2001 Ford Expedition: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Oct 27, 2020 · Electrical · 192,000 miles · CO · fire

Vehicle caught on fire due to an incorrectly installed head light due to a cracked plug assembly. Vehicle was in a fast-food drive through when the smoke and subsequent flames were seen. Due to age of the vehicle the task of changing the light bulb was farmed out to local oil change shop. While changing the placing the new bulb into the plug assembly the thin plastic broke keeping the bulb from seating properly. Tested okay on reassembly but once night came the light was on for only 15 minutes and ignited the inner head lamp assembly and subsequently more of the engine compartment. Fortunately, the fast-food restaurant came out with an extinguisher and put out the fire. Thankfully, no one was hurt however, had the fire occurred on the highway, in a parking lot unattended, or in the homes garage, the outcome would have been far worse.

Filed Dec 12, 2009 · Electrical · 89,570 miles · CA

Ford expedition 2001 raining outside yesterday and today for first time this year. Yesterday, battery light on dashboard (indicating electrical problem) went on for first time. Tonight, went out with my wife and 3 young kids and as we were driving could tell something was definitely wrong with the electrical; radio shut off randomly, lights in cabin began slowly dimming, gauges went off then headlights, all in about a 3 minute period we were trying to get home as quickly as possible, but the expedition almost stalled, etc. We were able to make it home in the dark by the grace of god. Went on the computer and began to read at ford-forums.com and realized our electrical problem was not unique but was a widespread problem that other ford truck/SUV owners experienced. Here's a link to the problems similar to what we experienced [http://www.ford-forums.com/ford-expedition/594-expy-has-serious-electrical-problem-2.html] I believe I'm having the same problem as those who have a leaky/faulty windshield and/or wiper-motor seal. The water gets into the fuse box and/or the gem module causing electrical issues and/or failures. I'm grateful my family is safe but our situation could have been disastrous and even life-threatening had it happened farther from home or on the freeway. I'm not sure what I can do to correct the failure but will be checking with my mechanic and ford dealer.

Filed Feb 25, 2007 · Body, Visibility · 159,900 miles · TX

After a rain and ice storm water leaked around the windshield causing electrical failures, including but not limited to the windshield wipers and the headlamps. Water entered the engine of the vehicle through an improperly sealed windshield causing the power distribution box and the generic electronic module to get wet. These components control various electrical systems in the vehicle. This caused the vehicle to stop running. Electrical damage had to be repaired and a new windshield had to be installed. This caused the owner to pay over $2000 in out of pocket expenses.

Filed Aug 31, 2006 · Body, Electrical · 59,061 miles · IL

Electrical hazard due to water intrusion resulting from windshield leak. 2001 ford expedition experienced several electrical failures during rain storm including but not limited to windshield wiper failure, headlamp failure, window/door lock failure, AC runs with ignition off and keys removed, car attempts to start without keys or driver.

Filed Dec 30, 2005 · MI

On 3 occasions this year,2005 ( july, november and december) when humidity is really high, and/or snow would cover my 2001 ford expedition, I would have unexplainable electrical problems. Either my headlight won't shut off, the blower would not shut when turning engine off, power windows wont work, seated heat won't work, ABS light would turn on. An unusual ticking sound under the steering wheel could be heard intermittently. After a day or two, the problem seem to self resolve. This then makes it difficult because the ford dealers aren't able to help me if the problem was resolved. The most recent incident in december was the most frustrating. I consulted 3 ford dealers and non of them would fix it for me. I have 78,000 miles on my truck and I did buy the premium extended warranty up to 100,000. The dealer said, we won't fix your problem because leaks is not covered in your warranty and that is the cause of your problem. I even pointed out to the dealers that I read on the federal safety agency web site that this was not as uncommon as what I thought it was ( referring to nvs-212cag ea05-015). None of them would help me without me paying at least $600 just to check the truck ,because they said it required opening the dash board.

Filed Nov 14, 2005 · Electrical, Lights · 69,300 miles · OH

There was a heavy rain the expedition was parked outside. There was water on the floor mat. The headlights, windshield wipers, radio worked when the expedition was off. Yet would not work when the car was on. The expedition acted on its own. We took the expedition to the dealership (jim keim ford) where we purchased the vehicle. They charged us 893.00 to fix the fuse panel, sensor panel and reseal the entire front window. Then jim keim told me it would be another 200.00 if they broke the windsheild. I paid the money and have not had a problem since.

Filed Oct 31, 2005 · Acceleration, Electrical · 75,000 miles · NC

Dt: contact states the car takes a long time to start, it's like the battery is dead. When vehicle was inspected the contact was told that the battery was good. When hitting the alarm the horn will sound very low, sometimes it will not make a sound at all. The automatic locks will not engage until the vehicle is already down the road. They suppose to engage when taking foot off the brakes. When starting the car the gauges will flash on/off, and then go back to normal. Also, when starting the vehicle the headlights will flash on as if the alarm has sounded, then , they will go off. The light that indicates if the car is in overdrive or regular drive no longer works. The contact received a recall letter last month regarding the scds. He reports having no problems with the cruise control. He believes the aforementioned problems are related to the defective scds. He has not taken the car to dealer to have the scds disconnected as stated in the recall. He plans to do so as soon as possible.

Filed Dec 2, 2002 · Lights · TX

The knob to turn on and off the headlights breaks off under normal usage. There is no alternative way to control the headlights. They are stuck on or off. Dt