Headlights-flashers-int Lights Wont Turn Off!

[tedhontz]

2005 Ford 500 - I take the key out and headlight switch is off, but headlights, brakelights, interior lights, flashers, all stay running all night long until battery is completely drained.

The only way I can get the lights to shut off is to pull fuse#19 in the relay box, a 40A fuse dedicated to running the other small junction box fuse panel under the steering column.

As soon as I put the positive battery cable on the battery, all the lights come on and the trunk pops open. Also, the display on the instrument panel says oil pressure low, washer fluid low, brake fluid low. The brake light and oil lights are also on. None of these things are true.

This car was partially flooded either drove into a pond or ditch or creek of some sort. The interior was saved but the muddy water must have at least reached the interior fuse box. The radio and a/c controls all work good though. All the power door locks, windows, and mirrors work as well as the sunroof. Engine runs smooth and tranny shifts smooth. No engine lights on except for a couple seconds when starting it.

Any suggestions where to start?

[rhandwor]

Pull the interior fuse box and clean it completely. If the relays were covered with water pull the covers and clean with electrical contact cleaner. You may need new ones.
Does your flood insurance cover this if you take it to a dealer. What about your car insurance does it cover this. They won't pay you a fair labor rate.

[tedhontz]

Well I used electrical component cleaner and cleaned out all sockets and fuses and wires for the relay box. Still had the problems. Then I pulled the internal fuse box SJB and removed all connections and cleaned them with the spray and plugged it all back in and nothing. I removed the center console and unplugged the airbag control module. With it unplugged it shows the airbag service light but when I plug it back in the light goes off so that's working fine. I pulled basically every connector and sensor I could find and I cleaned them all and still having the problems. SO, I took it to the Ford Dealership. I know they cost more, but when it comes to electronics one small shop might but 15 hours to find out what Ford can find out in 3 with all their special equipment and testers. But Ford's Labor Rate? Yeah, $90 an hour! So they called me this morning and said all test codes and signs are pointing to a bad small junction fuse box. Parts and Labor $343. Then they asked if I had two keys or one? I only have 1 so they said it would be another $55 for a new programmed key. For what? For security i'm thinking there is a key duplicate mounted under the dash, but wouldn't it still be there? They said this is the starting point and hopefully will fix all the problems. If not they will continue from there and my bill will keep rising! I bought this car as a flood car so insurance isn't going to help. I got a beautiful car that's pretty much loaded for $4000 and it runs and shifts good, just has electrical issues. Also, where is the PCM/Computer on this thing? I couldn't find it anywhere?

[big dave]

I think the computer is next to the steering shaft just before it goes through the firewall.

[rhandwor]

If you continue to have problems go to http://www.alldata.com/ buy a years subscription. Before it expires print all wiring diagrams for your car. It used to be $25.00 but is well worth it.

[tedhontz]

Originally Posted by rhandwor

If you continue to have problems go to http://www.alldata.com/ buy a years subscription. Before it expires print all wiring diagrams for your car. It used to be $25.00 but is well worth it.

Sorry for the very late reply but I just took it to Ford and they replaced the small junction fuse box and that solved all the problems. Now, 15,000 miles later my car is not shifting as smooth as it did. Most times it's fine but every once in a while it shifts extremely hard! Any suggestions? Yes, its the 6speed not the CVT. FWD...