Replies

1. 
   MikeHennessy | Sep 13, 2007 05:04pm | #1

   "Seems like an issue with the ignition"

   If by this, you mean the switch/wiring in the steering column, I'd agree. Sounds like water may be getting in somewhere and shorting out the switch or the harness. Leaking windshield?

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

    

2. 
   rez | Sep 13, 2007 05:54pm | #2

   bump

    

    

    

   IMERC loves Fords

   at 4 bucks a pill and I didn't last four hours
   I want my money back!
   
   sobriety is the root cause of dementia.   

3. 
   MarkH | Sep 13, 2007 06:31pm | #3

   I'm thinking the rain has nothing to do with it.  There probably is a relay somewhere that runs the accessiories.  This could be bad, or the dreaded column switch could be going out.  Then again the rain could be causing a problem.  The relays are in a box under the hood.  I'm not 100% certain that there is a accessory relay in there.

4. 
   rustbucket | Sep 13, 2007 07:25pm | #4

   I'd agree...replace the switch module on the steering column. Experienced simular problem on a stripped down 89' F150...motor would run with key in hand...

   rustbucket

5. 
   jet | Sep 14, 2007 02:31am | #5

   I'd go with what MarkH said about the relay under the hood. Find it and bag it with a kitchen catcher plastic bag. seal it as best you can. The cheepest trouble shooting you can do.
   Switching parts not on warranty gets expensive real fast!!!!!

   "No doubt exists that all women are crazy; it's only a question of degree." - W.C. Fields
6. 
   MisterT | Sep 14, 2007 02:35pm | #6

   I had a similar problem with a Toyota years ago.

   Lights would stay on after I turned them off.

   Turned out to be a bundle of wires running over a sharp sheet metal edge.

   check for shorts

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   I have Transcended the need for Pants....

   oooohhhhmmmmmm......

1. 
   BJC | Sep 14, 2007 04:31pm | #7

   Thanks everyone for your pointers. I'm planning to dig into it tomorrow. Hopefully I'll be able to report back with the solution!Brian

1. 
   roger g | Sep 16, 2007 12:59am | #8

   I am having the same problem with my 99 F150. Been doing it for years. I live on the west coast and the problem start in the fall and continues until the spring.

   The radio comes on by itself or the heater fan and it kills the battery. The radio comes on full blast and was upsetting the neighbours until I explained what was happening. If I don't drive it for a week the battery is dead so I have to disconnect the battery.

   It did some other strange electrical stuff. It leaks through the back window and somehwere in the front window. I sealed it a few months ago and time will tell if it works,

   I was told it was the GEM (generic electronic module) and for $1800.00 they would replace it but couldn't find the reason. They didn't think it was the leak. We'll see if my sealant works.

   I've put up with it for so long and as long as I use it every few days its alright. The radio is another issue which is why I disconnect the battery also.

    

   roger

1. 
   BJC | Sep 17, 2007 04:21am | #10

   Thanks, I think I have the same problem. It rained again yesterday and the wires going into the GEM were very wet. Everything is back to normal today, so I'll try to seal it and see what happens.

7. 
   dcarroll3000 | Sep 16, 2007 02:51am | #9

   Try this site
   http://www.ford-forums.com/ford-expedition/594-expy-has-serious-electrical-problem.html

   There's some threads about windshield leaks causing symptoms similar to yours.

   Hope this helps.

   -D

1. 
   BJC | Sep 17, 2007 04:30am | #11

   Thanks for the link! It seems I'm not the only one with this.Brian