Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Half of the dash not working along with radio and power door locks (Read 1038 times) previous topic - next topic

Half of the dash not working along with radio and power door locks

Hi All,

I'm new to the forum and picking up a 20th Anniversary Cougar this Sunday.  The current owner says that half of the dash is not working along with radio and power door locks.  He claims that he pushed the door lock button and all this stuff went kaputs.  I've done some searching on here and have two main things to attribute this loss of power to 1. ignition switch and 2. wire shorting out somewhere. 

Is there anything else I need to be aware of?  It is a clean car, but I'm not up for a science project.  Where would you guys and gals start if this problem was in your court. 

Thanks in advance to anyone who can help.

Craig

Half of the dash not working along with radio and power door locks

Reply #1 –
I would replace the ignition switch if it's original. Even if it's not the problem, it's a fire risk if it's original. That will cause the dash and radio to act flaky too.

The door locks should work regardless of the ignition, that's probably unrelated. Might just be a fuse or a bad button.
CoogarXR : 1985 Cougar XR-7

Half of the dash not working along with radio and power door locks

Reply #2 –
$10 says the dash not working really means the light bulbs burned out. With the digi dash it's hard to see anything if the bulbs are burned out.
Quote from: jcassity
I honestly dont think you could exceed the cost of a new car buy installing new *stock* parts everywhere in your coug our tbird. Its just plain impossible. You could revamp the entire drivetrain/engine/suspenstion and still come out ahead.
Hooligans! 
1988 Crown Vic wagon. 120K California car. Wifes grocery getter. (junked)
1987 Ford Thunderbird LX. 5.0. s.o., sn-95 t-5 and an f-150 clutch. Driven daily and going strong.
1986 cougar.
lilsammywasapunkrocker@yahoo.com

Half of the dash not working along with radio and power door locks

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Haystack;459327
$10 says the dash not working really means the light bulbs burned out. With the digi dash it's hard to see anything if the bulbs are burned out.

+1 on it being a bulb. OP states half of dash working, so I would check bulbs also.
87 Tbird LX w/Factory floor shifter:D   3G upgrade. Tinted Windows...85 Mustang GT steering wheel(non-cruise) 17'' Saleen SC style wheels,Front/Rear TC sway bars/poly bushings & Mustang GT steering rack...'05 Mustang V6 springs...93 Cobra MC & booster, MM adjustable C/C plates,  Work  In  Progress.......  ( On The Shelf---HO computer, 19lb injectors, HO cam, BBK headers, Explorer Intake, Cold Air Intake ,Phantom Gauges, Stinger stainless exhaust pipes )
 S O L D
 

Half of the dash not working along with radio and power door locks

Reply #4 –
If you don't have keyless entry, the door lock relays are under the passenger seat. Maybe something got under the seat and got tangled up with the relays.