Need Serious Help - Electrical Nightmare!

thenewguy · 10-31-2004

Ahhh! So here is my scenario. I started up my 1991 GT a few days ago, and noticed that the power locks had locked on me while driving. Not thinking much of it, I drove it over the next couple of days. I then decided it was time for a new air filter and plugs. I changed the air filter as usual, then proceeded to the plugs. I changed the plugs 1 by 1 so no errors were made there. After being done, I went to start of the car, and nothing! Just a small click like a relay. So I figured that the solenoid was going. I tried a couple of more times and it started right up. Then tried again, nothing, click, click!

So I went to get a new solenoid. Changed the solenoid and started the car. Now the car was running and it was trying to keep starting on its own but not turning over! So I though I put the solenoid on wrong, so I tried it differently and when I connected the battery cable it started on its own!!!! So I figured that I burnt out the solenoid or have some seriously fried wiring somewhere!

Anyone with any electrical experience out there, please help out this shadetree mechanic! Thanks much

-thenewguy

mustangtk · 10-31-2004

Check the ignition switch on the steering column. It sounds like it could be shorting out (locks cycling). Ford had problems with the switches in the early nineties and issued a recall notice, Mustangs were included.

thenewguy · 11-03-2004

thanks. since i own a backup stang (another 91 GT) i have parked my problem child and am slowly going through the wires to see if i can find a fried connection. today i found a wire that was in meltdown mode and when i grabbed hold of it, it snapped off like a twig. i assume that could be part of my problem, so i am replacing that wire and picking up another solenoid to make sure thats ok as well.

i was reading another forum post that was talking about the solenoid wire hook ups, and there is an S and and I on the solenoid. the wire that connects to these only hooks up to the S since the I is smaller, right? At least that's the way it looks on my other kid.

thanks again!

thenewguy · 11-13-2004

Problem solved, after tracing the wires from the solenoid to their groupings, I ran across one that was fried! When i grabbed it, it practically snapped off. When I was changing my plugs, I must have bumped it and there was the problem!!!! Just some time and retracing my steps.......thanks,

silverjay57 · 11-14-2004

congrats on finding your problem!!!
I wish I could do that..