Problems with 2001 Ford Expedition ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

I have a 2001 ford expedition and 1 year ago the heater would stay on after i would remove the key from the ignition and the battery would be dead every morning. 4 months ago i was driving in the rain and when i put my car into park the radio would turn on and i would put it into drive and it would turn off. two days ago i was at work and i had gone to my car to retrieve something and i could hear across the parking lot that my car was trying to start without my key in the ignition i was freaking out, how can a car start without a key. i opened my car and put my key in the ignition, not knowing what to do i tried to start it to turn it off and when it was off i closed the door and started to walk back into work and it all the sudden was trying to start itself again. i went into work to get a man to come and unplug my battery. after work i reconnected the battery and it started i picked up my children and on the way home my car started grinding making weird noises then the radio was going on and off. i pulled over and grabbed my children out of the car thinking it was going to start an electrical fire. i had to stand in the rain and wait for a ride to pick us up and take us home. this only seems to happen in the rain. i was so scared for my self and my children. i went home and called a friend who knows a lot about cars and he said that this is common in ford expeditions the windshield window leaks. he says i have to get a new windshield and a gem module and a fuse box and a junction box. how can this be such a problem and ford has not recalled the leaky windshields. *jb my husband is very ill and we do not have any money to fix this. i now have no way to get him back and forth to the hospital. we all pay so much money for our cars and we have to worry about possible ...

I am having the same water leak problems that i've seen on here before. water is getting into my fusebox every time it rains. i don't have the money to repair this so it is an ongoing safety hazard for me. i cannot believe this has not already been recalled after viewing all the complaints on the internet. *tr

2001 ford expedition caught fire on the driveway of my home. *jb

According to ford is the gem/cjb that fails because windshield leaking. any electrical component inside the vehicle not working (locks, windows, odometer, and misfiring) transmission not working ok. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 ford expedition. the contact noticed smoke rising from the hood of the vehicle. the contact exited the vehicle , and it was towed to a repair shop. the dealer was contacted, and stated that the vehicle was included in recall 05v388000. after reviewing the pictures of the vehicle's failure the dealer raised the possibility that the recall repair may have caused the fire. the vehicle has not been repaired. the current and failure mileage were 84,000.*ak

I have a 2001 ford expedition (eddie bauer). the truck is experiencing erratic electronic problems such as dying driving down the road, electric functions turning on and off while vehicle is unattended, security light flashing, mileage indicator has lines through it, radio turing on and off, blower turning on and off, lights acting on their own, etc. the failure to run and dying unexpectedly has caused near death accidents as i pull onto the roadway from a cross street. the vehicle has been taken to ford and they explained that the problem originated from a leaking windshield which caused the gem module and fuse box to corrode. after fixing the windshield, gem module, and fuse box, the problems persisted. i am concerned that the electrical problems will cause a fire due to the vehicle turning things on and off by itself. *ak

Unexplained electrical activity when the car is unattended. smell of burning plastic/wiring after vehicle has been shut off. clicking/hissing coming from under dash after vehicle has been shut off and key removed. heater, radio will continue to run after key has been removed, has even come on by itself after the vehicle has been left unattended. multiple warning lights flashing for no reason as well as random warning bells. *nm

1. the air bag system fails when i turn the truck off and the rear end lowers to the ground. i have to wait a long time with the ignition on when i am parked for the truck to raise up. it also lowers while driving and i have to pull over and wait for it to raise up again. this happens throughout every day. i have not tried to get it fixed because it is very expensive. 2. when it rains the electrical systems goes haywire. the starter engages when the key is not in the ignition and when the truck is already running; the lights flicker or remain on; the blower turns on when the truck is shut off; the radio won't work; the windshield wipers won't work; when the car is shut down everything stays on and the battery runs down. *tr

Tl*- the contact stated that after driving the 2001 ford expedition with 94000 failure mileage and being parked for approximately an hour the vehicle caught on fire under the hood. three fire engines were dispatched because the fire spread to the contact's house. the vehicle had extensive damage. *ak

Windshield wipers, rear window wiper, windows, interior lights and moon roof quit working, apparent cause was gem module due to leaking windshield? *jb

Windshield leaking - causing electrical box to short out and therefore everything electrial malfunction - items come on going down the road while you are driving - dangerous

Tl*- the contact has a 2001 ford expedition with an odometer reading of 100,010 miles. the contact stated that under wet or snowing conditions the vehicle would not start. when the contact took the vehicle to the dealer they told him that the vehicle had a battery problem. the contact had changed the battery several times, but the vehicle continued to have the problem. the contact later found that his windshield was leaking water to the fuse box under wet conditions which was the caused the rear windshield wiper to stop working. the dealer repaired the failure.

The electrical system on my 2001 ford expedition was compromised and required repair due to a leaking front windshield. during heavy rainstorms the windshield leaked and soaked my electrical box causing shortages in all of my electrical systems. driving the vehicle to the dealership, the vehicles electrical components were malfunctioning which caused some unsafe moments on the highway. dealer replaced electrical box under my extended warranty but i (owner) had to replace front windshield at my own cost. *nm

While driving at low speed, the number three spark plug shot out rendering my 2001 ford expedition unusable. fortunately, i was able to pull off to the side of the heavily traveled road. upon further research, this appears to be a very common problem. *jb

Every time it rains, my car won't start, front dash lights will turn on automatically, wipers won't work, radio won't work, abs and theft light comes on, it has smoked and sometimes smells like an electrical fire. water pools in the front left of my dash, it is completely rusted underneath my dash on the left side. *tr

Experienced failure of several electrical components - electric door windows on right front, rear windshield wiper, cruise control, interior lights would not turn off, battery wore down, sunroof window. the dealer stated that water got into the car and had to replace the fuse box and computer and the switch for the front right window. returned with right front door window, and rear wiper not working again and have to replace the motor for these. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated that while driving at 65 mph, the check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle lost speed and began to buck. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic shop, where it was determined that there was an electrical shortage. the number 8, 7, 5, and 4 engine coils have been replaced on the vehicle. the consumer stated the number 7 & 5 coil has been replaced twice. updated 07/25/06. *jb

Dt*: the contact stated the front windshield leaked rainwater into the vehicle and the dash panel area. afterwards, the power and electrical features did not work. the vehicle was inspected by a dealer who determined due to the heavy rain the windshield seal leaked and the water caused an electrical failure of the central junction box.

electrical hazard due to water intrusion resulting from windshield leak. 2001 ford expedition experienced several electrical failures during rain storm including but not limited to windshield wiper failure, headlamp failure, window/door lock failure, ac runs with ignition off and keys removed, car attempts to start without keys or driver. *jb

I own a 2001 ford expedition. for about the last 3 months, when it rains, the electrical system has numerous problems. it started about 3 months ago when the heater fan would continue to blow on high after the key was removed from the ignition. it would continue to run until the battery died. it gradually got worse over the last 3 months with a new symptom being added to the list. currently the radio and windshield wipers will not work when the car is in drive after it has been raining heavily for awhile. also the fan problem continues when the car is turned off. all this happens when it has been raining heavily for a while. i have seen reports from other owners that this is happening to them so i'm reporting it to you. since the windshield wiper doesn't work when it is raining, this could be a bad problem. *jb

2001 ford expedition has electrical malfunction wipers don't work when vehicle is put in gear. lights stay on after vehicle is turned off and light switch is off. radio comes on when vehicle is off. *tr

2001 ford expedition windshield leaking into fuse box and gem module , causing electrical problems and shorts.*ak

For the past 3 years since i owned my vehicle it malfunctions when it rains. the electrical components go haywire and they continues to run when i turn the car off and take the keys out. eventually the battery dies and it does not go away until the rain stops for at least 3 days. i cannot drive the car when it is like this. *jb

Dt: contact states the car takes a long time to start, it's like the battery is dead. when vehicle was inspected the contact was told that the battery was good. when hitting the alarm the horn will sound very low, sometimes it will not make a sound at all. the automatic locks will not engage until the vehicle is already down the road. they suppose to engage when taking foot off the brakes. when starting the car the gauges will flash on/off, and then go back to normal. also, when starting the vehicle the headlights will flash on as if the alarm has sounded, then , they will go off. the light that indicates if the car is in overdrive or regular drive no longer works. the contact received a recall letter last month regarding the scds. he reports having no problems with the cruise control. he believes the aforementioned problems are related to the defective scds. he has not taken the car to dealer to have the scds disconnected as stated in the recall. he plans to do so as soon as possible. *ak

Since i got the truck the electric system has been failing, also the brakes failed to operate while on the freeway and almost had us killed. the back door locks by itself and can't be opened. air comes in from the front windshield and it also leaks when it rains. all four tires were very wasted, also i was lied about the interest rate. i was told that my interest would be 6.78% and in the contract it appears as 12.15%.*jb

Truck was just sitting there when it caught on fire

Vehicle was left outside during several rainy days. upon starting vehicle, wipers, fans would not work. radio would not operate. when vehicle was left in auxiliary position, the vehicle would start itself without turning the key. if the car was left running and in park, the vehicle would try to start while running. this has happened several times, during wet rainy weather. the vehicle, a 2001 ford expedition was taken to the dealership and problem explained. by this time the area affected had dried out and vehicle returned to normal operating systems. the dealer said it could not be diagnosed until it occurred again. *nm

Dt: contact states the windshield is leaking, causing the computer in the fuse panel to short out. the stereo, windshield wipers, and the air conditioner come on when the vehicle was not in use. windshield was replaced. warranty expired , and electronic panel had not been replaced. ford manufacturer has been contacted.*ak

On may 18 2005 my 2001 ford expedition vin #[xxx] stopped working while at a local walmart store i had to call roadside assistance to tow my vehicle to my home being that it was about 11 pm and no shops were open i had the vehicle towed to my address and parked in the driveway. the next evening while parked in the driveway undriven or started for 24 hours a neighbor ran into my home to get myself and my children out of our home. screaming that our truck was on fire in the driveway parked directly in front of the garage. after pulling my family out we then called 911. where the local fire dept was sent out to our home to put out the fire. the fire marshall at that time told us where the hot point was and that we should contact ford. i contacted ford immediately that morning and they denied any part of a recall for that or my other 98 ford expedition. we then contacted sherry pullen at nhtsa to try to get asst. in this matter we also had our 98 ford expedition towed to the local ford dealer after this in fear of this happening again. and they replaced the switch at no charge to us and said there was a recall sent to them by ford. i faxed the work order and all info to sherry pullen. and weeks later saw on the news that ford did expand there recall to include both of my vehicles. i have contacted ford on numerous occasions with no response and have also filed complaints with the bbb as well as that attorney general's office. *jb updated 07/17/2012 *js information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6)

Vehicle parked for approx. 22 hours, cc quit working 1 week prior, one day before vehicle fire would not get out of park

This is the second spark plug in less than 4 months that has blown out of the cylinder head out of our 2001ford expedition. please investigate this problem as it is occurring to many people. it is definitely a flaw in design and is costing people too much money to continue to fix. ford has been no help. as the last time, while driving the spark plug just blows through the cylinder head on a vehicle that has been impeccably maintained.*ak

2001 ford expedition caught on fire in the steering wheel area underneath the hood. *mr the vehicle was parked the day before the incident occurred. around 9 am the consumer viewed smoke coming form the vehicle. the vehicle was totaled. *sc *jb

I have been having the same problem with my 2001 ford expedition since march 2004. the problem is with the fuse that displays lights on the dash board. this fuse repeatedly blows. so i took the vehicle to allan vigil ford in morrow, georgia and the repeatedly could not find the problem. at this present time the problem still has not been solved therefore i am forced to be inside before night fall. *jb

2001 ford expedition ignition coils continue to short out when wet and always after a rain - water seeps into the engine compartment and inevitably that an ignition coil will begin to short out / begin missing and lose power while driving. because this always seems to happen during inclement weather the danger factor is heightened. i have spoken to other 2001 expedition owners and they all have experienced the exact same dangerous and expensive problem. another issue of consumer concern is that ford motor co. and it's service representatives are keenly aware of this and in fact have repaired the continuous problem during the first 75,000 miles. i personally have had the coils go out on me while driving in dangerous weather and have now had five(5) ignition coils go out on me at this time. ford motor co needs to take responsibility for this inherent mechanical problem and finally correct this problem before any accidents and deaths occur. *nm

I own a 2001 ford expedition, i was parked in front of my parents home for approx. 2 1/2 hours, when my fiance walked outside an saw that my car was on fire. the fire started on the driver side engine compartment. i have reported the incident to my insurance carrier. but i heard of the recalls that have been reported on the ford suv's. the engine was completely destroyed. i feel this is related to the cruise control unit, after examination after the fire was extinguished. the fire department reported to the scene, and report was filed. *jb

Electrical components fail when the car is put in drive, including radio, rear wiper, fog lamps, compass, outside temperature, power windows, and dash warning lights. dealer reports windshield leaking, causing component failures and repairs not covered under warranty. *nm

There was a heavy rain the expedition was parked outside. there was water on the floor mat. the headlights, windshield wipers, radio worked when the expedition was off. yet would not work when the car was on. the expedition acted on its own. we took the expedition to the dealership (jim keim ford) where we purchased the vehicle. they charged us 893.00 to fix the fuse panel, sensor panel and reseal the entire front window. then jim keim told me it would be another 200.00 if they broke the windsheild. i paid the money and have not had a problem since. *jb

Electronic shortages is causing malfunctions in the ignition switch, wipers, running lights and radio. these malfunctions seem to worsen when it rains. the vehicle starts by its self while unattended. when driving if the wipers dont work, i have to shift the transmission to neutrl for them to operate and the same for the radio. i have spent several hundred dollars to have this problem looked at and the ford dealership stated that they have had several vehicles come in with the same problem, but i would have to pay around $1000.00 more dollars to change out the fuse box and still this may not the cure the problem. the technition stated that water was getting in behind the fuse box some how. he told me to silicone the cow down to the windsheild to reflect the water, so i did and it did not work. every morning my preganent wife as to use a battery jumper box to just start the vehicle because the electronics on the vehicle stays on all the time as if the key was insertered and turned to auxillary. the vehicle attempts to start during the night by its self. it does not start, the starter just turns over as if it is trying to start until the battery goes dead. i am scared that the vehicle is going to catch fire or even blow up in front of my residence. dealership said that they could not fix the problem until enough people came in asking for the same help. i hope there is something that can be done about this 36,000.00 vehicle. i have carried the vehicle to several other mechanics and they cannot figure out the problem but they still charge me for looking. *ak

Incident: 2001 ford expedition 1. windshield wipers would not work, radio would go off when vehicle was put in gear, blower, compass, thermometer lets & bells would not work, vehicle would not start, battery eventually went dead, etc 2. had to service the vehicle for safety and performance reasons 3. expedition was serviced at a local ford dealership. service department advised us that there was a water leak around the windshield. water was leaking into an electrical box - had to replace fuse panel and reseal glass at a cost of $456.96. *nm

Windshield wipers failed to work when suv in drive;when lights on;4x4, wiper and abs indicator on dash flashing on and off. radio shutting off when vehicle put in drive. pw not working when vehicle in drive. 11/20/04 was first occurrence. happened approx. 8 times between then and 12/23/2004. *nm

I had complete failure of electrical systems due to water leak around front windshield and/or moon roof

While driving my 2001 ford expedition at 50 mph i heard a pop and this was followed by erratic handling and poor idle. an inspection later revealed a spark plug which ejected out of the cylinder head and stripped the threads with it. the cost to repair the head was $600.00. initially i was told i would need a $2700 head replacement. the dealer advised me that there still can be no guarantee that the repaired plug won't come out or any of the other plugs. research of this problem shows many expedition and f-150 owners with the same problem.*ak

While placing the key inside of the ignition vehicle would turn off. but consumer could turn the ignition switch manually without the key inside. vehicle would turn on, and the windows would roll up. consumer took vehicle to the dealer for inspection, but mechanic could not duplicate the problem. *ak there were times when the consumer was unable to get the key out of the ignition, and there were times when he did get the key out, the radio continued to play. *jb

Vehicle parked in garage and started on fire. cruise control quit working prior to fire. vehicle severely destroyed and fuses obliterated. cruise control deactivation switch componenets recovered and xrayed. internal contacts arced and splattered. also arcing on wiring harness adjacent to vacuum booster.

Fuse box and module all kinds of electrial problems also car will start on its own the car will jump into reverse

This expedition starts up with no key wipers start and stop door lokes open and close 4 wheel drive engages and disengages in park or neutral the car tries to start again when it is already running . the car was parked while i went into the store my wife was in the car it jumped into reverse she jumped out of the car the door hit her nocked her down and almost ran her over this can be repeated the fuse box and module were replaced at a cost of about $1,000.00 also i had to replace the front windshield as it was leaking they said the car was out of warrenty the car has never been in a accident .

Windshield wipers, radio, clock, all stop working due to water leak. it was raining for several hours. in addition, the ac blower was running with the engine off and with no keys in the ignition. dealer fixed winshield water leak and installed sop parts gem module and cjb; also replaced central junction box. despite all this, in two other occasions, the ac continued to run without the key in the vehicle. this was finally fixed. old parts are not available. *nm

Ignition coiled burned out causing a 30 amp fuse to fail. the car immediately stalled and would not start again due to electronic system shutdown. the car has only 40,000 miles and it and has had all recommended service. the ford dealership service department who made the repair stated that there were 8 of these ignition coils and they could burn out at any time causing the same failure.*ak

Today (7/21/06) i again contacted the ford customer relationship center concerning a problem with the electrical system in my 2001 expedition. it has continually eaten batteries and the battery saver relay due to a windshield leak that ford claims they are not aware of, yet nhtsa has been receiving regular complaints on this problem. initially the drawdown was diagnosed by ford as relating to rhe cruise control recall. guess what? that's fixed but the frying of the battery saver relay and battery drawdown continue. i did not appreciate dale at the ford consumer relationship number referring me to a ford dealership in carson city, i'm sure if i drove the vehicle from hawaii the leak would get worse. meanwhile, what is nhtsa doing about complaints you've been receiving for years? this defect is well documented and caused injuries and economic stress. would you please take some action?

On january 11, 2004 consumer's vehicle exploded while being parked in the garage. this explosion damaged about 80% of house property. when this was investigated it was determined that this was due to a default in electrical system wiring. consumer had vehicle serviced twice prior to this incident.*ak