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Lincoln Navigator Electrical Problems

13

Comments

  • navihatornavihator Member Posts: 2
    How do I check to see if compressor is froze? I was thinking it may be a relay as well. Went to auto part store to try and buy some. When I got there I noticed smoke from engine compartment. Passenger side behind the battery but can't see exactly where.
  • polo4polo4 Member Posts: 7
    edited September 2010
    OK I have had an issue and it is getting worse. The relay that controls, what I know so far, power running boards, possibly ignition or starter, as it does not start when this relay is stuck. The relay just buzzes until I wiggle it. Wiggling has always fixed in past, but now..

    I noticed the center prong is turning black and the relay is getting hot to touch. Relay is only hot while car is in use not overnight when battery is being drained

    Now I have something draining the battery overnight.

    My heating and cooling on driver's seat does not work (just in case this helps)

    My sunroof seems to leak during heavy rain falls and is staining my pillars between windshield and front doors (both sides) Could this be getting to fuse panel? I did not see water during a rain.

    I figure I have a short somewhere, where is the best place to start? Is there a manual that shows me what other items relate to this relay or does any know?
  • z_quakein_naviz_quakein_navi Member Posts: 1
    hi, i have an 03 navi and ive had electrical problems for awhile like the cursed head unit. i got tired of going to the dealership and them sayin that there is nothing wrong with it so i went out and bought a 7 inch flip screen and since then have not had any problems with the head unit. but ive have sum electrical stuff stop working and work only sumtimes and ive been reading that alot of people got a fuse box and it has solved all their problems.. i have one question though ive read that alot of people got their fuse boxes from junkyard. has anyone gotten a new fuse box from the dealership and have the problem fixed or do u need to get the older fuse boxes or can i just get any new 1 and it will work ? please help me ive been trying to figure this out because i have a nice aftermarket stereo system nothing stock all new aftermarket seakers and subs and 3 amps pushin 2650 watt and i dont want this electrical problem to mess al my stuff up please help me out with some information thanks
  • jwf4jwf4 Member Posts: 5
    I have a 2001 Navigator. I've gone through three batteries in the past month. Something is draining the battery, but the dealership can't determine what it is. After I jump start it, the car runs fine for a few days, then won't start due to a dead battery, usually after sitting overnight or all day. Doesn't seem to be related to rain or moisture. This has been going on since May '10, at first about once a month, more recently a couple times a week. Dealer tried disconnecting external entry keypad, without success. Test meter shows only .01A draw, but obviously it's not catching the problem. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
  • samgabsamgab Member Posts: 1
    I have a 2008 Lincoln Navigator. I bought the car new 20 months ago and I have had 4 new batteries. Something is draining the battery but the dealership can not find anything wrong with it. They have completed 5 diagnostic tests and tell me everything is just fine. They say the alternator has been checked but there has to be something wrong if my battery keeps being drained within months. It's causing major corrosion around the battery area as well. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
  • ben68ben68 Member Posts: 3
    Hi, don't know if it will help but here goes. I had a 2001 with the same problem. Dealer could not figure it out and told me to take the Nav home, they did not want to deal with it...go Ford! Called Ford Corporate- they all of a sudden could not speak english:)

    Dove in and with the help of a windsheild guy I know, found a tiny leak in the left side of the windshield. The control module is convienently located under a channel the water follows once inside and then the control mod or GEM I believe they call it, was shorted out until it dried. It would turn the car on without the key in it at night and drain the baterry. So if this is the case with the 08 it might be the cause.
    Hope this helps :shades:
  • jwf4jwf4 Member Posts: 5
    Thanks for sharing your experience. I will have the dealer look into this the next time I stop by for a new battery. My battery often dies overnight when parked in my garage, so moisture isn't a problem, but there could be some residual damage that is causing it. I appreciate your help.
  • jwf4jwf4 Member Posts: 5
    It sounds like we're having the same problem. The dealer had my car in the shop for a full week and couldn't get it to malfunction, and they tell me that unless they can actually observe the battery drain, they can't locate the cause. You might want to look into the "Lemon Law" in your state. These laws vary somewhat from state to state, but typically they say that if your car is still under warranty and you take it to the dealer a specified number of times (usually 4) or they have it in the shop a specified number of days for the same problem and they can't fix it, they have to give you a new car or a refund. Of course, the dealer won't tell you about this, so you have to be proactive and demand your rights under the law. But it sounds like you might qualify. Unfortunately, my car is too old and the warranty period has long passed. In the meantime, I'd suggest you go to Sears and buy a booster battery for about $70. I carry mine with me all the time so that I don't get stranded. You plug it in at night in your garage after each use, and put it in the back of the car. It's not a permanent solution, but it might help.
  • rmilamrmilam Member Posts: 1
    Last Thursday 2007 Lincoln Navigator would not start, dead battery, I jump started the vehicle and it started and ran fine. Later in the day I noticed the power tailgate would not operate properly, then the running boards ceased to function when the drivers door was opened and closed, the running board worked OK when the driver side rear door was opened and closed. The radio would not turn off when turning off the ignition and exiting the vehicle. Can anyone help to identify the problem or do I have to take the vehicle to the dealer.
  • jwf4jwf4 Member Posts: 5
    It sounds like you have a similar problem. I'm on my fourth battery and the dealer has not been able to find the cause. They tell me they need to hook the battery up to a test device and observe an actual drain on the battery. Then they will unplug one component at a time until the drain disappears. So far, they haven't been able to observe a drain. It happens only a few times a month, on average, so that's not surprising. Apparently there are electronic modules that regulate the various components of the car that can malfunction, turning things on when the car is turned off. But wouldn't you think they could test those independently, without having to wait until one caused the battery to go dead?
  • thewizkidzthewizkidz Member Posts: 2
    The windshield leaks after a while...have it resealed and you should be fine. happened to my expedition and my navigator!!
  • thewizkidzthewizkidz Member Posts: 2
    It's your windshield!!! The seals go bad after a while and water leaks down the A-arm and onto your fuse box and makes it do weird things!!

    happened to my navi and my expedition!!
  • snowartistsnowartist Member Posts: 4
    I am wondering if you found out why this happens. I have a 2000 navigator and mine just started doing the same thing.
    Help?
  • jwf4jwf4 Member Posts: 5
    No, I haven't been able to find out what causes this problem. The dealer's service department tried several tests, but they claim the problem must occur while they have the test meter hooked up, and they haven't been able to make it happen. It doesn't appear to be the windshield, at least not on my vehicle, as the problem isn't related to weather. Most of the time it has happened when sitting in the garage overnight. My solution has been to buy a jumper battery at Sears for about $70 and keep it in the back. When it won't start, I jump it, then recharge the jumper battery overnight. Not a perfect solution, but it keeps me from getting stranded.
  • zona81zona81 Member Posts: 1
    I was wondering if you ever got this fixed? I am having a simular situation. I have a 03 navi and one morning i went out and battery was dead so I was like ok I guess i left something on but then it kept happing and happing after I charged it. The auto shop can't figure it out please let me know if anyone has a answer so i can take it to the auto shop. Thanks in advance.
  • bessy3bessy3 Member Posts: 1
    Have you checked all the door seals. Had the same problem and had door jams checked to make sure they were closing properly back seat wasn't which drained the battery just a thought now i just put liquid silicone on door lockmake sure it connects smoothly every time haven't had a problem
  • berginbergin Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2006 Lincoln Navigator which has run well up until yesterday when the battery went completely dead. Called out the breakdown people who diagnosed a 9amp drain on the battery every 3 seconds and thats with everything turned off and doors shut etc. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what might cause such a big drain? Many thanks
  • shyboy626shyboy626 Member Posts: 3
    have a 99 navi...i had a same problem back in may 2010...had the alternator replaced and havent had any battery draining problem since...but have had many electrical problems due to old windshield seal and water leaking into fuse box...running board lights and all interior lights were not working...radio would not work windows would not work...i couldnt shift out of park air conditioner would go without key in ignition...starter just went out last week on sunday because it rained again and caused the car to try to start by itself which in turn burned out the starter...had to wait until the rain stopped and replaced it...i used an air compressor to blow out any water collected in fuse box and everything went back to working properly ...i resealed the windshield myself hopefully it passes mother natures test...
  • berginbergin Member Posts: 2
    Thanks for the response. Usually theres a quite distintive sound from the engine when the alternator is not working properly, is that what made you replace it?
    Have to say the car seems to have a mind of its own at the moment, tried to turn it on the other day and the battery was flat but the back tailgate opened..!!
  • jrclipjrclip Member Posts: 1
    edited April 2011
    I have a couple of strange issues, 2003 NAV

    First : My door lock switches do not work if I push either one up or down by itself, but if I push the driver side up and the passinger side down (or vice verse) at the same time, then it works (need two people to do that)

    Second: my instrument panel light take about 20 minutes to come on.

    Third: I have a wet driver side carpet after it rains and I don't see a leek

    HELP PLEASE
  • snowartistsnowartist Member Posts: 4
    You need to clean out your cal vent. Mine was full of pine needles, and when it rained, it would back up into the car. I also had problems with my locks, but sprayed them with a lubricant, and they work fine now.
  • kyfdxkyfdx Moderator Posts: 236,777
    You need to clean out your cowl vent.

    fixed it.. ;)

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  • swm1swm1 Member Posts: 1
    I have a 1999 navigator 2wd with the old style 5.4 engine. The battery light came on. The truck ran fine for a couple of days and then died on my wife when pulling into our drive. The battery was completely dead. i figure it was the altenator so I took it off and carried to autozone for testing. The altenator passed on the tester. I have now charged the battery and will reinstall the altenator when I get home today. The Serpentine belt looked good and felt tight when I took the alt. off. I did get a new belt and will put it on when I put the alt. back on today. If the alt. and the battery is good, and the belt is not slipping where should I look next. :confuse:
  • jkopplinjkopplin Member Posts: 1
    im having the same exact prob. with my 98 navigator somtimes it charges and somtimes it doesnt but it has a brand new alternator on it and it tests fine ive called ford dealers and they say its because i dont have a ford alternator on it but all shops i talk to say it doesnt matter. have you figured it out yet ? thanks
  • debutler1debutler1 Member Posts: 2
    I work with search and rescue dogs and I need the inside light to go off after a short time even with my doors or tailgate open...how can I do that? It's a 98 navigator and at one time it worked like that but something or someone has changed. I need the lights off but the tailgate open. Also the running lights on the running board. There are times when my tailgate is open for hours so the dogs get the air they need....I really need help on this one I've read the mannual and haven't gotten anywhere with it.
  • shanie1shanie1 Member Posts: 1
    the same thing is happing to my 2003 I have a question what is a Prndl error no park assist ? did you find help? what can I do?
  • debutler1debutler1 Member Posts: 2
    I haven't heard anything about how to fix the problem sure would like to know how to make the interior lights go off after awhile while the back is open.
  • bronconvictbronconvict Member Posts: 12
    Read the Navigator No Start Questions sub-forum. go from post number 18 and onward. it discusses the GEM Module Fuse block relay issue. There is an issue with the fuse box in this year that causes a relay to overheat due to the issue.
  • kathleen22kathleen22 Member Posts: 1
    Good morning! I own a 2003 Lincoln Navigator. It's raining here in Connecticut :) My "truck" just started leaking on the inside~both sides~Front~Appears to be coming from the screws on the handles that help you pull yourself up into the vehichle, if u use those :), or The roof rack, eye am not sure~Just wanted to let you know about this AND is there a fix for this? I have always had GREAT customer service with Ford/Lincoln. I would never buy anything else but a Ford/Lincoln. Thank you in advance~I'll check back later~
  • bzeller1bzeller1 Member Posts: 2
    I have an '04 Navigator. For almost 3 years, it has had a problem. That problem is now very bad.

    When I try to start it, all that I can hear is a click from some device behind the glovebox. If I try to start it enough times, it will eventually start. Sometimes, I try for literally 10 minutes, with pauses in between the times I try to start it.

    I turn the key to engage the starter, and it clicks. This sounds exactly the same as if I try to start the car with the shifter in D. If I try enough times, it will eventually start. However, I have recently noticed that just prior to the very few times that it does start, there is a bit louder click that occurs in almost the same location of the click that occurs when it does not start. This "bit louder" click occurs only a fraction of a second prior to the starter engaging, and it then it runs great.

    I have taken it to multiple people, it IS DEFINITELY NOT the battery, or a battery connection. Sometimes, a PRNDL error occurs, but not always. It is very intermitent, and is really getting to me. I took it to a Ford dealership a couple months ago, and they were "pretty sure" it was a junction box. However, I have had one person after another lately tell me they knew what it was, and then that is not the case.

    Does anyone have any ideas, or any troubleshooting I can do to narrow this down??? It is a great vehicle, but this is becoming a huge hassle. This problem used to occur only from about May-September (high humidity here in Indiana), but it is still acting up into October this year, so it is getting progressively worse.

    SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!!!
  • stream1stream1 Member Posts: 1
    Sounds like an ignition switch where you put your key into or your neutral start switch. Good luck
  • jmm99navjmm99nav Member Posts: 2
    Have to take of battery gnd cable? Happened yesterday. disconnected battery-went back out two hours later connected and parkinfg lights came on again. disconnected.
    Next day in evening-connected battery-no lights on. Drove car got dark out turned lights on came back home turned car off. Parking lights remained on. disconnected battery. Rained the other night.

    Any thoughts or ideas would be aprreciated! or what be even better if a navigator electrical expert could tell me exactly what the problem is. module. fuse. gem.switch
  • snowartistsnowartist Member Posts: 4
    If the cowl drain in front of the windshield gets filled with debree, rain water stands in there and backs up into the electrical relays. You need to clean this out and it should help your problem. I had the same thing happen to me.
  • jmm99navjmm99nav Member Posts: 2
    Ok here is the update.
    1.) Removed the headlight switch -let it hang by connectors.
    2.) Started navigator; turned headlights on.
    3.) Unplugged diimer switch-result headlights stayed on
    4.) Unplugged headlights switch-headlights went OUT!
    5.) Plugged dimmer switch back in- headlighhts still out
    6.) Plugged headlights in headlights ON!
    7.) Ordered new headlight switch with dimmer and autolamp
    (actually bought a used one on ebay for $25)

    note: While the headlight switch/dimmer/autolamp are all unplugged the dash lights turn on when the car is started. I cannot find which fuse shuts off the dashboard lights where the speedometer is and all that stuff.

    The battery was drained because I did not take the gnd cable off the battery, even though the head light switch assembly has been removed.

    Pretty puzzling.
  • tinkerbell11tinkerbell11 Member Posts: 1
    How much mileage can a 2003 Lincoln navigator take.. mine is at 164k.. and were in 2011
  • wilfrwilfr Member Posts: 4
    Hi Kathleen, we have a 2006 Navi Ultimate. Like driving it fine, lots of issues though !!! Had a lot covered under warranty. We now have just 50,000 miles on it and are out of Ford warranty and had "LEAKING" PROBLEMS !!!
    To address your situation, have the "drain ports" for your sunroof blown out with compressed air. Most likely, as in our case, they are plugged with needles or leaves and road dirt, we even had water come out of the DVD player on the ceiling. However, that was not the worst !!! We had multiple leaks around the top of the "Firewall", so much so that the lower part of the door opening frame was full of water !!! Carpets totally soaked and water running around the computer modules inside the right foot well compartment, passenger side.
    We had everything taken apart in a body shop. They found lots of areas that had absolutely "NO" !!! sealant on it, including cable grommets. Sadly enough, It cost us $1,300.00 to have this done !!!! To have this happen to a 5 year old "TOP OF THE LINE LUXURY" vehicle is totally unexceptable !!! I will be writing to Lincoln about this, Not good for their name.
    Anyway, good luck with your truck in every respect. Hope I helped you out.

    Cheers, Wilf
  • mr2003navmanmr2003navman Member Posts: 2
    I own a 2003 Lincoln navigator which i ve had parked for 5-6 years. The issue I am having is that the dash board doesn't light up. The gauges at one point did illuminate (red) but not the dash board (Back round) . Also the entire truck has lost air in the suspension and is sitting on the ground. I was told by a service repair facility (gas station) that there is a bad sensor that is not keeping the system raised. Lastly, the A/C stopped working. No cold air would come out but heat is okay. I had the system recharged and this did nothing.

    My questions are:

    Is the compressor the issue with the A/C?

    Is there a bad sensor of some sort and what is the part number?

    Do I need to replace the dash board or should it be re built?

    And are these common issues with these vehicles?

    I welcome any and all input..

    S. Blackmon
  • kklincolnkklincoln Member Posts: 1
    Not sure if we have related problems but my suspension keeps dropping during cooler weather which is a relay switch I believe since compressor was already replaced, now air is not working which I had a mechanic tell me the freon all drained out and have a bad pump so I just had more freon added and different repair place said pump was fine. Now it was raining today and sounded like something was shorting out under the steering wheel(sounded like something was frying until I pulled over and turned off blinker) while driving. But also noticed last week odometer light keeps going on and off and lights were dimmed inside when taking truck out of garage. That may have been due to automatic lights turning on. Have you found solutions?
  • shyboy626shyboy626 Member Posts: 3
    If the a/c turns on but doesn't blow cold...common problem for navs...there is a door that switches back n forth between hot n cold depending on what you are using...but the motor that drives it usually breaks the door not sure if it's too powerful but it's most likely the problem...there is a tutorial on YouTube on how to fix it but if you are not to handy I would suggest getting it fixed by a professional...in the case of your suspension there is a ride height sensor (don't know part number but u can Google search u t)which controls how high or low ur suspension will sit...does the compressor still come on to try n raise the truck? Not to sure about the dashboard...but it could be as simple as a blown fuse these navigators are very trIcky and sensitive...I've had a lot of these problems on my 99 but I've fixed them all through this forum...any other question feel free n ask n I'll do my best to answer
  • shyboy626shyboy626 Member Posts: 3
    Definitely need to check the fuses in the kick panel under the dash on driver side if you are having electrical problems when it's rainng something is getting wet...same problem I had...if Itis is the case use an air compressor to blow the water out of the fuse box underneath the dash replace any bad fuses and check the seal around the windshield...I bought some clear silicone sealant put around the windshield n problem solved...this was after replacing many fuses and my starter so dont wait it can cause big problems
  • j_p_j_p_ Member Posts: 1
    I purchased a 2001 Navigator about a year ago from a used car dealer. Over this past summer I started having issues with it starting. After trying different things like the starter solenoid on firewall, new battery ect. ect. the problem still exists, though I have narrowed things down a bit. To get it to start I have to tap the side of the brake pedal a bit with my foot while having the key turned all the way forward. Usually after a couple taps, sometimes after a lot, the Navigator starts up. I can of course start it from the solenoid on the firewall with a screwdriver instantly but it is a pain popping the hood, grabbing screwdriver and touching the solenoid posts which bypasses most everything and goes straight to starter.

    My gf currently drives it and she can't kick the brake pedal very hard with her foot so now I have a rubber mallet in the middle console for her to hit the brake pedal with. This is becoming a pain and I would love to finally fix the problem, has anyone come across this issue and/or know the permanent fix for it?

    Thank you in advance for the help.
  • trulybowkertrulybowker Member Posts: 1
    My radio is on but no key in the ignition. We had some snow and water was inside the car under the fuse box. I had a service man come out and dry under the dash and check the fuses, everything looks fine but there is a sizzle sounds and the radio and some dash lights stays on. Any suggestions?
  • dondonrh1dondonrh1 Member Posts: 1
    Recently had water leak caused by drain plugged from sunroof! Flooded front completely . All kinds of weird problems after that. Now after a week of drying out everything works ecept for A/C and air suspension! Checked all fuses I could find. Need help!
  • creekwalkercreekwalker Member Posts: 1
    2003 Lincoln Navigator:
    The battery drains overnight. I measure 340mA current draw with ammeter in series with battery cable, everything off, doors shut.
    About 2/3 of this current draw is from Fuse # 102: "Ignition Switch Power".
    The other approximately 100mA is from the Instrument Cluster, its own self.
    So...
    1) Are these current draws normal or abnormal?
    2) Are these current draws large enough to drain down my battery?
    3) Why is my battery draining down?
  • ruriberuribe Member Posts: 1
    i have the same problem if i find out the problem i will let you now
  • dsaunders2dsaunders2 Member Posts: 4
    hi can any body help me i have a newer battery fully charged but there is no power at all to anything! terminals are clean looks to be some brown resin on the inside of the negitive post/cable,what can i check?fuse,link,?
    car was running(before parked and died) but loosing head lites dimming and engine chugging trying to die out
    1999 nav.awd
    ,thank u
    in chicago area n its 30 below in the wind ouch (i made the mistake of buying an alternator yesterday before i checked the battery and found the battery is fully charged,da)
  • dsaunders2dsaunders2 Member Posts: 4
    well az checked the alternator said is ok,replaced recharged bat,next day same,changed altinator,retested old said still ok again!! put a new one in been ok for weeks now !autozone bahumbug
  • lovesreallovesreal Member Posts: 1
    Recently rained here in San Jose CA and started having strange electrical issues had to replace battery. Kept getting winding sound n occasional relay click from drivers side fuse box until i removed the middle flip down lcd screen (98 model) whitch stopped that issue but i know my otber electrical issues have to do with a bad ground of some sort because of the symptoms "it works then it doesnt but if i do it again or differently it works for so long then it stops". Can someone elaborate as i was testing my fuses under driver side kick panel the first few bottom rows showed .2-.4 volts good right then i go to test the next row of fuses and i get 12+ volts on all fuses past third or fourth row but all fuses are good so I guess the fuse box or open circuit will try to change see if its the main issue
  • sttrsttr Member Posts: 13
    You guys posting these questions can find the answer to your problems right here! I answered it for myself after putting up with it first in a 98 model Nav and now my 06. The robot arms do not check their work! They leave open holes at the join seam of metal right above critical areas like the fuse box, the electrical panel and more. This problem is known about by FORD so well that if you take your Nav in to trade it they look for these leaks first off! That is first and foremost on their mind! Fact is they even asked me point blank if mine was one that leaked so they sure know about it and they should be paying for sealing and any damages because this opens your vehicle, your luxury vehicle egg laying insects also, like box elder bugs which lay eggs and crap red spots all over the interior getting in the same way the water does through these spots right at the corners of each window. You must take the black grill trim and wipers off and remove all that to access this and fix the leaks FORD dropped the ball on once more with these otherwise nice vehicles! When someone starts a class action law suit on this I want in because I'm out two grand on two vehicles due to these leaks and own the receipts to prove it! I even bought a windshield trying to fix it and never even needed it! That didn't fix it! What did was fixing the weld where the two plates meet and don't seal allowing open channels right into the floor boards! Nice job Lincoln! You guys drift over here and see my pics! Note how the metal is tight in places and lifted well up in others and guess where its lifted up the worst! Right where the water runs at the windscreen corners! http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/35157/lincoln/navigator/2003-lincoln-navigator-no-power#latest
  • HajjHajj Member Posts: 2
    I'm having problem with me battert dying overnight. Only had the truck since November 7th no lights on dash except occasional abs light. First week no problems what so ever then about a week ago I wake up to my truck with a dead battery thought nothing of it because I didn't get a new battery yet found out battery that was in truck wasn't strong enough so I got a new strong enough battery checked alternator and starter everything checked out. Next 3 nights no problem then boom wake up to car dead. So I got a jump truck started right up so I thought I needed to replace the battery post adaptor on negative side cuz it was worn out and didn't tighten all the way  unless wedged with piece of metal. Changed it hooked everything back up car started. Woke up next morning to same problem car dead need a JUMP. So now I have no idea what to do other that check alternator belt, fuses, forums, Google or YouTube it non stop and or unplug battery cables every night. NEED HELP I'M STUMPED hwebb88@gmail.com plz any information or anyone has same problem we can brainstorm together or of you/they found out what it was contact me 
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