Ford Expedition Beeping Problems? (6 Causes & Solutions)

The Ford Expedition is a three-row SUV built with family in mind.

Like any other vehicle though, it has its beeps, chimes and noises when something is up.

In this quick guide, we’ll help you get to the root of why your Expedition keeps beeping.

Ford Expedition Beeping

A common cause of beeping on a Ford Expedition is the airbag warning lamp has blown in the gauge cluster. The problem is not necessarily related to the airbags themselves, however if the bulb has blown then the beeping noise is the only way to alert the driver to a warning light that is no longer working.

There is a quick and simple way to check this:

  1. Turn the key to the ‘ON’ position.
  2. Observe the gauge cluster
  3. All lamps should illuminate, including the airbag lamp
  4. If it doesn’t you will hear the beeping noise

The gauge cluster refers to the collection of driving instruments behind the wheel and includes things such as speedometer, fuel gauge, warning lights and tachometer.

If there is no light for the airbag warning in the dash when you turn the key on, then you’ll need to replace the bulb and the beeping should stop, be sure to also check for loose connections.

If changing the faulty bulb didn’t do the trick or you’re not confident to change the bulb yourself, we advise contacting your local Ford dealership.

From the Ford Expedition Owners Manual:

A difficulty with the [SRS] system is indicated by one or more of the following:

  • The readiness light (airbag light in the instrument cluster) will not illuminate immediately after you switch the ignition on.
  • The readiness light either flashes or stays lit.
  • A series of five beeps will be heard. The tone pattern will repeat periodically until the problem, the light or both are repaired.
Airbag light

If any of these things happen, even intermittently, have the supplemental restraint system serviced at an authorized dealer immediately.

Unless serviced, the system may not function properly in the event of a crash.

Note: SRS is the Supplementary Restraint System which is essentially the vehicle’s airbags.

Ford Expedition Beeps When Driver Door is Open

If your Ford Expedition beeps when a door is open this can be caused by a faulty headlight switch, a faulty ignition switch or damaged wires. Since the headlights being on, or the key being in the ignition will cause the chime to sound, one of these switches may have a loose connection or be faulty.

It is normal to hear beeping when the driver door is open if you have done any of the following:

  • Left your key in the ignition and the driver door is open
  • Left you lights on and the driver door is open

If you are experiencing a beep or a ding noise and you have not done any of the above, then it might be caused by a certain blue wire.

  1. Remove the steering column shrouds
  2. You will see a blue wire that enters the key switch assembly itself
  3. This wire is responsible for causing the ‘ding’ noise for leaving the key in the ignition
  4. It grounds the wire when the key is inserted thus shutting off the alarm
  5. If the wire comes loose it will never ground out
  6. So the ding will activate when ever the door is open, key or no key.
  7. You can use a small zip tie to make sure its kept firmly in place.
  8. This shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes.

Ford Expedition Beeps While Driving

If you are experiencing beeping whilst driving your Ford Expedition this may be caused by a faulty door latch, if you have a ‘door ajar’ light on the dashboard then this is almost certainly the case, these latches can often become stuck.

Faulty latches are quite common – you may need to have it replaced although you should first try lubricating it with something like WD-40.

If it’s not related to the door sensor/latch then it could be caused by a damaged wire.

A lot of mysterious beeps and electrical problems can be traced back to damaged wire(s) in the boot between the body and the driver’s door.

It could also be related to a faulty door ajar switch.

You may also be interested in our article: Ford Expedition Tune-Up & Maintenance Costs

Ford Expedition Beeps Twice When Locking

If your Ford Expedition beeps or honks twice when you lock it this can be caused by a second set of keys being left in the car, a door being left open or not shut properly, keys left in the ignition or if the hood is open.

It’s the car’s way of telling you something isn’t right.

You may also notice two honks if you leave a phone or iPad or accessory plugged in the charging port and walk away from the vehicle, for example, to a gas station.

It’s never a good idea to leave valuables on display especially in an unlocked vehicle.

Parking Aids: False Beeps

The parking aid feature senses obstacles within a certain range of your Expedition and gives detection warnings. However, certain add-on devices installed around the bumper or fascia may create false beeps.

For example:

  • Large trailer hitches
  • Bike or surfboard racks
  • License plate brackets
  • Bumper covers
  • Or any other device that may block the normal detection zone of the system.

You can turn the system on or off by pressing the parking aid button.

Other Possible Causes of Beeps

In some instances weight on the passenger seat from a bag, groceries or even a pet dog can cause the seatbelt chime to go off, in which case you can try fastening the passenger seat belt.

Checking for things like a blown headlight or brake light bulb is also a good idea.

Low fluid levels may also trigger a warning beep, so its worth checking things like windshield washer etc.

Related: Ford Expedition Alarm Going Off? (7 Causes & Solutions)

Resources

https://www.fordservicecontent.com/Ford_Content/Catalog/owner_information/2021-Ford-Expedition-Owners-Manual-version-1_om_EN-US_10_2020.pdf

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Author:

  • Ian Sawyer

    Growing up with a father who was a mechanic I had an appreciation for cars and motorcycles from an early age. I shared my first bike with my brother that had little more than a 40cc engine but it opened up a world of excitement for me, I was hooked. As I grew older I progressed onto bigger bikes and...