[Shotimes] Electrical problem

[Leigh Smith]

I suspect the radio circuit has a non-factory mod. Maybe an amp was 
spliced in the trunk, incorrectly, of a worn bare wire (short) exists 
somewhere. Pull every fuse in the fusebox except for the problem 
circuit. Check amp draw on that circuit and start unplugging what should 
be on the circuit. Suggest you rig up a fuse and your amp meter in-line 
thru the fuse panel. Please leave a fuse in the circuit. If you still 
have a power draw you still have a leak or connection somewhere. Check 
the brake circuit for power., shouldn't be any. Inspect any non-factory 
connection very closely for volts, etc. If you don't have 2 meters use a 
light bulb with wires. Then start unplugging the harness, grounding it 
closer and closer to the power origin. Lift harness segments away from 
the body, etc. You can eventually find the harness segment that has the 
problem. Frustrating, slow, not fun, but the problem can be found. Just 
keep isolating the problem into smaller pieces.

My ex-roommate, Jim Eyer, was the NO. 1 troubleshooter at Reedman Ford, 
because of his ability to track down electrical gremlins in customized 
stretch Limos where no factory wiring diagran existed. (Lights, elec 
bar, etc.)  At least you have a EVTM to show you how it should look.

Good luck.

Lee


DTNesbit@ftc-i.net wrote:

>Shotimers,
>    I need your expertise.  My son has a 91plus.  Recently it developed a
>strange electrical problem.   Just parked as one would normally park a car the
>brake lights are on.  My first thought was BOO switch.  With the BOO switch
>unplugged brake lights are still on.  With the fuse for the brake lights
>pulled from the fuse panel brake lights are still on.  Power must be coming
>from somewhere.  We tried various things.  Finally we found that removing the
>fuse that powers the radio, courtesy lights, clock etc. would cause the brake
>lights to go off.  If the fuse for the brake lights is in place with the other
>fuse out the brake lights work correctly.  That is they come on when the pedal
>is depressed and go off when it is released.  Instument panel lights are on.
>Apparently only the clock light and radio light and all other inside
>lights(dome light, courtesy lamps, vanity mirror lamps) are out.  Keyless
>entry pad on door is not light nor does it function.  Power windows work, but
>the power mirrors do not.  We have looked through the EVTM looking for common
>circuits.  So far nothing that works.  Any suggestions would be welcome except
>the one about the can of gasoline and match.  We are not there YET.
>    Thanks guys,
>David
>94ATX&91
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