TheOtherBarber

Hi,
I drive an '84 Cougar LS 3.8 and I've recently had problems with some electrical components of my car. It started on a very rainy day, so I just assumed the moisture was causing some kind of problem (not sure why I thought this, since water conducts electricity), but it's now August and it's nice and dry. I checked a few fuses today and they were all fine, I cycled the key a few times and it randomly worked maybe 2/10 times and when I started the car it stopped working. The problem still persists and I could really use some help!

Things that aren't working:
Fuel Gage
Windshield Wipers (and washer fluid dispenser)
Digital Clock
Radio (aftermarket)
Windows

Also, before it went out for good whenever I would open my glove box the clock would shut off and it would come back on once I shut the glove box door again.

Bert

Those all run off of the same circuit from the ignition switch. My guess is that the ignition switch needs replacing. There should be power in the black/light green wire with the key on. If not, the switch is bad. If there is, the wire to the fuse box or connections in the line is the problem.

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Bert

TheOtherBarber

Okay thanks, I'd try and fix it myself but my tools and skills are limited. I'll pass the info on to the mechanic and see If i can get that fixed.

I have another question. While my stereo was being installed the power antenna switch somehow got pushed back to where you can't see the switch anymore and it is stuck into the 'up' control. I took the panel off yesterday that holds the switch, the 'premium sound' switch and the cig. lighter and the board seems to be hot glued into the panel? What can I do to fix this...

Bert

I'm not familiar with that. Can you post a picture of it to refresh my memory?

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Bert

TheOtherBarber

Here's where the Antenna, Premium Sound and Lighter are:



Here's a closeup of the Antenna Switch:

Bert

That center trim panel has to be removed to gain access to the switch. Not just the small one around the switches and lighter. I don't remember. Being right there, I could figure it out.

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Bert

TheOtherBarber

Okay, now that I know it's either the Ignition Switch or the wires, I'll tell the mechanic (planning to take the car up in the morning) and I'll keep updating with new info and such.

TheOtherBarber

Update: Got the car back a couple of days ago and all is better.
The mechanic said he may have 'knocked a wire loose' while he was working on the car and it seems he was correct. The radio doesn't turn on now but it will eject discs, I'm guessing it's just the little blue wire splice thing has just come disconnected.

Thanks for the help Bert, I'll be sure to come back in the future if I have any more problems!

Bert

Thanks for the update. Glad things are working again.

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Bert

TheOtherBarber

I'm just making a new post on here instead of starting a whole new thread as it pertains to the same line of problems.

When the mechanic changed the Ignition Switch he seemingly forgot to hook up the main power connection to the radio.

My question is how can I do this at home and how exactly do I take off the lower dash panel to get to the wires to fix it? I tried to take it off the other day but the light pull switch (I don't know the proper name, toggle switch?) was holding it on.

The radio will eject discs but that's all it will do. It won't even make the beeping noise it used to make when I turn off the car.