No Power Windows, Puddle and Dome Lights Stay On

[Nyamej]

03 Explorer Limited - There have been similar posts but not exactly with the following symptoms:
ALL power windows stopped working suddenly, worked flawlessly prior.
Puddle and dome lamps stay on indefinitely, do not go off after 10 minutes
Radio operates normally
Power locks, mirrors, seat memory operates normally
Breaker 62 (30A) and Fuse 17 (accessory delay) test OK

I'm wondering if there are multiple failures in play. A dud ground to the power window control would not explain the lamps, right?

 

[BigRondo]

A lot of electrical issues can be caused by broken/damaged wires in the boot between the body and driver's door. I had several symptoms and after locating and repairing a broken ground wire all symptoms have vanished!

Here is a great thread with pics for checking for broken wires in boot between door and the body, thanks to synyster: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums//showthread.php?t=270081

Post #3 in this thread has great instructions for removing the door panel, Thanks to theofam: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=271333

If you have no broken wires then here is a great link for troubleshooting the power windows, it's for the '02 but should help you out. Thanks again to theofam! http://www.scribd.com/doc/14896086/2002-Explorer-Power-Window-System-Diagnosis

Good luck!

 

[Nyamej]

Towel thrown in

I have studied and memorized those articles (hats off to the contributors!), however they do not seem to apply, given the symptoms. The problem worsens; there are new symptoms: Now the engine will not start, even with a jump.

 

[Nyamej]

ecked grounds and power at the master power window switch

Update: A mechanic checked grounds and power at the master power window switch - all good. Switches work as expected. This should indicate that there is not a severed ground or power.

Still stumped, and all all 4 power windows still do not respond.

 

[BigRondo]

Did you check for broken/damaged wires in the boot?

 

[Nyamej]

Even though A mechanic checked grounds and power at the master power window switch, I rolled up my sleeves and took apart the driver's door. Sure enough, severed ground!

Repaired with only the finest speaker wire.

I should never question the wisdom in these forums!

 

[Cjpooch]

Good job to all!

 

[BigRondo]

Even though A mechanic checked grounds and power at the master power window switch, I rolled up my sleeves and took apart the driver's door. Sure enough, severed ground!

Repaired with only the finest speaker wire.

I should never question the wisdom in these forums!

Nice work. Thanks for the update!!!

 

[tonytoneaa]

I dont want to admit this but i kinda did the same as "Nyamej".. I didnt believe it was a broken wire and even took the door apart and took the boot half way off, and didnt want to unwrap all the electrical tape (plus it was a pain in the a$$ sticking your fingers in the small speaker hole to do it). So i put the door back together and went back to my computer to look up other things that it could be. Then i seen "Nyamej's" post and decided to try it one more time and unwrap the electrical tape and there it was, my broken wire! it was a relief and a disappointment all in one. Relief i finally found the problem, disappointment that ford could have prevented this by extending the wire an extra inch or 2, (also they could have a put a recall out there and fixed it for free for people).
But thanks to you Nyamej i am now a member here and will never doubt the people of the forums as well!

 

[BigRondo]

I dont want to admit this but i kinda did the same as "Nyamej".. I didnt believe it was a broken wire and even took the door apart and took the boot half way off, and didnt want to unwrap all the electrical tape (plus it was a pain in the a$$ sticking your fingers in the small speaker hole to do it). So i put the door back together and went back to my computer to look up other things that it could be. Then i seen "Nyamej's" post and decided to try it one more time and unwrap the electrical tape and there it was, my broken wire! it was a relief and a disappointment all in one. Relief i finally found the problem, disappointment that ford could have prevented this by extending the wire an extra inch or 2, (also they could have a put a recall out there and fixed it for free for people).
But thanks to you Nyamej i am now a member here and will never doubt the people of the forums as well!

Welcome aboard!!

Nice job on the fix. I agree, Explorer Forum and it's members are awesome! The only stupid question is the one not asked. :