2000 7.3 won't crank

[ozutah]

2000 will not turn over. Batteries are new and are fully charged. When ignition is off here noises under hood like something is running. Small red batt Charging light on left side of instrument panel is on and the ignition key chimes go on and off by themselves with no key in the ignition. Doorlocks also cycle on and off by themselves. The air bag light goes on and off dimly and the abs light blinks. Also the blower is on for the heat. All this with no key in the ignition. BTW, it did rain a lot today and I drove in it for about two hours. SOme of this is also a problem I could never seem to fix. Whenever it rains hard the speedo is either inop, overdrive light blinks, blower is on although thr ignition is off. I was hoping the recent PCM change would've fixed this.

[NoRalPh]

Wow, it's possessed!!!

When mine did that kind of stuff I found this -> POTENTIAL ELECTRICAL CORROSION if your truck is like mine......


If not, could your GEM module be wet? Has it been raining lately? (windshield leaks onto the Gem aren't uncommon)

Have a good look at all the batt connections and grounds maybe.....

[ozutah]

Noralphs,
What is the GEM Module and where is it located? I couldn't find it in my manual. Also I can not find the cooroded post you mentioned. I have the AFE stage 2 air filter. I removed all the hardware and the fenderwheel is exposed and I can't see it anywhere. Also, would the GCM cause it not to crank? Thanks for the help!

[ozutah]

Removed GEM and took it apart. No visible signs that it was ever wet inside. Still trying to figure out how to take fusebox apart. There is noticeble rust on the hood opening mechanism and other areas. If I can get it to start I will replace the windshield and seal all the cab lights. I still can't find the corroded post under the hood on top of the firewall though.

[ozutah]

I have found that the windshield is indeed leaking. Also found out a new GEm is $533.00. Since the truck usually is fine win it's dry I'm going to dry everything out thoroughly and put it back together and hopefully it starts. Then get a new windshield ASAP. Especially since I had this one sealed last week after the PCM change. I guess when it rains hard the noisture is still getting through.

[NoRalPh]

You have So Many symptoms at the same time, it's hard to find the common denominator for them all. I'm not sure if the GEM would prevent you from starting, I wouldn't think so though...

Before the PCM change you had some of these issues too (with the dash and heater and all?) Have you pulled the PCM to check the connection plug and signs of water there too?

Your 2000 may not have that "High Current" connector block like mine...

With the rust and leaks you're seeing I would next go for body grounds. There are a dz or more to find but a "dodgy" ground connection might well be the cause. UnScrew 'em, Scrape 'em, Grease 'em & Tighten them ALL under the dash & under the hood.

[ozutah]

The drying out fixed all the gremlins. It wouldn't crank because the starter relay went bad at the same time. All good. Get a new windshield tomorrow and go snowmobiling this weekend!!!!!!!!!!