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Ford Expedition Electrical Problems

279 messages,  Last post on Apr 29, 2013 at 9:31 AM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Expedition, Electrical, SUV

Messages Page 23 of 29

#212 of 279 Re: 2003 Expedition radio and window problem [dale77] by ednatheexpe

Mar 07, 2011 (9:27 am)

Replying to: dale77 (Jan 30, 2011 12:44 pm)
Hey dale77, I'm not sure if you still have your Expedition, but I did find out what was causing the problem. I took it to Ford and found out it was the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster basically controls almost everything. They do have to find one with your same mileage on your truck and they have to re program all of your keys to the new cluster. I did look around to search for it a little cheaper, but the only problem was the shops I went to don't have the equipment to program the keys only Ford does. It ran a little over seven hundred and it depends on the mileage on the cluster. Thanks for your help

#213 of 279 Re: 2003 Expedition radio and window problem [ednatheexpe] by dale77

Mar 07, 2011 (10:04 am)

Replying to: ednatheexpe (Mar 07, 2011 9:27 am)
Hello ednatheexpe:
 
Thanks for the note. I was able to isolate the problem to the circuit board behind the instrument panel. See my post #201 with a link to detailed instructions with photos for the fix. By re-soldering the connector pins on the board, all of the problems went away. And it only cost me a couple of hours. The first time, I only re-soldered three of the pins but some of the problems re-surfaced. I repeated the process and this time made sure that the solder on all 9 pins melted and I added a small amount of new solder to each pin.
In addition, I examined the entire back of the circuit board with a magnifying glass and found several other sloppy solders with thin threads of solder bridging circuit board conductors. These could easily cause a short and the type of symptoms I observed. The circuit board also had gobs of rosin around many of the solders. This rosin should have been cleaned with a solvent when the circuit board was manufactured. Old rosin can collect dust and moisture and cause problems. I carefully removed the rosin with an Exacto knife and then cleaned the affected areas with dry-cleaning fluid and a Q-Tip.
 
I have not experienced problems since.
 
While I had the instrument panel out of the dash, I also looked for evidence of water leaking in around the windshield because others on this site suggested that this could be a problem. I'm on my 4th windshield on this vehicle and found no evidence of moisture or corrosion anywhere behind or beneath the dash. So this does not seem to be relevant in my case.
 
If one circuit board has the number of bad/sloppy solders, it suggests bad quality control and it is likely that others have the same problem.
 
My fix is consistent with your remedy (replacing the unit) only it does not cost anything. I am convinced that many of the electrical problems reported on this site can be traced to bad/sloppy solders on the instrument panel circuit board.

#214 of 279 Battery keeps going dead on 07 Expedition by champagne4u

Mar 17, 2011 (6:37 am)

I own a 07 Frod Expedition. Purchased brand new. My problem started the first year, my battery keeps going dead. A new battery only last 6 months to a year. I have went to the dealership for them to check out over and over, they put in on the computer and checked it out, everything is fine. it's the battery. WOW you can't make me believe it's the battery over and over again. Has anyone had this same problem with their battery going dead? If, you have and know what's the problem please I am asking please let me know. Thanks. I am at the end of my rope with my suv. starting to think it is trash.

#215 of 279 Re: 2001 Expedition - electrical??? [shrek57] by unkhammun

Mar 24, 2011 (11:07 am)

Replying to: shrek57 (Feb 28, 2010 9:49 pm)
Hi. I do too live in Miami and I would greatly appreciate it if you could share that mechanic's # with me. I have an electrical problem with my expo 2002. I had some sucker install tints on my windshield, and it seems that he dumped a lot of water on my dashboard, so it started messing with the dash lights, they would stay on after car had been turned off and key had been removed. After succesfully paying $300 to a shitty shop, now my car has no power unless i start it, meaning no interior lights, no radio, no dash lights, and the trip odometer and radio reset everytime i turn off the car. I believe my problem will be the GEM most likely, but I cant afford to take it to the dealer. So any help will be greatly appreciated. My e-mail is raed1104live.com.
Thanks

#216 of 279 Expedition Electrical Problem Solution by dale77

Mar 24, 2011 (11:27 am)

I have posted messages #197, 201 and 213 describing dashboard electrical problems and the solution that worked for me. There is also a description with photos of the circuit board that is very helpful at the following link:">link title
 
 link title
 
Since re-soldering all nine of the connector pins on the circuit board and cleaning the sloppy solders and rosin from the back of the board, I have driven 1000+miles with no problems whatsoever. This has clearly solved the problem.

#218 of 279 Sealing leaks by jdj5166

Apr 26, 2011 (10:46 am)

Hi I have a 01 Ford expedition and like everyone else I am having the same leak problems. I am a 29 year old woman who is pretty handy when told exactly what to do. I need to know 1. Is it possible to remove the luggage rack without cutting my head liner, and how do i go about sealing it up? 2. i removed the assist handle and would like to know how to go about sealing that also. 3 I would like to know how to seal the cowl. And my last question is what is the best thing to use to seal these areas. Thank you in advance.

#219 of 279 Re: Sealing leaks [jdj5166] by alwaysfords2

Apr 26, 2011 (11:42 am)

Replying to: jdj5166 (Apr 26, 2011 10:46 am)
I'd say the windshield is probably the most likely culprit of the things you've mentioned. Sealing the assist handle does nothing for you - it is not an entry point of water into the vehicle, it is an exit for water already in the a-pillar. By sealing it all you do is prevent the water from entering the cabin at that point, it will just go lower. Take it to a glass shop and have them check the seal on the windshield. With a compressor you can also do it yourself, although not as well as a shop. Do you have a sunroof? If you do you should check that the drains are running free.

#220 of 279 Re: Sealing leaks [alwaysfords2] by jdj5166

Apr 26, 2011 (4:36 pm)

Replying to: alwaysfords2 (Apr 26, 2011 11:42 am)
I have already had the windshield resealed. There is water that comes into the vehicle thru the assists handle. I do not have a sunroof. But the luggage rack seems to be a common culprit for water leaks and would really like to get that sealed up if I am able to find the easiest way of removing it. I see bolts on top but i am not sure if i have to go thru the headliner to additional hidden bolts.

#221 of 279 Re: Sealing leaks [jdj5166] by alwaysfords2

Apr 27, 2011 (9:55 am)

Replying to: jdj5166 (Apr 26, 2011 4:36 pm)
Probably the easiest way to handle the roof rack is to take one screw out at a time, put teflon tape on it and reinstall it. Give it a while and see what happens. You should check the drains at the cowl to make sure that water that rolls down the windshield drains right away and doesn't build up. Try it with a garden hose and the hood open. Again the water coming in through the handle is a symptom, not a cause so sealing it really doesn't help you much.

Messages Page 23 of 29

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