Electrical Issues? The Radio keeps going...

[gator5.0]

The radio on my '93 LX 5.0 keeps going after I turn off the ignition. This has never happened before today. I installed the head unit about 4 years ago, and it is set up to turn off with the key. The only work I have done recently is change the clutch about 3 weeks ago. I have not tried to find the problem yet, (too many mosquitos out right now) but I did disconnect the negative battery cable to be safe in case of a short. Anything right off the top of someones head? Could the ignition switch be bad? Where should I start with the troubleshooting. I have already had an alternator fire about two years ago (caught it before parking in the garage or damaging the car!) and I don't want another fire. What do you guys think?

(BTW, I did search and didn't find anything off hand, so please don't flame me if this has been covered.)

 

[MagnaflowGT]

check the fuse in the back of ur head unit

 

[gator5.0]

I appreciate the advice, but I am wondering how the fuse in the back of the radio can keep the power connected after the car is off. If it is blown, then it won't have power at all. If it is shorted, I would think it would still lose power when the ignition is off. However, I will check the fuse tomorrow.

 

[Mustang Yawie]

My guess would be that the ignition switch itself is not cutting the power to the accessories when turninng the key, try and look at that, if thats the case if you have power windows those should be working as well with the key off just like the radio. hope this helps

 

[gator5.0]

I do have power windows, so I will try that tomorrow as well. Thanks.

 

[Mustang Yawie]

no problem, let us know what happens

 

[gator5.0]

Well, I went ahead and changed the ignition switch. I didn't really troubleshoot, but I know that it was recalled and I am not a big fan of fire in my car. Anyway, the problem went away so I am happy for now. Changing the switch was simple, but I had to add a new tool to the collection (tamper-proof torx bit), not that I am complaining. Thanks again for the help, I am sure I will need more in the future, my car is starting to fall apart. First the driver's seat got stuck, then the TO bearing went, next was the Ignition switch. Lately the steering is developing play, and the brakes are starting to get soft. My next few weekends will be busy, but I love my Stang.

 

[HISSIN50]

glad to hear it might be fixed.

 

[Mustang John]

I haven't done the recall on mine either... prolly should as the switch replacement is free...

So far so good, and I HATE to leave it anywhere that some mechanic could take it for a spin... Sigh...

 

[Retro10]

good luck getting ford to do a recall since its so old..
I had a hard time with that on mine

 

[Mustang John]

Wow, I was recently at a dealer and they were cool with it. Prolly to get it in and sell "other stuff" they need to replace to do the job, haha...

 

[HISSIN50]

I dont think they have a choice (they might blow smoke, but....)

 

[gator5.0]

It only took 15 or 20 minutes to actually do the work, and I think $10 or $12. It wasn't worth waiting until they could schedule me to go there, and then wait a few hours for them to do it, not to mention it could have burned up in the mean time. Other than the principle of getting them to fix their problem, I say just do it yourself.

 

[gator5.0]

Well, 4 months with no problems, and today the radio stayed on again after turning the key OFF! I immediately disconnected the battery before I went inside the house. When I went back out to troubleshoot, I reconnected the negative cable and it sparked pretty strong. Got in the car but the electronics/radio was normal (ie no power), turned it on, then back off, still normal. Then I disconnected and reconnected the battery and got no spark. Intermittent eletrical problems are a PITA! Any ideas, or relavent stories?

 

[gator5.0]

Anybody?

 

[jrichker]

Ignition switch going bad again??? If it has a warranty on it, take it back.