Starter problems of the 2002 Ford F-150

The problem started with the vehicle not starting and the battery appearing to be dead. Battery was replaced and now the electrical issues are widespread and out of control. The radio, wipers, dome lights and dash lights go off and on and the starter tries to start the truck after it is running. I have been locked out of the truck due to the locks engaging on their own and I had to pull over in a severe rainstorm due to the wipers that all of a sudden stopped working. It has been root caused to be water intrusion into the vehicle from the windshield getting into the fuse box and the gem module is now bad. I have researched this and it very frustrating to know that this particular vehicle year is well known for this issue. I have read literally a thousand comments of people having the exact same issue with no resolution from Ford. No recall was issued and we have to spend a large sum of money to fix a known issue with this and similar vehicles. Now the Ford dealer is telling me the gem module has been on back order for months as they are resourcing the product, so I can't even get the parts to fix it. I am fortunate this did not result in a severe accident or fire.

My 2002 Ford f150 XLT sup cab 4wd v8 has been acting up for a month or so it started by acting like it had a dead battery but that wasn't it we used 2 new battery's in it so the local mechanic shop showed us how to remove the hot post have the truck turned on but not cranked and when you replace the hot post watch for the rpm to race to the highest then back down to 0 then crank it this is a two man job by the way and it worked then it just stopped needing to be done and has been running fine I drove it on Tuesday no problems and today Friday someone came inside and told me the truck was cranking on its own I had the only set of keys in my pocket so I thought impossible well I went to check and sure enough it was trying to start on its own I got into the truck and tried to crank it but it wouldn't start on my 3rd try it turned over but sounded like the starter was banging into something and now that I have read multiple cases where peoples truck has caught on fire while no one was in it and it had not been driven in a few days I wonder if there truck had tried to start on its own and they just didn't know it im going to call Ford motor company tomorrow but the people whose trucks caught on fire got no help from them im hoping they will help me before my truck catches on fire its undriveable at this point but a fire would not only destroy any chance of fixing it but the damage the truck could cause to other things or people around it would be irreversible has anyone else had there truck to crank without a person or key near it ? here's hoping Ford motor company cares about there customers.

2002 Ford f150. 4x4. 5. 4 l v8. Drivers side leaky windshield. Leak causes corrosion of electrical components under dash. The gem module; which controls most all electronics on the dash; radion, 4x4, wipers, headlights controls, heating and air conditioning controls. Due to the corrosion or the gem module and fuse box on drivers side of vehicle the starter will randomly engage itself as well. Many of the relays under the dash are under abnormal conditions. During the malfunction of the above two items the relays will "chatter" constantly. All of the above conditions will happen with the keys out of the ignition. With no keys in the ignition the fan blower will still run, headlights stay on ( in auto position). Numerous other electrical problems. There are numerous postings or identical troubles on the internet. Countless Ford mechanics will tell of same troubles.

I have had the 02' f150 just over one year and have had problems with the windshield leaking into the cab. I have found that this is a common problem in the 97' to 03' f150 model via Ford forums and other internet groups. This leak shorts out the fuse panel causing the loss in power in various equipment including the windshield wipers. This short has also caused the instrument panel to fail causing the computer to not read what gear the truck is in which has caused the truck not to start or stop running while the truck is in operation. The only way the fix the problem is to have the windshield removed and resealed as well as replacing the fuse panel replaced. Others as well as I have had to have other repairs made due to the leak including the instrument panel, starter, relay, alternator, and the ignition sensor. I have had to make these repairs out of pocket as no manufacture recall has been issued, only a special service bulletin. Ford has been contacted about this issue but has stated that it is not a safety issue.

I have had the 02' f150 since December 07' and have had major problems with the windshield leaking. I have found that this is a common problem with in the 97' to 03' f150 models via Ford forums and other internet sites as well as the local Ford dealer repair shop who worked on my truck. This leak shorts out the fuse panel in the cab that causes the loss of power to equipment including the windshield wipers which is a safety issue when driving in inclement weather. The leak also tends to short out the instrument panel causing the computer to be unable to read what gear the truck is in. This causes the truck to not start and even shut down while driving which again is a safety issue while driving in any condition. This leak cost me $1500 dollars in repairs due to damage to the starter, relay, alternator, computer, fuse panel, and having to replacing the windshield. I was told by Ford that this leak was not a safety issue and have only issued a special service bulletin! I can not understand how the windshield leak is not a safety issue yet a recall can be issued for fading paint?.

The truck was driven back from the store, a distance of a few miles, then parked in my driveway. Apprximately 30 minutes later I head what sounded like a compressor running out in the street. Went out into the driveway and found the starter was turning over the engine. The truck had been turned off when parked and the key was removed. Went back inside got the key, and turned the ignition switch to the "run" position. Truck started and ran. Turned off ignition and removed key, but the starter continued to turn engine. Did this several times before letting the engine run for approximately 5 minutes, then finally was able to turn off ignition and starter did not crank the engine. Next morning truck would not start. Truck was towed and had to have starter replaced because it had burned out. The truck has only 15,000 miles. Called local Ford service department where truck was purchased and they said they were unaware of any problems with starters. Obviously there is a problem with starter engaging by itself.