, hvac, and radio issues with there problems. Mine has none of these. So far to date just the battery light, abs light, guages on dash and the stumbling under a load.

 

I have not replaced any bulbs recently in the truck and i do know about using the dialatic(hopes thats the right spelling) grease when replacing the bulbs.

 

You problem may very well be corrected.
You computer is in the "learning Mode" at this stage.

Make another test run but before you do.

Check all connections on the alt.

Drive the truck up to about 40-50 MPG and when you get a chance pull over cut the engine off and restart. Drive the truck as you would normaly would.
I am not for sure but there is a school of thought that it can take up to 10 times of starting and driving the truck to get the computer out of learning mode once the battery is disconected for a while.

 

OK i will check the connections on the alt and give it a day or 2 here for the 40 to 50 mpg and learning mode, then get back with the results.

 

Now wouldn't THAT be nice.

Never had "learning mode" give drive-ability issues other than a rough idle for a minute or so. Nor should it cause any warning lights to flash or light up.



My question is, "How old is the battery?"

BTW, a current leak is a rather easy thing to track down. Has your battery ever been discharged due to this current leak the mechanic found? Has is ever been slow to start? (Slow starter speed) Ever needed a jump?

 

Code_Red, you didn't state if you have the gas engine or one of the two diesels available in 2003, but judging from the wording of your post, it's probably safe to assume (even though I hate to assume) you have the gas engine.

That being said, I'm thinking Urban might be on the right path.

Even though you say the converter was installed by pro's, check the wiring anyway.

Also, how did you eliminate the alternator from being the problem? I've read where guys chased electrical problems and the alternator tested fine, but it turned out being the problem all along.

Stewart

 

I had the battery light on my dashboard flicker on and off. When I stopped to check the voltage, the light would go off. It only comes on during hwy speeds. Impossible to check, I tell you.

I replaced the alternator and the problem went away.

About your dashboard lights, I think there may be a wire in the steering column where the insulation wears out over time from rubbing against something. This is common on the Super Duty and Expeditions. This may be your problem. You will need to remove the column cover and inspect. Once you find it, just wrap electrical tape around the bare wire to shield it.

Good luck.

 

code_red,

Please keep us posted on this. My wife called me from work and said on her way home from lunch today the "battery" light on the dash went on and off a few times and then stayed on. I have a 2004 deisel, 120,000K and I have two newer batteries in it.

Thanks

Dakrri

 

The clue here is "put it in drive".

You have worn and exposed wires in the steering column most likely. They touch metal and short out when you move the transmission lever to put it in gear. It's happening to Excursions nationwide. I would call it a manufacturing defect. But Ford calls it "wear and tear".