handcuff
New Member
- Joined
- January 17, 2007
- Messages
- 4
- Reaction score
- 0
- City, State
- Louisville, KY
- Year, Model & Trim Level
- 1998 XLT AWD
Hey all,
I've had my 98 XLT AWD for 6 year now, and it hasn't ever given me more than the most minor problem (until recently). I bought it at 26K miles, and haven't done any modifications to it. I maintain it regularly, and it has never been broken into or wrecked. I have all factory electronics in it...not adding a stereo or other items.
About a month ago, I noticed that the 3rd rear brake light had a row of very dim LCDs that would begin/continue to flash (very fast flashing - probably cycling ~2-3 times a second) when the car was off. When I turned the car on, it stopped until I turned it back off. These lights are part of the standard 3rd brake light...not something that I added to the vehicle. The light can be seen plainly at night, but only from the correct angle during the day (it isn't the "main" light within the 3rd brake light assembly that turns on when you hit the brakes).
Anyway, I didn't make any connection until recently, but around (maybe 'at'?) the same time my door locking mechanism stopped automatically locking my doors when I put the car in drive/reverse. I don't know if this is related or not, but it seems too coincidental (electrical problem that started at the same time) not to be related. The only other problem I have is that the horn/cruise control stopped working a few months before this...I think it is a fuse, but since it didn't seem related I didn't check up on it).
The continued flashing of the lights when the car is not turned on is killing my battery...I've had to get 3 jumps recently (wife had to get two), so I need to get it fixed. The problem is that I can't seem to find anything discussing this problem.
I took it to a mechanic who put it on a diagnostic scanner plug-in-under-your-steering-wheel thingamajigger (yes, that is the official name for the doo-hickie), and couldn't find anything. I searched the net, but couldn't find anyone talking about this problem. I called the dealership, and they seemed confused and perplexed (yet willing to look at it and try to diagnose the problem for $65/hour - shouldn't take more than 'a couple days'). I did a search on this forum looking for anyone who had experienced the problem, but haven't found anything yet. I tried to call a friend who works at a Ford Factory here in town, but haven't been able to get in touch with him. My next step is to start sacrificing chickens on the front porch in the full moon, while chanting in hopes for an answer. However, the full moon isn't due for another few weeks, so I figured I'd post the question of "Does anyone know what the problem may be? Where to go to look for the possible cause? Any points in any direction?" and see if we can save a few poor chickens' lives...
Anyone have any clues? It seems like this is more of a warning indicator, the way it is acting. The flashing lights and the way it doesn't eat up much battery life...it is almost like it is part of the alarm or something. I just can't figure it out, and need to. This afternoon, the wife got 3 kids ready for school, then went out to the car and it went 'click' rather than 'vroom'...she was somewhat displeased (the kids, however, loved it). She called me up and threatened some very unpleasant things if I didn't try to get it fixed.
So come on, guys...anyone able to help me, the truck, the wife, and most importantly those poor, poor chickens?
Thanks in advance...
-Scott
"If you aren't living on the edge, then you're taking up too much room..."
I've had my 98 XLT AWD for 6 year now, and it hasn't ever given me more than the most minor problem (until recently). I bought it at 26K miles, and haven't done any modifications to it. I maintain it regularly, and it has never been broken into or wrecked. I have all factory electronics in it...not adding a stereo or other items.
About a month ago, I noticed that the 3rd rear brake light had a row of very dim LCDs that would begin/continue to flash (very fast flashing - probably cycling ~2-3 times a second) when the car was off. When I turned the car on, it stopped until I turned it back off. These lights are part of the standard 3rd brake light...not something that I added to the vehicle. The light can be seen plainly at night, but only from the correct angle during the day (it isn't the "main" light within the 3rd brake light assembly that turns on when you hit the brakes).
Anyway, I didn't make any connection until recently, but around (maybe 'at'?) the same time my door locking mechanism stopped automatically locking my doors when I put the car in drive/reverse. I don't know if this is related or not, but it seems too coincidental (electrical problem that started at the same time) not to be related. The only other problem I have is that the horn/cruise control stopped working a few months before this...I think it is a fuse, but since it didn't seem related I didn't check up on it).
The continued flashing of the lights when the car is not turned on is killing my battery...I've had to get 3 jumps recently (wife had to get two), so I need to get it fixed. The problem is that I can't seem to find anything discussing this problem.
I took it to a mechanic who put it on a diagnostic scanner plug-in-under-your-steering-wheel thingamajigger (yes, that is the official name for the doo-hickie), and couldn't find anything. I searched the net, but couldn't find anyone talking about this problem. I called the dealership, and they seemed confused and perplexed (yet willing to look at it and try to diagnose the problem for $65/hour - shouldn't take more than 'a couple days'). I did a search on this forum looking for anyone who had experienced the problem, but haven't found anything yet. I tried to call a friend who works at a Ford Factory here in town, but haven't been able to get in touch with him. My next step is to start sacrificing chickens on the front porch in the full moon, while chanting in hopes for an answer. However, the full moon isn't due for another few weeks, so I figured I'd post the question of "Does anyone know what the problem may be? Where to go to look for the possible cause? Any points in any direction?" and see if we can save a few poor chickens' lives...
Anyone have any clues? It seems like this is more of a warning indicator, the way it is acting. The flashing lights and the way it doesn't eat up much battery life...it is almost like it is part of the alarm or something. I just can't figure it out, and need to. This afternoon, the wife got 3 kids ready for school, then went out to the car and it went 'click' rather than 'vroom'...she was somewhat displeased (the kids, however, loved it). She called me up and threatened some very unpleasant things if I didn't try to get it fixed.
So come on, guys...anyone able to help me, the truck, the wife, and most importantly those poor, poor chickens?
Thanks in advance...
-Scott
"If you aren't living on the edge, then you're taking up too much room..."
