F-150 Electrical problem-Need help! - Ford Forums

Arrow8 · 09-29-2008, 14:43

I own a 2005 F150 Lariat crew cab. While driving, sometimes the power to all the dash gauges, radio, air and windows shuts down. As soon as I apply the brake or turn on the headlights, the power comes back on. It does not happen for weeks or months at a time, then it will happen regularly for several days. Driving me crazy. I would like to know if anyone here might know what is causing this, before I spend a bunch of money for someone to trouble-shoot it.

It is apparently linked somehow to the brake application or turning on the headlights, as the power returns every time without fail when I do this. Thank you for any help you can provide.

Arrow8 · 09-30-2008, 15:31

Update.......My truck has been at my mechanic's shop all day. They were able to recreate the problem, but are having trouble finding the source. They are hearing a click like from a relay when the power comes back on from somewhere near the glove compartment. Anyone have a clue?

lanceoak · 10-01-2008, 09:11

It could be that the front window is leaking and allowing water into the fuse box. I had this and it caused intermittent electrical failure that eventually caused the blower and power windows to go. I know others had the same problem. Go to Ford F150 News for more....

Arrow8 · 10-06-2008, 11:56

Lance, Thanks for the info, but apparently that wasn't the problem.

My truck is at my mechanic's now for the second day. He just called me and said they have found the problem. The alternator is bad and the electrical shuts down to prevent overcharging. He was able to duplicate the problem at a certain rpm, and by disconnecting the alternator, eliminating it.

He said it's unusual for an alternator problem of this type to occur on a truck with just over 40K miles. The truck is barely out of warranty. Do you guys think I have any recourse with Ford on this, or would I be wasting my time?

lanceoak · 10-06-2008, 13:51

I would have to say that you should try. If you have been going to the dealer, you may stand a chance but if you've been giving your business to someone else, the dealer will be less inclined to help... but worth a try. I found with the leaky window problem (of which there are a number recorded with the Department of Transport) Ford refuses to acknowledge the problem, even though a Speedy Glass found it and corrected the problem, after numerous repairs. The dealer and Ford refused to do anything. But, if you don't try, you never know and, there could be a secret recall/settlement on that particular part that only dealer will know about. I'd say, waste a bit of time and find out... good luck

Arrow8 · 10-06-2008, 15:08

OK, I tried. I've had the same independent mechanic for over 15 years, very trustworthy. He said to give it a try. I spoke with Ford customer service and explained that this problem first happened early on (in warranty) while leaving Ford service. I returned and told the service guy about it, but couldn't duplicate it. Then it didn't happen again for almost a year. Of course the first question they asked was "was that first incident at the dealer documented?" I could see where this was going.

So, my mechanic called a Ford dealer service guy that he has a working reltionship and ran it by him. He was highly doubtful that Ford would do anything without a record of the problem while still under warranty. I'm having my mechanic fix it and calling it a day. Thanks for the help.

Arrow8 · 10-11-2008, 20:44

Just in case anyone else posts with a similar problem in the future...it was the alternator. It was overcharging, then the power in the dash would shut down to keep it from frying everything. By turning on the headlights or applying the brakes, some of the power was dissipated, allowing the dash power to come back on. At least that is how my mechanic explained it. They werre able to recreate the problem at a specific RPM. The new alternator fixed the problem and everything is working fine now.......$1200. later.

But that includes another problem that needed fixed (identified by computer when engine light came on) and required removing the manifold. Also oil change and tire rotation. This will probably be my last Ford. I'm not happy spending that much on repairs at 45,000 miles. Hate to think what Ford service would have charged me for 3 days in the shop!

Arrow8 · 10-15-2008, 01:23

This is great! Truck ran fine for a week. Yesterday it went dead in a store parking lot. AAA tested the battery (totally dead), but it wouldn't start with a charge. The starter is gone. Now it's towed back to my mechanic's (closed yesterday and today) awaiting repair tomorrow. What a piece of junk. No more Ford's for me. My old full size Bronco didn't have any of these problems, certainly not at 48,000 miles. Junk. I'm spreading the word to everyone I know what poor quality they are. Ford deserves to go under.

rock31 · 10-17-2008, 15:37

I wouldnt leave ford for one bad vehicle........it was probably built on a monday or friday.....sounds like you found a lemon....I had a lemon back in 97......and it had 43,000 on it...I know how you feel but stick in there it will get better