2001 Ford Windstar -tail lights blinking with engine off (hazard lights off)

[Jimm510]

When I opened my garage door this morning I noticed that my tail lights on my 2001 Windstar were blinking. I thought perhaps I had inadvertantly left the hazard lights on but that was not the case. The battery was drained to the point I cannot start the car. I removed the negative terminal from the battery thinking that may reset whatever electrical issue I was having. It did not help.
Any suggestions or thoughts?

[Windstartled]

You mean the regular red tail lights were blinking, not the amber turn signals? This falls under the "weird electrical issue" category, a category that is familiar to many Windstar owners I believe. Since it occurs with engine off we can eliminate alternator and computer fault. That leaves the battery and circuitry. Such odd phenomena can be caused by a failing battery (don't ask me how or why) so I'd try switching with a borrowed battery that is known to be sound and see what happens.

[Searles Lewis]

Originally Posted by Windstartled

You mean the regular red tail lights were blinking, not the amber turn signals? This falls under the "weird electrical issue" category, a category that is familiar to many Windstar owners I believe. Since it occurs with engine off we can eliminate alternator and computer fault. That leaves the battery and circuitry. Such odd phenomena can be caused by a failing battery (don't ask me how or why) so I'd try switching with a borrowed battery that is known to be sound and see what happens.

Good comments. I'd also try the fuse box by the driver's kick panel, left of the pedals, and check the relays (bigger fuses) on the right hand side of the engine as you are facing it. If one goes, especially a fuse, it will do this. I had one do things twice. DO NOT buy the extra cool fuses when you do, just the generic ones, or you may regret that!

They are bad when they turn cloudy/white.