ZevoOptik

Hello,

Yesterday, for the first time I used my spare key to drive my cougar, parked it over night and all was well. Today, when I went to start it, the car unlocked fine, and the dash was working. I put the key in and turned it, everything went dead, the dash, lights, the ding.

We tested the battery, its fine. The solenoid of the starter, when the key is turned, is not recieving any power. We've tested some of the relays and fuses for the starter, the junction box itself is recieving power.

With the key turned to accessory, the following happens:
what works in the car:
Trunk Release
Dome Light
Dash
Door Locks
Stereo

What doesn't work:
Head Lights
Horn
Starter

When the key is turned to ignition(start), everything dies.

It seems as though anything internal, possibly anything not run through the computer, seems to be working until the key is turned over. It's obviously something electrical, but I don't know where to start. A possible short in a wire? Or perhaps the car's ECU died? Any help would be appreciated.

Also, when I was removing the air intake, I jiggled the air flow wire and my wipers turned on once.

rob123m

Hello
Start at the ignition switch.


Rob

thefonz

I can't stress this enough, check your connections, especially grounds.
Connections must be clean and tight.

Johnny Mullet

Is the "THEFT" light blinking rapidly? Spare key programmed?

01 Cougar have PATS? I can't remember if they do or not.

thefonz

Cougar 1999-2002 is PATS

ZevoOptik

No the anti theft light does not blink. When the key is turned to start, everything dies including the dash except the ding which becomes very very quiet. Otherwise I have interior power to the dome light, glove box, stereo, and dash if the key is turned to on or accessory.

thefonz

When you turn the key to start,(not run) radio and dash will cut out. This is normal. Neutral safety switch? Other than that, post #3 in this thread. then get back with us.

ZevoOptik

It would seem that the anti theft had kicked in. I tried something really simple. I unplugged the battery for a half hour, plugged it back in, and it was good as new. I knew right away without even having to start the car that it did the trick because the headlights worked. I REALLY appreciate all the input you guys gave here, it's nice to recieve friendly replies when a person is in need. I will definitely keep visiting these forums to see if I can give suggestions to others' problems as well. Thank you all again.