Wiper problems of the 2000 Ford Expedition

When it rains real heavy it leaks through the sunroof through the wall on the side of theodore with is connected to the window.

It started with the radio and windshield wipers not working periodically this went on for several weeks and then on Saturday night 5/31/14 at approx. 11:30 am "christine" showed up and my car was trying to start its self. It made a clicking sound for about 30 mins with the lights going off and on. The sound was like a dead battery sound. Then it would try to start itself. This went on for about and hour and then it finally stopped. I assumed that the next morning my battery would be dead but when I went out Sunday morning it started right up and I was able to rund my errands. This morning Monday 6/2 I went out to go to work and it would not start but the lights came on and it continued to make a clicking sound even though I assumed the battery was dead. I am scared to do anything, like jump the battery , for fear it will explode or catch fire.

Driving normally during heavy rain wipers and radio went dead at highway speed and worked intermittently after that. After the rain stopped and car dried out wipers and radio worked normally again. Carpet on left side under fuse panel and gem module, both of which have already been replaced was wet. This is a safety concern as it is extremely difficult to see when the wipers stop working unexpectedly. The cause seems to be the windshield wasn't sealed properly at the factory, as my father bought the vehicle new and said the windshield has always leaked. I purchased the vehicle from him.

Summary: water leaked around the left side of windshield causing electrical failures, including but not limited to the starter, radio, windshield wipers, headlamps, etc. The water entering the vehicle wet the power distribution box (pdb) and the generic electronic module (gem). These components control various electrical systems in the vehicle. The vehicle continued to attempt to start itself without any key in ignition until it resulted in the starter burning up as well as damaging associated wiring and battery. Vehicle's windshield had to be replaced as was the starter, associated wiring and battery after vehicle was towed to repair facility.

While driving this Expedition I began noticing strange intermittant electrical behavior like the windshield wipers not working, radio turning off, windshield wash light blinking, and 4x4 light blinking. Several times in the middle of the night I'd notice that the headlights would come on on their own. Also the air ride would turn on and off while the car was off, and the heater fan would also come on. This would kill the battery. Several times while driving the 4x4 would turn on in the low gear making it difficult to maneuver. On several occasions the starter would turn on while the car was already running. I replaced the gem module and had the windshield resealed several times, but after just a few months the problems would recur. The final nail in the coffin was when the starter kicked on while running and it took a minute to get the car safely stopped. I could smell smoke from the burned up starter motor. The Expedition has sat for 1. 5 years as I am unable to sell it and am unwilling to put any additional money to fix this lemon.

During rainy periods the stereo and windhshield wipers will turn off and on by themselves. If the truck is turned off the stereo and ac will stay on and locks will lock and unlock by themselves. Smoke comes up from the steering wheel. The turn signals will blink a few times then stop blinkin but the light will stay on.

Multiple instances following rain vehicle turns over but will not start. Removing the key any of the following will occur- heater fan blower comes on and will only go off with the key in and in the on position. Lights may or may not come on. Radio may or may not come on. All this with key out, vehicle empty and closed. Sometimes blower will come on in empty vehicle. If the car starts sometimes the wipers will not work, the horn will not work, radio will not work, lights will not work or blinkers go on. Any or all of this may occur. Sometimes and oder like burning or sour gas will occur. If the rain quits and the vehicle sits for minutes to hours all these symptoms go away. I have pulled the lower kicker panel on the drivers side and found evidence of water below the gem near the edge of the carpet. I believe this to be the problem reported by many as the water entering from the windshield and shorting at the gem fuse connection. I am contacting the dealer, if they will not take care of it I will have a windshield replacement company try to reseal and examine for leaks. This appears to be potenially dangerous if engine would die while driving, light go out or wipers stop working.