Problems with 1999 Ford F-150 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

1999 ford f150. consumer writes in regards to vehicle catching fire while parked. *ld consumer writes in regard to sending in extra information regarding their case. *as *tr

Around 1:30am on thursday nov. 24th, i received a call from my neighbor saying my truck was on fire. the fire department said it looked like it was an electrical problem. that it looked like it started under the hood. the truck had been driven to the store the morning before the fire, and was parked at the time of the fire.

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-150. the contact stated that the vehicle caught fire. the contact was alerted to the fire by neighbors. the security video footage showed that smoke originated from the engine compartment. five minutes later, the vehicle was engulfed in flames. a police report was filed. the fire department extinguished the fire. the vehicle was included in nhtsa campaign number: 05v017000 (vehicle speed control); however, the contact was not notified of the recall. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was approximately 200,000.

Approximately two weeks ago (10/2014) i noticed that the headlights on my 1999 ford f-150 were not working. a few times once i returned to home i noticed that when i shifted the truck into park, the headlights came on. it did not appear to matter if the high beam or low beam lights were activated. i started to inspect the headlight operation and noticed that when i tilted the steering wheel to it's lowest position, typically it's operating position, the headlights turned off. when i tilted the wheel up slightly to the next position, the headlights would come on. today, 10/19/2014 i removed the trim around the steering column and noticed that there are two wires that have broken and separated from the wiring harnesses that attach to the turn signal assembly and several contacts that are loose in the upper harness. i have taken photos and a video showing the parts that are loose and or broken. because these broken wires and contacts are loose and affect the operation of the headlights, i am concerned about the risk of a short or sparks that they could create and without fully operational headlights, the vehicle is not drivable. i am the second owner of the truck and purchased it at around 11,000 miles. the steering column has never been taken apart nor has the trim around the steering column been removed. these wires could be seen moving as the steering wheel was tilted up and down prior to the signal assembly being removed as the headlights turned on and off with the light switch left in the on position. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-150. the contact stated that the vehicle was parked and ignited in flames. the contact stated that the vehicle was driven earlier that day but the vehicle seemed to function normally. the contact stated that the fire department was able to extinguish the fire. there was a fire report filed and the fire department advised that the fire originated from the instrument panel. the vehicle was destroyed. the manufacturer was notified of the issue. the failure mileage was 243,000.

The windshield leaks on this model style and the water runs down to the gem module and fuse box causing the gem module to short out and the electronics do what ever they want to. the truck will start on its own even if off or running and driving with the starter engaging. windows roll down the alarm activates radio comes on all the electronics come on at there own even when parked with the engine off and the key removed. this is a very common problem from my research to tens of thousands of these trucks. this is very dangerous due to the car can even engage the transmission as well as it can cut off while driving as it has with myself. this part is very expensive and the leak is very common. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 1999 ford f-150. the contact stated that while parked, the windshield wipers activated independently. the failure recurred constantly when the left turn signal was activated. additionally, the odometer reading would not display on the instrument panel and the rear sliding window allowed precipitation to enter the vehicle. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 90,000.

Started the truck up an blast off! dont know where the plug went but it was gone after i heard a loud bang. *kb *tr

The engine surges or quits as i am driving. this happens every 8 to 10 miles. i can be going 75 mph on the freeway when it quits and i have to shut off the ignition to restart it. this is at least the ninth time this truck has done this since it was new. i think you can imagine what it's like to be going 75 miles per hour and your engine quits and you are left with no power steering, or brakes. this will be the ninth coil i have replaced on this motor. ford is completely aware that there has been a problem for years with this size motor. i can't believe an engine that shuts off at 75 miles per hour has not been considered a safety concern before. *tr

I own a 1999 ford f-150 with the 5.4 liter triton engine and it has blown out 2 different spark plugs in the last year. the first one happened traveling down i-95 and the second one happened in a 35 mph zone. *tr

My 1999 ford f150 truck was sitting in my driveway and had not been driven for over two days. the ecu module shorted out and started to burn large amount of smoke billowed out from under the hood of truck. truck was repaired with a used part since ford no longer manufactures the ecu module. *tr

Tl*the contact owned a 1999 ford f150. the contact stated that after driving 1/4 mile and then parking the vehicle near the garage the truck caught fire while it was turned off. the fire department was called and extinguished the fire. there were no injuries. the vehicle was destroyed. ford has not been contacted. the failure mileage was approximately 120,000. updated 09/16-10 *bf updated 09/20/10*jb the consumer stated the fire started under the hood. prior to the fire, the battery light illuminated. updated 09/20/10.*jb updated 08/01/11 *bf the consumer stated the fire started under the hood. the fire dept. did not know what caused the fire. six days before the fire, the battery light illuminated. the consumers husband had the vehicle inspected and everything checked out fine. updated 08/02/11

Hvac interior fan begins to be intermediate at all setting but highest setting. the resistor fails on all but highest setting. short in wire harness started a smoldering fire at connector. all resistors are open air and rusted assumed do to its proximity to the evaporator. failure exactly like this one experienced by other owners. http://www.f150online.com/forums/articles-how-tos/378955-heater-blower-fan-fix-only-high-speed.html. *tr

My husband went to the store and when he came out, our truck was on fire. the fire dept. said it was electrical. *tr

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford f-150. the vehicle caught fire under the hood while parked. a fire report was filed. the manufacturer investigated the failure and concluded that the fire was caused by the vehicle speed control sensor. the manufacturer will replace the vehicle. the current and failure mileages were 112,000. updated 09/04/08 *bf updated 09/09/08. *jb

I purchased this ford f150 1999 about seven years ago. i have noticed from the first time i drove it, when i first start it up i hear a series of dings (like ones you would hear for seat belt not fastened), but the seat belts are fastened. my radio sometimes has power and works, other times it has no power to come on. sometimes my odometer is on and i can read my mileage, most of the time its off. sometimes when the blower fan is being used it does not go of when the ignition key is turned off and removed, the only way to stop this problem is to disconnect the battery. i have heard on occasions, a clicking sound behind the dashboard area, again the only way to make this problem stop was to disconnect the battery connections. i fear it may lead to, or cause a fire somehow. most of the time i can leave my truck parked, and start it up the next day, sometimes after sitting over night the battery is mysteriously drained dead the next morning. i have been diligent to make sure i have left nothing on that could in any way drain the battery. i fear these are manufacturer problems, do i have any options to get these issues repaired? *tr

'99 f-150, manual trans., 4.2l v6 odometer backlight fades in & out. unable to determine cause at this time. failure started @ about 138k miles. odometer however remains accurate. *jb

Tl*- the contact owes a 1999 f150 ford pickup. the contact stated that on march 14,2007 while driving in sunny conditions, and while stopping at a traffic signal the anti-theft light flashe. , after that all equipment on the vehicle turned off. he was able to drive to the shoulder to stop the vehicle, unpluged the battery, and restarted the vehicle. this same event occurred repeatedly since the first incident. the failure mileage was 156,200 and the current mileage was 156,909.*ak

1999 ford f-150 was sitting in driveway, when a fire started under hood. origin seems to be at brake master cylinder. all plastic components under hood melted and wiring was completely destroyed. *jb

Tl*the contact owns a 1999 ford f150. he stated that the odometer would fade in and out and sometimes would remain off for several minutes. he felt that the failure could possibly cause a short and fire. the failure mileage was 96,000 and the current mileage was 101,000. updated 02-01-08. *kb

Tl* - the contact owns a 1999 ford f150. the contact stated that on 01/27/2007 the vehicle was parked on the street, when a neighbor alerted him that the vehicle was on fire. the contact stated that the vehicle was not working any differently prior to the fire. the vehicle had been turned off for approximately 40 minutes, when it began smoking and caught on fire. *ak made 3rd attempt 10/16/07 left message. *lj

I was braking for lunch when i open the drivers door of my f-150 when it burst into flames. the wiring in the door controls was melted. it was a good thing i was not in the truck when the fire occurred! *nm

Water entering through cowling (the slotted metal piece between the hood and the wind screen) leaks into the passenger compartment on the driver side and onto the ignition components causing a short circuit of these parts. these parts are the fuse box(cjb), generic electronic module(gem) power distribution box(pdb) and other electroic parts and wire connectors. the parts thet do not fail will corrode and cause intermittent electrical problems. for example, ac/heater fan and turn signals will continue to operate without key in the ignition. dome light and wind screen wipers will start and stop without being physically turned on. the engine will not start or it can stop without turning off the ignition switch. the repair is all affected parts must be cleared of corrision or replaced at consumer cost and the leak must be found and sealed. ford has a service bulletin #16928 dated 6/27/03 on this covering f-150's from 1997 to 2003. this should be considered dangerous and there needs to be a manufacturer recall for this. *nm

Electrical failure, malfunction, ford f150 pickup truck explosion destroyed two of my vehicles. *nm

Dt: the contact owns a 1999 ford f150. at 3 am while sleeping the contact woke up to the sound of the anti alarm system going off. went out and found that the hood melted and the fire was coming out of the front of the vehicle. called 911. in the meantime the contact's husband tried to put the flames out with an extinguisher. the vehicle burned completely except for the back bumper and the back tires. then , basically the fire department came and put the fire out. after the fire was put out the contact called the insurance company, and they investigated the fire, and found out that the fire was started due to the alternator. two days prior to the vehicle catching on fire the contact received manufacturer's recall 05528 concerning cruise control deactivation switch. never changed the alternator or the wires. the contact's boat and home were damaged . *ak

Truck only has 65,000 miles and the odometer would go on and off when it pleased. took it to a ford dealership, and had to replace the whole instrument panel. cost lots of money. *nm

Dt: 2001 ford f150. the cruise control sensor caught on fire on august 9, 2005. the consumer was driving the vehicle when this happened. smoke started coming out of the hood, he pulled over. the smoke and flames were coming from the sensor. the fire department was not called. the vehicle was then driven to the dealership, they stated it was not under warranty, and it was not a recall item . consumer had to pay for the damages $120 plus for the fuses that blew out. *al

Dt: 1999 ford f150. there was an under the hood fire. this occurred on august 2, 2005. the vehicle had been parked for approximately five minutes when the fire started. there was no indication that there was something wrong with the vehicle. the fire department came and there was a report. there is not yet a determination as to why the fire started. the fire was so hot, the hood was gone. the vehicle was sitting 20 feet away from a mobile home and it melted the siding. *ak *jb

Dt the brake lights were not working, checked the bulbs, had a topper wired into them . took that off and disconnected it. tried flashers, they worked. checked fuses, figured it was one of the two switches, either the one on the reservoir or the one the pedal up under the dashboard. found out yesterday on july 20, 2005. *ak

Dt: problem occurred about two years ago initially. water goes from windshield to gem module when it rains. this causes windshield wipers to only go at a certain speed unless the vehicle is stopped or put in neutral. radio also dies when the windshield wiper problem occurs and owner believes all this is caused by the gem module getting wet. the gem module was replaced one time but the problem returned shortly afterwards. when it rains a crackling sound like bacon is heard and a burning smell is noticed. this was reported to ford and they reported no knowledge of problem and showed no interest. *jb

Dt: while driving at 35-45 mph vehicle caught on fire. the flame scame from under the hood. *ak

Dt: ford f150 1999. before the fire, there was a problem with fuses starting on 6/9/05. there was no turn signal. the turn signals returned after replacing the fuse/brake lights, hazards, owner thought it was fuse #23 or 20. the vehicle caught on fire while sitting in the driveway. the fire occurred in the wires going into the master cylinder under hood. there was a smell coming from under the hood the same day of fire at about 12:30 and then fire happened at 6 pm. when outside owner smelled a strong odor like smoke. then smoke came from under hood. the owner opened the hood and there were flames about 6 inches high coming out. the fire was put out by hose and then owner tried to start vehicle. started it and didn't smoke, but there was a blown fuse that governed the hazard lights, etc. owner believed it was an electrical fire. the fire department was not called nor police. there were no pictures were taken. vehicle is now at the local mechanic. also, owner has contacted local dealership. the owner will attempt today to contact ford. vehicle is not a total loss, only some of the wires were burnt and some melted in cruise control switch. owner is aware that there is an investigation. *ak *sc *jb

Dt: contact states the passenger side door lock is not functioning properly. the door cannot be unlocked from the outside with the electronic control. the battery has been replaced in the remote control. contact can unlock the door with the actual key. also, there are problems with the electrical system, when the windshield wipers are turned on the radio will go off. there is an appointment schedule with a service dealer for monday, june 27, 2005.*ak

Dt: bought a used truck, and after the warranty expired had to replace the starter/the ball joints/he upper tie rods, and the control arm on both sides. engine manifold split, and exhaust system rusted. later, while driving tie rods came off. there was a slight drop at the entrance to the parking lot, and as vehicle went back up the drop, it slid and there was an impact. got out of the car, and saw that the tie rod came off and gouged into the pavement. spoke to the manager of country club chevrolet, and he simply gave consumer a discount on parts and labor. yesterday he went to a certified used vehicle dealer and asked for the 88-point inspection,, and they were unable to provide that information. *ak

My ford f-150 caught fire and "exploded" while parked in a school parking lot.

Vehicle was parked inside of the driveway. one hour later,the vehicle caught on fire. the fire department extinguished the fire. vehicle was towed and totaled by the insurance company. *ak

The 4 wheel drive in the consumer 1999 ford f150 engaged in low range while driving. this caused the truck to jerk, lose control and the rear end to go out.*mr the consumer had a new rear end put in but the truck has continued to go in and out of 4 wheel drive automatically. now the truck start on it's own. the consumer had to disconnect the battery to keep from burning out the starter. when the cruise control is on the transmission wouldn't shift and the rpm's raced into the red. the consumer could hear clicks under the dash while this was happening which resulted in the battery being drained. the radiator leaked. *nm

Consumer had just started to drive the vehicle when he heard a pop. after pulling off the road to inspect the vehicle, he found nothing. he got back on the road, and the vehicle ran fine. after arriving home consumer inspected the coil, and the spark plug came right out with it.*ak 4spark plus blew out of cylinder head. *tt

The digital odometer blanks out, or scrambles its display. the dealers service advisor says the soldered connections are "bad". the entire instrument cluster must be replaced. @ cost $600.00. further inquiries find that hundreds of other f-150 owners have the same defect. very distracting in traffic when it blanks out! *tr

While traveling 75 mph on the interstate there was a loud noise, then the vehicle lost power. consumer had to make it across several lanes trying to avoid a traffic accident. vehicle had to be towed to the dealer, and it discovered that a spark plug blew out. dealer repaired the spark plug sleeve as a temporary repair.*ak...*ak

My neighbor and i lived in a duplex with adjoining garages in which she would park her ford f-150 pickup. at approx. 11 pm on 1/4/05, my son woke me up to say he smelled smoke. when we went outside we saw my neigbors truck engulfed in flames and the garage itself was starting to burn. by the time the firefighters arrived and put out the fire, both our garages were destroyed along with part of her duplex. the rest of the dwelling had extensive smoke, heat and water damage. the fire investigators did not come up with a definite cause of the fire, but two of the three felt it started with the truck. do i have any recourse in this matter as i lost a substantial amount of property? i would appreciate any information you could give. thank you.

While the vehicle was parked it caught on fire on it's own. the fire department extinguished the fire. vehicle was towed to a garage for inspection. *ak

1999 ford f-150 caught fire and burned to a total loss at 3:00 a.m. *ak

While driving about 45 mph consumer heard a loud clanking sound, only to discover that the spark plug blew out of its socket, causing the vehicle to lose power and eventually stall. *ak

Pulling away from a stop light doing approx 20 mph in a 99 f-150. the spark plug on the passenger side #2 cyl. blew completely out of the head. contacted the dealership and they were absolutly no help, stating that there was no warrrenty on this item and that an approx repair cost was in the neighborhood of $3500. ended up taking it to a local reputable shop here in phx. they were able to repair it for consideribly less. i was also informed that this is a very common problem due to a poor design on fords part. why is it that loyal customers are treated this way?*ak

While vehicle was parked in driveway vehicle caught on fire. left front fender was most severely damaged. fire's origin appeared to be on left rear of engine compartment. *ak

dt: the contact owns a 1999 ford f-150. the contact complained about electrical problems since the cruise control stopped working in august 2004. within a month of the cruise control malfunctioning the abs sensor illuminated on the dashboard, and the heater stopped working. approximately one month ago the power door locks stopped working. when it was hot outside, the contact turned off the lights in the vehicle he had to remove the fuse. the contact stated there was a ticking noise coming from inside the fuse box. the consumer contacted the dealership, and they told him to bring the vehicle in for a diagnostic test at his expense. the manufacturer explained to the dealership that the consumer felt that the electrical problems listed above were caused by the cruise control switch. *ak the consumer has since stated the power mirrors no longer work. *jb

1999 ford f-150 blown spark plug. i replaced the spark plugs on my f-150 approximately three months ago. i replaced the original plugs with autolite double platinum plugs. yesterday (june 13, 2004) while accelerating from a stop light, i heard a loud bang from under the hood. luckily i was only about a mile away from home. once there, i raised the hood and found that the number two spark plug had been blown out of the cylinder head. it destroyed the coil pack as well. it appears that when the plug blew, it shot up into the coil pack thereby destroying the coil. since the ignition wire is part of the coil pack, it further appears that the compression of the rubber insulator acted like a spring and pushed the plug back into the oriface with enough force to break the white insulator at the bottom of the plug and and slam the tip into the electrode. i was able to remove the plug without incident. i did not find any remnants of aluminum in the spark plug threads. since the plugs were changed only a few months ago, i still had the old plugs. the damaged plug was replaced with one of the old plugs. the threads felt as though they were still intact, and i was able to get the replacement plug back in without any modifications. it was tightened down, just snug, not tight. the coil pack on that cylinder had to be replaced. the cost from autozone was approximately $45.00. i will continue to watch and listen for any tell-tale signs of the plugs backing out as described on the f-150 web page. i do recall a "ticking" noise about 2-3 days prior to the incident.*ak

Digital odometer light turns on & off. door ajar light, dome light, and automatic door locks go on & off also. electrical problems may be the "gem module." seat belts do not retract getting cut/damaged from door latch when door is closed, they have been replaced once already. ford engineers were notified nearly six months ago but no reply. *la

Door switches for lights fail to turn off interior lights, have seen same problem with several other truck of same year. *jb