99 Explorer XLT - Multitude of Electrical Issues

[BCP]

Hi all,

I've done some searching through past threads and found some good info, just not sure how much if any is applicable to the symptoms my truck is exhibiting. I just picked up a 99 Explorer XLT, 4.0, 4wd and so far I've discovered the following do not work:

O/D on-off button
Fog lights
HVAC illumination
Rear Defrost
Front wipers (and I believe the front washer was also inop)
Rear wiper, although I could hear the washer activate
4wd selector did not illuminate or activate any cluster indicator
Dome lights, map lights, running board lights are all inop

Not sure what else is inop but this seems to be it so far. I'd greatly appreciate any assistance!

Thanks.

 

[victorv613]

Wow um let's see I would start by checking fuses. If there are any blown replace as usual and if they blow again go from there

 

[BCP]

Thanks, I checked through most of the passenger compartment fuse box, with no luck; I'll go through them all today, hopefully.

I did discover the dome and map lights will work if the exterior lights are on, but only if you turn them on via the dimmer switch or the map light switches; nothing still if you open a door. The truck is equipped with auto headlights, BTW.

 

[victorv613]

Yea check the drivers side fuse box and underhood aswell. If all that stuff isnt workin somethin has to be blown or chewed through. I wonder if they had same problems in different years. My 02 had no lights coming on and door ajar light on along with some other stuff. It turned out to be a broken wire inbetween the door and the body in a small boot. Not sure if it applies to ur application but its a crazy common problem on mine

 

[BCP]

Yea check the drivers side fuse box and underhood aswell. If all that stuff isnt workin somethin has to be blown or chewed through. I wonder if they had same problems in different years. My 02 had no lights coming on and door ajar light on along with some other stuff. It turned out to be a broken wire inbetween the door and the body in a small boot. Not sure if it applies to ur application but its a crazy common problem on mine

Thanks, will do. There is a wire that's tapped into a fuse and runs to the drivers door as shown in the photo below.

 

[bobflood]

Thanks, will do. There is a wire that's tapped into a fuse and runs to the drivers door as shown in the photo below.

Yep - looks like PO had some wiring problem in that boot and bypassed it. Very common, there may be more. Here is an excellent source of wiring diagrams - looks like you are going to need them!! Good luck!

Auto - Online Repair Info
http://search.ebscohost.com/
ID: rrcc
PW: rebsco

Follow promps down to Wiring Diagrams

 

[BCP]

Yep - looks like PO had some wiring problem in that boot and bypassed it. Very common, there may be more. Here is an excellent source of wiring diagrams - looks like you are going to need them!! Good luck!

Auto - Online Repair Info
http://search.ebscohost.com/
ID: rrcc
PW: rebsco

Follow promps down to Wiring Diagrams

Thanks!

 

[BCP]

Located a blown fuse in the engine compartment box, for the fog lights. Replaced the fuse and it blew once the switch was engaged.

The wire in the photo above is providing power to the windows apparently, as they ceased to work with the wire disconnected from the fuse box.

Have I mentioned that I hate electrical issues? LOL.

 

[BCP]

Okay, so I pulled the radio and bezel assembly out of the dash and noticed a cut/broken wire in the harness coming from the bottom of the GEM; white with a yellow tracer. I reconnected the wire, reconnected the battery, and this gave me functional interior lights and windshield wipers. The bad news is, the parking lights stay on continously now. Any ideas on that one?

I appreciate all of the help!

Also seems like the external wire into the door is not needed with this wire reconnected.

 

[BCP]

The HVAC lights are working now, the harness was disconnected....lol. Still cant figure out why the parking lights come on somewhat dim without the switch turning them on. If I can get that one solved, I'd be in much better shape.

 

[Robert Nick]

Fix the Fog Lamp Issue First. You have a Dead Short on that Circuit. Do not put a large capacity fuse in place of the blown fuse. You can fab-up a home made Short Detector by using a 1156 or 1157 12-Volt Lamp. Solder or Crimp some Male Terminals on the two wires from the Lamp. Trim the blades to size to fit, then insert them in place of the Fuse. Unplug each of the Fog Lamps. Turn on the Fog Lamp Switch. The Lamp will be "ON" when the short is present. Use the aforemention Wiring Diagrams, find the Fog Lamp Circuit and trace the Harness between the Switch and the Lamps. You can gently move the harness to see if the Lamp goes out. If it does you have found the suspect area in the harness. You most like have a chafed wire to the body or a pinched wire. I use to do this for a living for another Auto Mfg. The Lamp will limit the Current in the Circuit so there is no risk of harness damage.