oklahomamedic

Hello all,

I have a 2000 Expedition Eddie Bauer with the 5.4. Yesterday I may have gotten a little too rambunctious in a mud pit and ran threw a large puddle. The entire truck, including everything under the hood, got soaked.

Immediately the charging system light came on. I drove it back to our campsite. Today, after sitting out all night, it started up just fine. Drove just fine on the 45 minute drive back home. However the charging system light was still on. A few blocks from my house the radio quit working, then when I got home and killed it it wouldn't start again. Just clicked.

I checked the battery cables and the ground wire was loose. Tightened it up and it started back up. Killed it, and it wouldn't start again.

I took the alternator off and had it tested. It failed the test. Purchased new alternator and put it on. The truck fired up with no problem.

Now the radio won't work, the wiper blades don't work, and the power windows won't work. BUT, if you put the ignition in ACC mode they will. Also, when you start it the gauges don't move, then they go all crazy before finally settling back where they need to be.

I took the battery and had it tested and it tested ok.

Anyone have any ideas what could be wrong now? Could it be a fuse or relay???

RickMN

I'd check the operation of the ignition switch and also check the underhood fuse boxes to make sure there's no water/mud in them.

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oklahomamedic

I've checked the under-hood fuses and they are all ok, although some water did get in there too. I haven't thought about the ignition switch though, but it would make sense since some stuff works on ACC and others work with the key ON. Is that difficult to check/replace? I think I need to go buy a Clymer manual.

Thank you for your help.