As the title says, the truck tries to start on its own without the key in the ignition, as long as the battery is connected. It has a relatively new starter, starter solenoid, alternator, and batteries, as I had issues with the truck randomly dying a few months ago.
It is worth noting that the truck has had significant leaking filling the glove box and passenger floorboard, but I have not seen any leaks on the driver’s side. Other weird issues include the AC running even when the truck is off with the key removed, the dome light flickering, random clicking noises under the dash, the horn fuse blowing after a few uses, and some surface rust around the emergency brake.
I assumed the issue was a windshield leak affecting the GEM module, so I removed it. There was some moisture in the fuse box connectors, but the GEM module appeared dry with no signs of corrosion or shorting. Am I looking in the wrong direction? I thought about checking the ignition cylinder or switch, but the GEM module would explain all these electrical gremlins, right?
Edit: I replaced the GEM module and fuse box, cleaned everything with CRC QD electronic cleaner, and treated it with dielectric grease. The problem is now fixed. I will update if it returns.
What do you mean by the AC running when the truck is off? I am not sure how the compressor could operate without the engine running, although the fan could still blow. It sounds like you might have some stray electrical interference getting into areas it shouldn’t. Perhaps there’s some wiring harness damage causing intermittent shorts to multiple systems?
It sounds like there might be a short in the ignition switch to me. I believe it is located on the left side of the steering column, above the cabin fuse box. If the fuse box has water damage, the ignition switch might have been affected as well.
On this one, the ignition switch is directly beneath the steering wheel. Looks good, but it doesn’t imply it is not a scam. But it’s certainly not near the module.
I had a faulty ignition switch that caused the vehicle to keep trying to start. Fortunately, it was a manual transmission, so when I pressed the clutch to the floor, the starter would engage because the neutral safety switch was temporarily bypassed. The truck operates using a rod or slide assembly based on the key’s position. It might have fallen off the lock cylinder or become stuck in the start position, which would also supply power to all the accessories.
That was my thought process. I pulled them and turned on the ignition. Reinstall them, and it will no longer attempt to start on its own. Yet, there are still electrical gremlins the dome light relay buzzes and turns on the light without any reason, the fan runs without the vehicle keyed in or on, and there are sporadic clicks coming from beneath the dash likely relays going off.