Ok, I have posted about this before, and I got the wrong answer from the "Electrical Guru".05 F150 SCAB, 5.4 XLT 4X4 Auto. I have an issue with my gauges. While driving they turn off, sometimes it is just the gauges, sometimes the HVAC quits at the same time, sometimes the radio stops, sometimes the windows don't work. Sometimes it turns right back on, sometimes it takes 20 minutes. I can push the Odometer reset button and they comeback on most of the time, or slap the dash, or shut the door. I was told that it was due to a Low voltage battery, the battery was replaced. Still happens, it seems like it happens more when the humidity is "High" (I live in Utah 30% is high) or after a rain storm. It has reset my compass several times, and reset the area for my compass so east reads north east. My back light on my Odometer also has stopped working. Has anyone had this issue before? Let me know, any ideas are worth looking into. If it helps for some reason I have a stock Stereo, After market speakers, After market Brake controller.

 

Measure your battery voltage when engine is runnnig. This can occur at low and high voltage (modules will shut down for protection).

It could be your SJB inside the cab. This is the fuse box inside the cab. Make sure all the connections to this box are sound and tight. The fuse box also has a micro computer that does some control and might need to be replaced.

 

Have you done ANY work to the truck lately? Added, removed, replaced anything, no matter how insignificant you may think?

Sounds like a loose/corroded ground or power connection (fuse, splice, etc.). Look at a wiring diagram and find the common link between ALL the components affected, I bet you find it.

 

Before you put a lot of effort into your replies, read his original thread:
https://www.f150online.com/forums/el...ml#post4185809

 

Jet, the only thing I can assume shares a common point with all of these things, Window motors, Radio, HVAC, Gauges, Etc. is the Battery, SScully brought that up first thing, the battery has been replaced. I have replaced both window regulators on the front doors, and fuses. I added an after market brake controller, but that was a plug and play, and that was 3 weeks ago. This problem comes and goes, it has for about 2 years. It just sometimes gets to the point that it happens every 12 seconds or so, and after, the airbag light comes on, and either blinks, or is a steady burn. I have no idea where to start, that is why I asked. I have a feeling it is a bad ground, but where to start.
There is no alteration to the factory wiring, except for the harness for the plug and play brake controller.

 

Okay!

I don't know if this is your problem, but after a quick cursory look, G303 behind the LH kick panel is a ground or is involved with every piece of equipment you mention AND more!

Remove the panel and start looking for a loose ground or connector (there are a couple connectors there too).

EDIT
I forgot to mention the VERY long shots, but you could also look at the ignition switch (doubtful) or possibly a loose Fuse 18 holder or connection?

 

i'll check it out, thanks!

 

Or look for something getting wet since you mention this happens during high humidity or after rain.

My truck's horn, power locks, and lights went crazy after some rain. Turned out my 3rd brake light leaked and water got on some of the electronics.

 

OK, I took off both the left and right kick panels, both have grounds under them, and all of the grounds are tight, both the bolts holding them in and the crimps. I checked #18 fuse, still good, but has discoloration, almost like from being heated. Replaced #18 fuse. Next ill look at the 3rd brake light. Also after everything shuts down the airbag light blinks, if it shuts down a second time in the same trip the airbag light burns steady.

 

I removed the 3rd brake light. The housing was cracked, so in theory water could be getting in there. I sealed it with some Marine grade silicone. I also thought about checking the Accessory delay module, I couldn't find an exact location looking online, but I thought it was by the steering wheel somewhere, so I tore all that apart, took out my gauge cluster, and cleaned the dust from behind it, and put it all back together. I think I found the Module but I have no idea. I also drove 40 miles to see if I could get the gauges to quit, so I could get the blink code, but no luck. Figures, I want to fix it, and it wont break.

 

Jo: with all due respect, I really wish you would apologize to the board for that other thread. I have read, and re-read the thread. They were offering you assistance and you read something into it that wasn't intended. Believe me, I know - I'm an expert at pissing people off. Please step up and do the right thing and maybe we can get this conversation back on track . . . I believe I have the same issue with my 2004 FX4 and it's driving me nuts. Thanks, Matt

 

Ok. I drove about 280 miles before it did it again. Through rain, dirt roads etc. finally it did it on a wash board section of road, and then about 4 times since. Also this morning my odometer stopped working all together. The back light on it quit months ago. the error codes from the airbag light is 55, and 53.

 

Finally back from 10 days camping. After the ODO quit working the gauges didn't stop working again. That leads me to believe that it has something to do with that. 2 days ago my check engine light came on. I took off the negative battery connection, and let it sit for about 30 minutes. After I reattached it the ODO works again (still no back light) and the CEL is off. I noticed as I drove home yesterday that the errors only occur during stop and go traffic, never during highway driving. During the 200 + mile trip back It never happened over 50 MPH.

 

You do realize the back light is a replaceable bulb, right?

 

if the fuse had discoloration, that would be a sign of over heating

check the electrical connections to the fuse, you may just be losing power

most over heating is coused by over loading or loose connections

if this happens in the rain you may have a leak over the fuse box around windsheild, this will couse corosion thus a loose connection