I am having an electrical problem with my '97 F150. When my key is in the off position, it acts like it is in the accessory position (door beeps, radio is on, etc.) I checked my ignition switch and it ohms out correctly. Also, my battery dies if I do not use the truck for several days. (This is a brand new battery that I just got, thinking that was the problem, since it was about 6-7 yrs old.)
Any suggestions?

Thanks!
Denise

 

Poss short in the wiring harness in steering colum. Poss. mis alignment of the tumbler assy with the switch.

 

local mechanic told me I needed a new ignition system and distribution cap...think he was just taking advatage of me being a girl...

Well, I disconnected the ignition switch, and the door chime still beeps and all the accessories are still powered up. I have an aftermarket alarm and remote start. I also disconnected both of those modules, and I still get the beep.

After reconnecting the ignition switch, alarm and remote start modules, I have another problem. The truck keeps running after I turn the switch to off and even after I remove the key. I have to pull a fuse to get the truck to stop running. Also, now all the inside lights stay on all the time.

 

I smell a rat in the aftermarket accessories. Were they professionally installed. Have you checked the connections where they meet the factory wire harness. If you DX the ign switch and you still have a problem then it must be in the wire harness somewhere. If someone just stripped and twisted for you aftermarket connections then you prob. have a short someplace. When you DX the alarm and remote start, did you just unplug the modules or actually remove the wiring for those components.

 

I did a little research and found TSB # 16928 (NHTSA item # 10002639) dated in 2003 with the following description:

VARIOUS INTERMITTENT ELECTRICAL CONCERNS INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO SOME ACCESSORIES REMAINING POWERED UP WITH THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION, MULTIPLE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHTS WITH SHORT TO POWER OR LOW BATTERY VOLTAGE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES

I went to my local library to use their Alldata system, but could not find this TSB...
Does anyone have any more information on this TSB? It sounds like some of the problems I've been having.

Also, I have another question...
I notice that when I reconnect my battery, all of my interior and exterior lights blink for about 30 seconds and then stop. Does this mean something? Is it some sort of code?

Thanks.
Denise

 

I'm having a similar issue. When I take my key out, and open the door it's dinging like the key is still. I can then move the ignition switch back and forth quite a bit, w/ the key out, and it will quit. Also, the next time I go to start it up, the radio settings are gone. This is happening more and more often.

To make matters worse, yesterday it was raining, I was adjusting the wipers and the whole electrical system dropped for a second. Resetting the radio while I was driving! I'm just happy the whole truck didn't shut down at 65 mph.

I was thinking about replacing the ignition switch, but know I'm really worried. Any suggestions?

 

So, I am still having this issue with my accessories staying powered up...

Last night I was trying to debug the problem and I found out that the door chime will stop dinging when I disconnect the radio.
I also found that the Accessory Delay Relay will click when I disconnect the radio and it clicks again when I connect the radaio again.

So now my questions are:

What does the Accessory Delay Relay do? I know it allows me to use the power windows for a period of time after I shut off the vehicle, but why does it switch with the radio connecting or disconnecting? (I don't remember the radio staying on for a period of time when I shut the vehicle off...)

Why would my door chime (which was staying on when the key is out of the truck and my headlights are off) go off when the radio is disconnected?

Keep in mind, I have had this radio in my truck for about 5 years, and haven't had the door chime (accessories staying powered up) issue till recent months.

Any ideas??

 

well, last night I put the stock radio back in the truck and the door chime worked properly.
Hoping this is the last of my electrical problems...