I know electrical work and be long and tedious. I never know if a mechanic knows much about the electrical systems with out it taking them 8 hrs and with most mechanics charge, well that can get pricey. Also don't want to be charged with something that he can't fix.
My station wagon is older so things are pretty basic. No I can not do this myself.
Any suggestions. Went to past blogs but it was about engines.
what seems to be the electrical issue you're having, hammerhead?
also, you've given the year, but what model is your Ford?
I've often been able to find information on the web for specific problems with specific models, but it can take some digging around and sorting through forum posts.
LOL you ask what is NOT the problem. I bought a gorgeous 1988 crown victoria station wagon. Yes it is huge and I just love it.
Ok the horns were going off,(apparently there are 2) when turning the steering wheel that was fun. The tail gate window does not roll down. Fuses yes maybe checking on that next. Most likely wiring issues.
I did go on line some what to charge. Some just gave me info. I don't know ANYTHING about electrical stuff. I do know how to put oil in it and other basic stuff. I do have 302 5.0 in it.
Hi Hammerhead,
Horn going off when turning the wheel...first thing that occurs to me is that is local to the wheel. There's usually a contact or two under the steering wheel pad that activates the horn. If the frames or springs have been bent out of shape or broken (say from someone banging their fist on the steering wheel, while cursing our the driver in front of them) that could cause the issue you experienced. Usually you can just pull that big padded cover off, (usually there are a couple of friction pins that hold it in) but go slow and carefully so as not to break anything. Once you can see the switches, you should be able to tell if they are damaged or making contact on their own when the wheel is turned.
Rear window could be a fuse, or the motor itself, both relatively straightforward and easy to check. Hopefully the rear window is stuck closed and not open.
Neither of those problems is necessarily an indication of an overall wiring problem. Are there other weird electrical things? Lights going on and off by themselves? Gauges that sometimes work and sometimes not?
One advantage to having an older car like this is that the electrical system is likely to be just basic connections, and not controlled by some central computer like in many modern cars.
I have a friend who is a mechanic here in town (in Magnolia though). He's been in the business awhile and I can ask him if he has any recommendations for a car electrical person/shop.
Checking the horn switches and rear window fuse and motor are pretty easy for any mechanic to do though, and I suspect you could start with that with any local mechanic you feel good about without breaking the bank. If you can tell them what you want them to do, they should be able to give you an estimate before they start.
I'm down near Morgan Junction. If you're close by or want to come down, I'd be happy to take a look at it for you, too. My user name links to my email.
Hammerhead, does your Crown Vic have a driver side airbag? If so, don't try to take the cover off yourself.
Uh no it is a 1988. I don't think they existed back then.:)
Um what is that an xray of?
On the other thread on needing a mechanic there were some good recommendations, I think I am going to go there.
MrJT
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Try Highline Electric in Burien. I have had them work on cars in the past and they did a great job at a fair price.
http://www.hilineautoelectric.com/
Chrisma I just emailed you.
Fords of that era had known issues with electrical connections (both shorts and opens ) in the steering column. My 89 mercury sable and 93 sable both had odd issues. The 89 I replaced a few switches and the multifunction switch associated with wipers and signals but it was a pain tracing the bad parts and a terror getting to them. The 93 had an air bag so I gave the car away after pulling the interior and dash light bulbs that decided one night to stay on all the time.
The crown vic was a fleet vehicle of choice for many years of cabs and cops so there might be a lot of detailed info on the net concerning troubleshooting steering column related issues.
Thanks, Ken. Appreciate the heads up.
I think I'm going to take a look at it for Hammerhead over the weekend, so I'll do some research before then. Luckily, no airbag in this one.
Cheers!
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