98 Sable, electrical cutout when usign HVAC. - Ford Forums - Mustang Forum, Ford Trucks, Ford Focus and Ford Cars

Dragdad · 05-19-2011, 09:00

Hi gang,

I have recently been experiencing a complete loss of power when at a stop or in park when I engage any HVAC commands. This happens intermittently but when it does, you know it. The result is as if I completely disconnected the battery, clock resets and the power assist goes away, tach drops... etc..

Any thoughts, suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

**Bert** · 05-19-2011, 12:13

I'd start with checking the grounds and connections to the battery and engine.

Dragdad · 05-19-2011, 12:39

Thanks Bert, as soon as home from work will do that.

Dragdad · 05-19-2011, 16:37

So I go to leave work about 15 minutes ago and nothing... Turn the key to the on position which usually gives me all the lights on the dash. Blank, no lights, I move the shift lever and all of a sudden, the little lights come on. I turn the key further to start the car and nothing. Lights instantly go out. Safe to assume the Neutral safety switch? That's what I am going for. Unless somebody stops me.. lol

I am sitting here waiting on my wife so I'll be online for another 15 minutes or so..

**Bert** · 05-19-2011, 17:59

I doubt that it's the neutral switch. More than likely it's a connection problem. Since moving the shift lever things change, it's possible it's in the steering column or in the dash area.

**jwko** · 05-19-2011, 18:40

If it were the neutral safety switch it wouldn't affect the dash lights & ect, it would only keep it from starting.

You may have a ignition switch (not key switch) issue.

Dragdad · 05-20-2011, 05:00

Thanks guys, neutral safety switch it is not. Took all of about 3 minutes to change out and check. I may end up taking this thing to a shop and see what's what. Any others suggestions feel free to share. I'll be in the office all day checking out as many suggestions as possible before delivery to a mechanic.

I located 2 ground's in the engine compartment last evening and they both appear to be attached securely, any suggestions as to how many grounds there may be and the locations?

Thanks again.

Dragdad · 05-20-2011, 09:44

Still spitballing here.... as Jwko suggested, is the ignition module the same as or connected to the key/ignition tumbler?

**jwko** · 05-20-2011, 10:13

Yes. It's a ignition switch and is located under the dash on top of the steering column, connected by a rod to the key switch.

Dragdad · 05-23-2011, 08:53

So I'm still thinking about this and I am a bit perplexed as to why the car shuts down when the HVAC is activated. I'm hoping a ground somewhere is giving me fits. I am going to check the fuses and relays as well. This is not an everyday car so it can sit and be my experiment for the next week or so.

Any further suggestions are appreciated.