Sparks are flying

[poschultz]

Something is causing a huge amp surge in my car. The problem is very weird though. Anyone else ever experience this?

#8 fuse controls mirror controls: radio, clock, interior lighting, seat control on the door panel (but not the lumbar control on the seat itself), remote access (key fob), truck opening (on key fob), push button entry code control panel on outside of driver's side door, ...

I popped in a new 15 AMP fuse in the #8 slot yesterday and everything worked fine with the engine off and on. When it popped on me today I could push the LOCK doors button on drivers side but the UNLOCK button was dead with the car OFF. However, once car is turned on, both unlock and lock buttons work though other controls I listed above still are dead.

The only thing I did when it blew was push the LOCK doors button on the driver's door panel when I parked the car at the post office. When I returned to the car I found everything dead again! What gets me is that if the lock/unlock button control is bad, then why does it work fine once the car is turned on?

I don't know what to check now. I am hoping that I am not alone with this problem. Any and all help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[poschultz]

Since no one likes any of my posts, I'll answer my own question...
I had to send it to a shop that specializes in troubleshooting electrical problems. Cost me $253. The #8 fuse (15A) controls a lot of stuff including the vanity mirror lights on the sun visors. The tech says that the movement of the mirrors back and forth over time wears down the wires and causes shorts...like the one I had. What a waste of money. No wait, what a waste of money Ford's Lincoln Continental has been for me since I bought it for $1,000 at a charity auction. I don't even want to think of how much I have put in to it for conversion to conventional shocks, the $750 for a replacement electronic climate control, and on and on. Talk about your poorly designed cars.

 

[chris2523]

750 for a replacement eatc? holy moly.

 

[Omegaman]

Since no one likes any of my posts, I'll answer my own question...
I had to send it to a shop that specializes in troubleshooting electrical problems. Cost me $253. The #8 fuse (15A) controls a lot of stuff including the vanity mirror lights on the sun visors. The tech says that the movement of the mirrors back and forth over time wears down the wires and causes shorts...like the one I had. What a waste of money. No wait, what a waste of money Ford's Lincoln Continental has been for me since I bought it for $1,000 at a charity auction. I don't even want to think of how much I have put in to it for conversion to conventional shocks, the $750 for a replacement electronic climate control, and on and on. Talk about your poorly designed cars.

What you have is a old car that you paid $1000 for. Now you could cut your losses and sell her or shop around for parts and save a bit there. Example I have had a '96 for two weeks. Found struts online for $350 for four corners and put them on myself.I have a moderate level of knowledge to fix things on cars so that helps. If I had no skills I would not have bought my car for the $1500 I paid and probably just lease or buy new. I know too that a new car can break down on the way home from the show room. What is the car worth to you? And do you count on it everyday? Just about every car has a quirk or two. I hope you can look at it different , because old cars need love too! I've had many cars ....a couple of dozen. ....some now just a spot on the driveway to me now. Take care friend and just think ..... If you replace everything you have a new car ..... Sorry I know it hurts sometimes..... Omega