On the way to work today I noticed a few things going wonky with the truck. It's an 04 screw fx4. I bought it used in 08 and it has about 82k miles now.

First, the right turn signal is illuminated. Both the outside lamps and dash indicator. They're just on. Also, the head lights are very dim, and the high beam indicator on the dash is dimly lit when the high beams aren't on. Also, the air conditioner is blowing warm air.

The truck seems to be running and starting ok. It gave no warnings of pending doom. I'm going to check all my battery connections but was wondering if any of you have experienced anything like this.

Thanks

 

Some things to look at......

Turn signal/high beam lever switch.....

Clock spring cancel.....

Flasher......

Bulbs......

 

The battery terminals were extremely corroded. I cleaned them off but the problems still persist. With the headlights off, everything is normal. It's only when they're turned on that these things happen.

I'm on lunch and going to start checking those things out now.

 

Sounds like you don't have enough electrical power... how old is the battery?

The fact that the terminals were so bad tells me its an old battery so I would probably just replace it.

If its not the battery, it could be an alternator starting to fail.

 

The battery is about two years old. I have an edge installed. It reads about 12.1v on start and usually about 13.8 at idle.

 

Checked fuses for headlights, stoplight/turn, hi beam. They're good. Couldn't locate the flasher. I found a picture that showed it as a round thing in the lower right corner of the fuse box. Is that where the flasher is located on an '04?

I'm going to have to read up on the clock spring and turn signal/hi beam switch.

I'm also going to stop by the auto parts store after work and have the battery and alternator tested. Anything else guys?

Thanks

 

I also noticed that the radio volume dims when I go over bumps. Anyone know where the battery grounds?

 

Couple of updates. Battery test failed at advance auto parts but passed at autozone, where it is warrantied.
Voltage: 12.85v
Rated: 850CCA
Measured: 705CCA, is this bad?
Cranking voltage 10.9v Time: 5.85s
Charging system
Load: 14.3v No load 14.2v
How does that look to you guys? Is it possible the battery is being overcharged?

Also, with the headlights on, when I put on the 4 way flashers all corners flash but they flash alternately. Similar to wig wags on a police car.

But with the headlights off and no load, they flash normally.

 

Pull your right side headlight and check the wiring to the turn/park bulb......make sure it isnt pinched then do the same for the right taillight......try changing the bulbs to new ones.....

 

705 CCA on a 850 rated battery is starting to go. It's not overcharging, 14.3 is fine.

 

Could be a bad, corroded ground circuit somewhere...check all ground connections and replace the battery.

 

I replaced all the bulbs on the right/passenger side. It helped a bit, but the demons are still there. The headlight is very dim. And when the right turn signal is engaged- all of the lights: the turn signal, headlight, and fog light alternate. Very weird.

I thought the CCA on that seemed low. Unfortunately the battery tester that autozone uses doesn't have the capability to measure that parameter so I doubt if I'll be able to have it warrantied as it is only about two years old. I'll probably end up buying a new battery at advance auto parts and I have a strong feeling that will cure these issues.

 

Also, I checked the wiring. It's all wrapped up tight in the loom and doesn't seem to be pinched. I also checked the ground right there on the inside of the fender and it's good and tight.

 

The tester that Autozone uses here works like this - they manually enter the CCA rating (850) and the display tells them the percentage of capacity. Yours would be at 83%.

 

I tore down all the lights today. Checked all the bulbs, connectors, sockets, wires, and grounds I could find. I found that the right rear tail light/brake/turn socket was moderately corroded. I cleaned it off as best I could but to no avail. The issues still persist. I ordered a new socket and will replace it when it comes in Sat to see if it fixes the issue.

Also, does anyone know where the flashers are located on the '04 F150s? Thanks