my escapes electrical system is pulsing, headlights, interior lights etc... what could be the problem? please please dont tell me its the alt if it is i might just take it out to pasture and put one in the headlight, could lit be the battery? please help
pulseing electrical system
yarritspete
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So this pulsating lights went one step further on the "annoyance" scale.
As mentioned above, all this pulseing dash/headlights was more of an annoyance. Yesterday, it escalated a level up. That is, the DR L's, from a slightly pulseing went to a very visible on/of at a frequency of about 1 second/cycle. If I turn the headlights on, the pulsation ceases, or is less than minimal. The battery checks OK.
What are my options?
As mentioned above, all this pulseing dash/headlights was more of an annoyance. Yesterday, it escalated a level up. That is, the DR L's, from a slightly pulseing went to a very visible on/of at a frequency of about 1 second/cycle. If I turn the headlights on, the pulsation ceases, or is less than minimal. The battery checks OK.
What are my options?
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Quick update: The pulsing got back to "normal" - small light fluctuations, nothing like the "strobe" effect I had a day ago. I know it will not get any better.
I also had the car checked by the stealer a while ago for this issue, and they said they tested it - the battery & alternator, and everything checked out OK. They told me there might be another "part" behind the dash, they could not access, which might be faulty. They quoted me 100+/hr at about 4 hrs only to open/close the dash + testing that "part". Any insight on this?
I also had the car checked by the stealer a while ago for this issue, and they said they tested it - the battery & alternator, and everything checked out OK. They told me there might be another "part" behind the dash, they could not access, which might be faulty. They quoted me 100+/hr at about 4 hrs only to open/close the dash + testing that "part". Any insight on this?
I think the Daytime Running Lights run on AC current. Well, if not AC, then pulsed rather than DC. If that is the case, you may be getting feedback from the DRL to the rest of the electrical system.
I would attempt to turn off the DRL system, or remove it from the circuit, to see if the pulsation stopped. If it did, I would expect that there is a feedback from the DRL to the rest of the system. When you turn the headlights on, the DRL is disabled, which would remove the pulse, as you report.
tom
Edit: The DRL is not run from A/C current, as I just looked at a PDF of the 2001 escape headlight wiring. If you pull the DRL relay, the lights will not come on unless you manually energize them. I think that will disable High beams...
That would be a good test, but I am thinking that you have an A/C ripple in your alternator output, which can only be 'seen' by an oscilloscope. You may be able to detect A/C with a DVOM.
I would attempt to turn off the DRL system, or remove it from the circuit, to see if the pulsation stopped. If it did, I would expect that there is a feedback from the DRL to the rest of the system. When you turn the headlights on, the DRL is disabled, which would remove the pulse, as you report.
tom
Edit: The DRL is not run from A/C current, as I just looked at a PDF of the 2001 escape headlight wiring. If you pull the DRL relay, the lights will not come on unless you manually energize them. I think that will disable High beams...
That would be a good test, but I am thinking that you have an A/C ripple in your alternator output, which can only be 'seen' by an oscilloscope. You may be able to detect A/C with a DVOM.
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I searched the net and found 2 similar instances for Ford Escape/Mazda tribute, and more on different Ford models, GM and imports. It seems either the DRL module or the DRL relay is toast. Here is link #1: http://www.justanswer.com/ford/1ym6z-drive-2003-ford-escape-driving-20min.html and here is link #2: http://www.fordforums.com/f59/2002-escape-daytime-running-lights-150346/.
Symptom chart of DRL's: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8398177&postcount=4
I will have to test it this weekend.
Symptom chart of DRL's: http://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/showpost.php?p=8398177&postcount=4
I will have to test it this weekend.
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274 Posts
Thanks for posting your followup. It always helps everyone on here to have a history of symptoms and what the final resolution was.
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