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Ford Escape Electrical Problems

130 messages,  Last post on May 20, 2013 at 8:42 PM

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What is this discussion about? Ford Escape, SUV

Messages Page 5 of 14

#37 of 130 Check Engine Light On When Shifting Gear, Occassional Power Failure Driving by erich101

Mar 10, 2010 (6:33 pm)

Problem: 2005 Ford Escape 3.0L, V6 started having shifting issues, especially when shifting between 3rd and 4th gear...more like an stuttering motion, miss, or hesitation. The anti-theft lamp came on while registering a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) B1601. Problem became more pronounced when traveling long distances or when in heavy traffic. A few times when close to the final destination, the car would stall when coasting about 35mph at the moment the accelerator was pressed.
Solution: There where actually 2 problems that needed to be addressed, though they work to perform the same function. 1. Ford has a service proceedure for this hesitation/anti-theft light issue. Without going into too much detail about what was done, ultimately all (6) spark plugs need to be replaced and the code cleared from the system. 2. Found 1 of the ignition coils failed to respond properly to the PCM/ECM similar that of the spark plugs. Both issues were responsible for the engine failure while driving. No DTC code was present for this issue because there was no power, the DTC simply thought the car was turned off.
I hope this helps those of you who have similar problems, which may save you both time and money.

#38 of 130 Electical problem after new Battery and Alternator by macprops

Mar 20, 2010 (10:57 pm)

I have a 2001 ford escape that just got a new battery and alternator. Now the dome lights, map lights radio, remote door lock don't work.The door locks only work with the key in the ignition and when I start the car both the speedometer and rpm gage needles swing over to the extreme right, then settle back to the left. And lastly when I remove the keys from the ignition, the trip meter returns to zero. Any thoughts?

#39 of 130 Re: Everything Dimming [bobbiebryant] by 412escape

Apr 11, 2010 (7:59 pm)

Replying to: bobbiebryant (Jan 09, 2010 9:13 am)
I've got the same issue. Other than the lights dimming I don't notice any loss in power, but, it seems to cycle (dim a bit then back on) and I only notice it at night. It may be happening all the time, but, the lights give it away for me. Did you learn anything about the possible cause? Has it escalated? I know I shorted a CD changer remote years ago and I always thought that was the cause of my electrical weirdness.
 
Thanks,
 
Belinda

#40 of 130 Re: 2004 Ford escape/battery drain [jelco145] by gregu

Apr 13, 2010 (4:01 pm)

Replying to: jelco145 (Sep 28, 2008 2:31 pm)
I have a 2002 Escape. Battery dies if car sits for 10 days to two weeks. Some evidence that drain is coming from CD/Instrument cluster but no proof. Lights on dash dim. One Ford dealer had no clue, but alternator is working and the battery is onle 4 months old. Seems that the problem is common and no one has a solution!

#41 of 130 Re: 2004 Ford escape/battery drain [gregu] by jelco145

Apr 13, 2010 (4:41 pm)

Replying to: gregu (Apr 13, 2010 4:01 pm)
I have the same problem with the battery going dead. I charged my battery 9 days ago (100%) and it is dead. I've gone thru three batteries, one alternator and had the GEM module replaced, and it continues to occur. My local Ford dealer is of no help. The service manager told me to hook up a trickle charger when it is parked and I told him that I stored two other vehicles from November until April in a non heated garage and they both started without charging or jumping. I know that it's not all escapes but I cannot resolve this issue. Mine is a 2004 Escape XLT and has only 19000 miles.

#42 of 130 Please help with shift problems by apdehn

Apr 19, 2010 (3:28 pm)

So my problem started a few days ago. It has not been consistant so I am having a hard time getting it diagnosed. I am very stressed because I am a single mother and can't afford much. My car has alot of miles about 90,000. It is an automatic 2005 ford escape. I put my car in park and went to take the keys out. The keys would not come out of the ignition. Then, I was able to move the gears from park to drive without pushing on the brakes and the car was turned off. Once the car turned off (after a couple minutes the radio turned off) then I was able to take the keys out and the shift was locked. I need some ideas. The shop told me it would cost atleast $400 to find out what is wrong because of diagnositc testing. Help me!

#43 of 130 Re: Please help with shift problems [apdehn] by normkol

Apr 23, 2010 (7:02 am)

Replying to: apdehn (Apr 19, 2010 3:28 pm)
It could be the shift interlock failing, that would have to be checked.
 
Also, the ignition cylinder on the Escape is known to fail, the sidebar locks up.
 
It should definitely NOT cost $400 to diagnose the problem. Find a good mechanic, or even a good automotive locksmith to look at it.

#44 of 130 Re: Electical problem after new Battery and Alternator [macprops] by reklaw2010

Jun 01, 2010 (8:12 am)

Replying to: macprops (Mar 20, 2010 10:57 pm)
I am having the same problem from a drained battery. I didn't try the remote door locks though. I did notice that the ding for leaving your key ignition does not work either. My Escape is a 2003 XLS. I've owned the car for 4 years not and seem to remember the guage needles swinging to the extreme right once before but i don't remember how i solved the problem. I did check all the fuses labeled "lights" or "radio" and they were good. Soon as i find my meter i am going to check the rest of the fuses. I do remember having blown fuses once before but I don't remember if i had this problem during that time. Any help from anyone would be great or macprops if you figure this one out please let me know.

#45 of 130 Re: Electical problem after new Battery and Alternator [macprops] by explorerx4

Jun 01, 2010 (3:14 pm)

Replying to: macprops (Mar 20, 2010 10:57 pm)
i would look for a fuse that is related to those functions and test it. you can look in the owners manual to find out which fuse.

#46 of 130 battery by ping84

Jul 13, 2010 (12:27 pm)

i just had to replace my battery now then battery light want go off and my radio stopped working along with theft alarm>anyone had this same problem?

Messages Page 5 of 14

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