Need help

[95SHOgirl]

My #5 15A fuse keeps blowing. As soon as I put a new one in and start the engine or turn the key to the on position, the fuse blows. Need advice soon because I don't have turn signals and can get pulled over for failure to use turn signals. All flashers work, however, the climate control, interior lights and power door locks don't work.

I've been quoted as low as $40 to as high as $80 an hour for them to fix the problem. The situation is that I don't trust them because they could take advantage of me.

 

[FREAK_SHO]

Sounds like your head light rotory switch may have shorted out. There is a recall kit I believe to fix this. New head light switch and hevier duty wiring. I had to do this not long ago for similar reasons as yours.

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

I PMed you with what I got so far...(it still isnt fixed)

My power door locks still work.

Also, what were your problems and how did the head light switch fix it?? My head lights still work fine and the switch works well also.

 

[95SHOgirl]

Sounds like your head light rotory switch may have shorted out. There is a recall kit I believe to fix this. New head light switch and hevier duty wiring. I had to do this not long ago for similar reasons as yours.

I don't think it's the headlight switch because that works fine. Even my headlight sensor works when it gets dark outside my headlight come on by themselves. My brake lights work. My highbeams work. My hadzards work. I'm really stumped by this problem and have to get this fixed before winter comes. Right at this point, it will have to wait until my next pay. For now, I have no turn signals and no EATC.

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

I don't think it's the headlight switch because that works fine. Even my headlight sensor works when it gets dark outside my headlight come on by themselves. My brake lights work. My highbeams work. My hadzards work. I'm really stumped by this problem and have to get this fixed before winter comes. Right at this point, it will have to wait until my next pay. For now, I have no turn signals and no EATC.

Well, if you do get it fixed, ask them what the problem was and what they had to do to fix it. I would really love it if you posted that info. on here then.

 

[FREAK_SHO]

The auto lights and the headlight switch worked fine for me as well...this took alot of r&r. I lost the following because of the head light switch:
Turn signals yet hazzards worked.
Reverse lamps
Climate control and couple other strange things i can not think of. The head light switch is a hub of sorts for alot of the electrical functions in the car.
It is easy to check. just remove the bezel containing the headlight switch clock ext. and look at the wiring on the headlight switch. Mine was blackened, and the switch itself was somewhat melted.
But as I stated, head lights and the auto lamps would still work. Worth a 5 min look.

Dave

Just remembered this symptom...I could not keep the #5 fuse from blowing.

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

The auto lights and the headlight switch worked fine for me as well...this took alot of r&r. I lost the following because of the head light switch:
Turn signals yet hazzards worked.
Reverse lamps
Climate control and couple other strange things i can not think of. The head light switch is a hub of sorts for alot of the electrical functions in the car.
It is easy to check. just remove the bezel containing the headlight switch clock ext. and look at the wiring on the headlight switch. Mine was blackened, and the switch itself was somewhat melted.
But as I stated, head lights and the auto lamps would still work. Worth a 5 min look.

Dave

Just remembered this symptom...I could not keep the #5 fuse from blowing.

I will be checking that tonight and reporting back.

This sounds waaay too close to the problems we are having. If this is it, what do you replace...the whole switch?

 

[FREAK_SHO]

yes, this was either a recall or a TSB and Ford should have kit so to speak with the switch and new wiring all in one box.

I went to ford and mentioned the recall/TSB for the headlight switch for the taurus due to a melt down and they were able to come up with the parts...It was a pretty easy fix. just took a lot of searching on my part.

Dave

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

yes, this was either a recall or a TSB and Ford should have kit so to speak with the switch and new wiring all in one box.

I went to ford and mentioned the recall/TSB for the headlight switch for the taurus due to a melt down and they were able to come up with the parts...It was a pretty easy fix. just took a lot of searching on my part.

Dave

I just called the dealership and they said they had the following for the TSB I found on the internet.

TSB# and Issue Date
98S01 MAY 98 Recall - Headlamp Switch


Harness kit – $21.45
Switch & terminal (B3 kit) – $26.30

They said they could get either kit and it would take 1 day. Do you have any idea which kit it is? I am guessing the switch and terminal kit...not the wiring harness kit that plugs into the terminal of the switch kit.

Let me know.

 

[FREAK_SHO]

I do believe it was the switch and terminal - What I ended up doing with this is as follows:
disconnect battery, Remove dash panel, remove original switch, replace with new switch, then splice in the new terminal. yes there is some cutting of wires, and splicing to do. but everything is color coded obviously. Plus the instructions included were pretty precise.

Dave

Plus that cost is in line with what I remember..

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

You replaced the headlight switch right? It has a connector on the back of it. (Just removed it from my parts car.) So what splicing of wires are you referring to?

Unless your talking about the autolamp stuff down below.

 

[FREAK_SHO]

the wiring loom(plug) had melted into the switch. the new teriminal(plug) that came with the new switch will need to be spliced to the existing switch wiring harness in the dash.
I cut the original plug out, and replaced with the new one.

Dave

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

AHHHHHHHHHHH

Now its making sense. The plug melts to the switch. I got the one out of my parts car and its in great shape (switch and plug...unclipped with no problems). Looks like I will be tackling it tonight...we will see how right (or wrong) you are.

 

[FREAK_SHO]

Just Curious-did the switch solve anything?

 

[NiNeTy Fo SHO]

Just Curious-did the switch solve anything?

I pulled out the headlight switch on the SHO that keeps blowing fuse #5. The harness was not melted at all to the switch. I thoroughly inspected the harness and it looked fine, so I just replaced the head light switch. I re-assembled and replaced fuse #5. I turn the key to the on position and everything is working. (Same thing it did before.) I start the car and everything is still working. (It usually blows after starting the car, but sometimes it takes a min. or 2). So I shut off the car and go out to drive it the next day. As soon as it fires up, the EATC shuts off...fuse #5 is blown again.

I am thinking maybe it has something to do with the blend door actuator. The BDA doesnt work when the car is off...

I am about raedy to take it to the dealer and see if they can find it. They said they do a "45 minute test where their special technicians will most likly find the problem which is probably a short somewhere." A short? No ****! If they dont find it, I am still out the $90 for them to do the test.

 

[FREAK_SHO]

Sorry I tried, keep us posted as to what you find out. I am currious.

Dave