Problematic Electrical Story.

[JimGravelle]

Hey everyone!

It all started as "what was thought to be" a dead battery this morning. The cold battery didn't have enough of a charge to turn the motor over. A quick boost from the auto-club fixed that.

So after talking with our good president, Ed, whom I purchased the battery from just a little over 2 years ago, I proceeded over to the closest Ford dealership. A quick test of the battery revealed it was ok...so I opted for the $40 electrical system check. That passed also.

So the mechanic pulled the battery lead wire and connected a tester between the lead wire and the negative post of the battery. With the key out of the ignition and the doors closed the light on the tester pulsated quite brightly! Aw! A drain on the battery...slowly killing it in the night.

So the pulling of fuses began....the offending circuit was identified! Marked by the label "Int Lps", on the under-dash fuse panel lid. After many attempts to locate the offending bulb/switch we gave up. Turns out I "need" to get their electrical expert on the job...ouch that could get pricey!

Anyone have any idea what it could be? I'd like to get this resolved soon! For tonight I pulled the 'suspect' fuse in order to prevent the need for another boost in the morning. The manual lists a bunch of lights the fuse is to support...but I'm not a real believer in its accuracy.

What could it be? The pulsating led me to think about the Hazards...or the flasher modules. But they are on a separate fuse. Upon pulling the fuse tonight I noticed that not only did I lose my interior lights...I also lost the power door locks. Hmmm....

I hope to be in Hamilton on Sunday at Sean's (hint...hint) to try and isolate the problem. Anyone know the electrical systems in these cars that can lend a hand? Paul? ;)

Thanks,

Jim.

[SeanMatteson]

Jim,

We can take a quick look at this tomorrow, but aside from swapping the upper IC tube for yours, I'm not sure how much time I'll have for us to spend at my place on your car. I've got Steve Richards coming out for a social call in the morning, and if I tie up the whole day with Super Coupe stuff, I'm only going to inflame my wife again. ...I'm sure you understand.

Regards,

Sean

[JimGravelle]

Sean,

No...I understand. I thought while you were playing with my upper IC tube...I'd try once again to isolate the problem. ;)

I'd do it elsewhere...but you have a nice garage...out of the very cold elements we've been facing this last little while.

Hope you don't mind.

Jim.

[Paul93SC]

First off, sure I can come out to help on Sunday... what time are you gonna be there?

Second, (and I know you're not gonna want to hear this) the "INT LPS" fuse powers a whole sh!tload of stuff.

all interior lights (and I mean ALL lights including glovebox, map lights, and center console glovebox light)
power mirrors (inside and outside)
keyless entry module
hood and trunk lights
DRL module

First thing to do is isolate which circuit off this fuse is the culprit. Do you have an EVTM manual for your car Jim?

[JimGravelle]

Paul,

I was thinking around 2pm. (want to sleep in a little ;) )

Is that time good for you Sean?

And to answer your other question: what's an EVTM manual? :rolleyes:

Jim.

[Paul93SC]

Electrical & Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual. You did however answer my question with your's :D

I'll bring my 93 manual... it might be of some use.

See you around 2 unless Sean posts with different info.

[SeanMatteson]

Jim,

Did you manage to get Greg's spanner wrench? I'm assuming you did.

2 PM sounds fine. I'll see you guys then. I think Les mentioned that he may stop by too.

Cheers,

Sean

[MercsSC]

Maybe ?

Bulletin Number: BC6555900329
DEAD BATTERY CAUSED BY GLOVE BOX LIGHT STAYING ON-ALL FORD RC

glove box run off that Circuit Jim ?
I don't have a 93 wiring diagram yet so don't know if it applys

[JimGravelle]

MersSC...ya...the glove box is on that circuit. I checked it and it's turning off properly.

So on Sunday, at Sean's place, Paul hooked up his ultra cool voltmeter to see what all the fuss was about. With the fuses for the alarm and the suspect circuit pulled ...the draw on the battery (and correct me if I'm wrong Paul) was 40 milliamps, or .04 amps. Very little. With the suspect circuit connected the numbers jumped to 87-100 milliamps. Don't know why it fluctuated, but still ok numbers. The last was plugging in the alarm. Of course the numbers increased, but to around 140 milliamps, or .14 amps. Which is still good ...no problems.

So I described the problem a little further to Sean and Paul and they suggested checking the positive lead to the starter solenoid. So we jacked up the car and I climbed underneath. The plastic insulator around the connector just crumbed in my hand when I tried to unplug it. With all of the plastic away, and still connected, I noticed quite a bit of moisture. Not to mention a wicked amount of play!

So good ol electrical marvel, Mr. Paul93SC climbed under to have a look-see at the connector ...to give his 'professional' opinion. ;)

"It looks in excellent shape", he said. "Very Cool!", I said! :)

So he proceeded to tighten the connector to create a snug fit, re-insulated it, dressed it up with di-electric grease, and reconnected it for me. Outstanding work Paul!

So Sunday night I parked the car with the fuse in. Started ok Monday ...but it really didn't get all that cold Sunday night. The real test was last night ...this morning it started without hesitation! Looks like we found the problem ...knock on wood! ;)

I'd like to thank Sean and Paul for all of their help on Sunday. I could only imagine the hundred's I would have spent with the dealership to only find out it was a 10 cent part giving all the problems. But isn't that always the way! :cool:

Take it easy everyone!

Jim.

[Greg Coleman]

Bravo bravo. Its good to hear a happy ending gents!:D :D :p :D :D

[SeanMatteson]

Jim,

...Always a pleasure, my friend. I'm glad that it wasn't anything serious.

Greg,

Thanks for the use of your spanner wrench. I'm glad I had an opportunity to use yours, since I've ordered the same thing, and I'm just waiting for it to arrive from Super Coupe Performance. I like that piece much better than the generic ones that Bill McNeil has.

Best regards,

Sean

[Paul93SC]

That's good news Jim. How did it start THIS morning? (mine was sluggish today @ -18c)

[JimGravelle]

Paul,

Ya...this morning was colder then last Friday morning when the problem initially started...a little sluggish...but fired up after a couple of cranks! No hesitations to worry about.

Thanks again for all of your help!

Jim.

PS. Note to everyone...having problems starting your T-Bird when it's wet/cold? Check the positive lead to your starter!