Digital woes

February 14, 2005, 07:28:41 PM

I have an 88 cougar blue max 302, my digital dash backlighting stays on constantly draining batt. Sometimes speedometer goes out along with turn signals & gauges. could this be caused by the ignition switch also? Any info would be appreciated

Re: Digital woes

Reply #1 – February 14, 2005, 08:43:20 PM

All of your problems are very likely ignition switch related. The backlighting staying on could be a result of copper particles inside the ignition switch "bridging" between contacts,and the accessories going out is likely from worn contacts (which created the particles mentioned above). Because you have this "bridging" you are a prime candidate for a fire, so I would STRONGLY recommend replacing the switch immediately, and you should disconnect the battery until you do. You do not even have to be near the car for a fire to start, so don't think that taking the key out is safe. Your car is a ticking time bomb until the switch is replaced!

If I sound like I'm preaching it's because I have experience with this. I've had the switch fail in my '88 Cougar, '87 T-Bird Sport, '88 T-Bird and '91 T-Bird. The '91 caught fire and left me stranded 600 miles from home, and is partly responsible for the recall in Canada (Transport Canada used my car as part of their investigation).

Re: Digital woes

Reply #2 – March 27, 2005, 07:26:56 PM

thanks for the info, it is greatly appreciated. My battery is always disconnected, i'm not driving because it needs transmission & exhaust work. thanks for the info again.

Re: Digital woes

Reply #3 – March 31, 2005, 11:30:29 AM

also check the dash light relay, the're about $25.00 at napa
on my 87 it was located near the center of the dash just to the right of the sterring wheel, there is a stack of 3 or 4 of them. my lights would go our or stay on intermittently till i changed it