Scotty;
I have a 2003 Ford F-150 automatic Triton XLT Supercrew with 166,000. miles on it. No check engine light or codes.
I have been experiencing intermittent electrical problems. Sometimes the rear sliding window opens when I press the switch and sometimes it wont open until I’ve pressed it repeatedly. Also it has the adjustable foot pedals which are also acting in the same manner. I have to press the switch repeatedly until it works. Usually one works and one doesn’t; are they linked to the same relay if thats even the issue or individual issues? Also lately that it has been getting colder I’ve noticed that the cruise control wont work until the vehicle warms up, or maybe it’s coincidence. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Im usually pretty good at diagnosing automotive problems but electronics are not my specialty. Love your videos and great to see someone who is willing to give honest advice and expect nothing in return.
Thank you in advance;
Rick P.
The window really sounds like a bad switch. I'd run a couple wires to it so I would have access to the wire to short them when the switch didn't work and if the wire worked always the first time after the switch didn't work, I'd replace both switches. Stalks have a good time of breaking wires at the column bend over time causing intermittency also (got a bad tow button now due to this...been too lazy to fix!)
Ok, so as a 2000s Ford owner myself, (2004 Ford Freestar SES) I can tell you with 100% confidence that it's your smart junction box (aka the ECM - electronic controle module) that needs to be replaced, my van did the same kinda goofy stuff, the cruise and windows and door locks wouldn't work until I got the heat on full blast. It hated cold weather. Otherwise I would have to keep putting my car into reverse and drive in order for my electronics to act right, esp my door locks! (they lock automatically when you put it in gear)
Anyway, it was very hard to track down because it only did it in temps of less than 50°F, or if I had been running my AC.
The part is ridiculously expensive, you can only get it from the dealer, and it has to be reprogrammed to work.
Good luck. Those old Fords are electrical nightmares. Smh. But the engines are top notch. 235k and still rollin'!
