2024 Sidewinder L-TX GT Won't power up intermittently

[rx1guy]

Looking for a hint if anyone has had this happen. After sitting (will even do it after sitting in a heated shop) when trying to start it up, the cluster and lights turn on, fuel pump cycles momentarily and then they all turn off. Have tried wiggling kill switch, turning key switch on and off, nothing. I found tonight ( been in trailer outside for 3 days) if I left the key on and kill switch on after a couple of minutes the lights flickered a bit and then everything powered up. It will then start and work perfect. It only has about 800km on it and has always run perfectly. I am just worried it might get worse and not fire up sometime. I don't have a schematic to try and see what is going on. Any thoughts?

 

[74Nitro]

First thing I'd check is the battery connections. Make sure the bolts are tight.
Also, the hood removal plug. Is is completely together?

 

[rx1guy]

First thing I'd check is the battery connections. Make sure the bolts are tight.
Also, the hood removal plug. Is is completely together?

I did check the battery cables. I will check the hood plug, Thanks!

 

[Fords4life]

Make sure all fuses are fully seated in fuse box.

 

[74Nitro]

Are both black wires fastened at the battery?

 

[Turboflash]

Check for scraped, frayed wires up by front fuse block. The main harness can rub against sharp edges of the mounting plate.

 

[sideshowBob]

Replace all the relays with sealed ones while you are at it.

 

[74Nitro]

This is a 2024, I've never had any issues with the smaller sealed relays they come with.

 

[Turboflash]

This is a 2024, I've never had any issues with the smaller sealed relays they come with.

The stock ones work fine until they don't, when you least need a malfunction, miles from home. The unsealed stock ones can (and do) freeze up under certain conditions and then they will stop working. Want to take a chance on that? IMO, it's cheap insurance to replace them with sealed ones.

 

[rx1guy]

Haven't had a chance to check it out more yet. I assume it would be a main relay problem if it was a faulty relay. Looks like the lighting relays and fuel pump relays are the same. Will probably switch with a lighting relay and see what happens.

 

[Turboflash]

There's 5 pin (30A) and 4 pin (20A) so they won't interchange. I believe the fuel pump and main are 5 pin 30A, and the rest are 4 pin 20 amp.

 

[74Nitro]

The stock ones work fine until they don't, when you least need a malfunction, miles from home. The unsealed stock ones can (and do) freeze up under certain conditions and then they will stop working. Want to take a chance on that? IMO, it's cheap insurance to replace them with sealed ones.

They are sealed.

 

[74Nitro]

There's 5 pin (30A) and 4 pin (20A) so they won't interchange. I believe the fuel pump and main are 5 pin 30A, and the rest are 4 pin 20 amp.

In the fuse box, there are 2 larger relays for reverse. There are four smaller 4-pin that are all identical, 20A. 2022 and up are standard equipment shorter versions, sealed also.
I haven't had a single issue with this style on all the Winders that I service.

 

[Turboflash]

They are sealed.

So, '22 & newer, all relays are sealed?

 

[sideshowBob]

I still could be a faulty relay issue even if they are sealed....worth a try and may be a cheap quick fix