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We've had a 2003 Ford Expedition 4x4 (5.4L) for 4 days. On Thursday, it would not start or turn over for my husband (it ran fine for the drive down to the store). There was a loud buzzing noise coming from the fuse box on the passenger side. We looked online for possible solutions -- he disconnected one of the relays, which did nothing, and he disconnected the PCM fuse (#28, I think the PCM fuse)... at the advice of another chat board... that made the engine turn over, but not start. The dealership even bypassed the prndl switch but that didn't help... and they say the Expy will not communicate with their computer to determine the error. At this point, they have NO IDEA what's wrong. Oh, yeah... on the driver info board, it says "PRNDL error, no backup aid". Any ideas?????

Submitted: 491 days and 9 hours ago.
Category: Ford
Value: $15
Status: AWAITING CUSTOMER ACTION
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Optional Information

2003 Ford Expedition 4x4 5.4L

Already Tried:
See question.

Tried removing PCM fuse, flipping relays, bypassing the PRNDL switch on the engine. 2003 Expy will not communicate with dealer's computer.

Posted by lamontgomery 491 days and 7 hours ago.

Info Request

Can I have the 17 digit VIN to check for service messages?

491 days and 7 hours ago.

Reply

VIN # 1FMFU18LX3LA02713

Posted by lamontgomery 491 days and 7 hours ago.

Answer

The early build production of these Expedition/ Navigator had this problem (it's been a while since I have seen this, I just wanted to see in in black and white) There is an updated central junction box (interior fuse box mounted under RH kick panel) I'd start with this service message and go from there. Your truck was built 3/27/02.

I hope this helps,

Loy

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491 days and 6 hours ago.

Reply

So the Ford dealership needs to find the Service Message for the central junction box? I just want to be sure what to tell them. My husband did flip-flop 2 like relays to see if that made a difference in the RH kick panel, but it did not. What do I need to tell the dealership in order to have this fixed? Thanks so much for your help thusfar.

Accepted Answer

The dealership should run a report called OASIS. They will need to put in the symptom codes for "no start" and it should generate the special service message (SSM). Just print up the SSM I sent you and they should be able to handle it from there. I replaced a few of these CJBs on Navigators a while a go when I worked at a Lincoln Mercury dealer. According to the message, the problem is with the electrical terminals in the box, not so much with the relays (but the relays, I'm assuming, are causing the damage/heat) Look for heat damage on the relay terminals.

Expert: lamontgomery
Pos. Feedback: 99.1 %
Accepts: 464
Answered: 10/6/2008

Ford Mechanic

14 years experience, 2000-2006 Senior Master, ASE master in Truck and Auto, Level 1 Fire mechanic

490 days and 8 hours ago.

Reply

The dealership says they found the issue -- but it wasn't the CJB, it was another box (& lemme tell ya -- they didn't AT ALL appreciate a woman asking them if they've checked this or that -- LOL!!!!!). Does this SSM apply to MY specific vehicle (or is it just a possibility) -- & if so, is there any way to tell if the service work has already been done? Is this like a recall -- where it SHOULD be replaced, even if it's not showing the SSM signs (to prevent it happening at some other time)? Thank you so much!!!!!

Posted by lamontgomery 490 days and 6 hours ago.

Answer

Recalls start as SSMs, if they are in large enough numbers and it will affect safety, it will be made into a recall. It looks like they caught the problem mid 2003, which minimized the amount of vehicles affected. I'm glad that you got your truck handled, they should not be upset, especially if you are paying them to fix the truck!

Thank you for the bonus and positive feedback,

Loy

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