Two problems related to dash wiring have been reported for the 2001 Ford F-250. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
On November 20th I came hoome home from shopping around 8:30pm ,paprked in driveway ,turned truck off went inside tool care of dogs went out t truck to get packages. Came in went to bed around 10:00pm. My husband came home from work at 1:30am parked in driveway sdidnt notice anything . Sunday moring November 21st went to start truck(8:55 am) to warm up before going top get the paper , and when I opened my door to the truck it smelt and was black , the dash melted I called the police and they called the fire company the fire was out . I made a police report and the fire marshal made a report ,which he concluded the fire started in the four wheel drive swich . Later that week the insurance man came looked at truck and said it would probably be a total loss,which I just received a letter from Ford, they can not help me deal with the insurance CO. It would cost about 12,000. To fix and the book value is 23,000. But the fact is that the wiring from the 4x4 swich is what started the fire . I plan on going to Ford with this being they didnt send anyone out to look at my truck but are saying they cant help me .
After noticing different electrical items remaining energized after the ignition was turned off I began doing some research. What I have learned through the local Ford dealer is that the windshield sealant compound used was of poor quality from the manufacturer. Overtime this allows water to seep in around the front windshield and drains into the drivers side dash area. This location houses the fuse panel and gem (generic electronic module). The water that enters the fuse panel and gem causes both units to short out, and could potentially cause a fire. The early signs of a problem are the ac fan running with the ignition off, the clock on the radio flashing when it should be off (ignition off), and the electric windows, door locks, and power mirrors to work intermittently. Ford dealers are very aware of this problem and state that though Ford motor company admits using poor quality sealant, they refuse to fix any of the fuse boxes or gems. While inspecting the underside of my dash I have also noted that the linkage for the brakes, passing through the firewall, is extremely rusty. Eventually this rust could cause an owner to experience brake failure caused by a broken linkage.