QuestionQUESTION: I tore into the steering column and tightened it up the column and after I got that done and went to connect the battery cable the alarm goes off. I have reset with the door key on the drivers and passenger door but it will not reset any suggestions?
ANSWER: Hi Tiny K,
I assume this is a front wheel drive New Yorker, correct?
It is possible that in the work that you did you may have disconnected or blown a fuse that is involved with the theft security system which then caused it to alarm when you reconnected things. Check fuses 8, 13, 14, 18 to be sure those are all conducting and don't show a subtle crack in the their internal wires.
If all the fuses are good, then it might be that the control module still won't disarm due to faulty wires in the left/right key lock pathways. But first, be sure that the hood and trunk are closed tight as those are also part of the security system. Then try to disarm again using the door key locks. If still won't disrarm, then try to replicate the door key lock function as follows:
You can replicate the unlocking of the doors by going to the security module and momentarily grounding the dark green/orange wire on pin 8 or the light green/orange wire on pin 15 of the plug at the security alarm module proper (those are the wires that come from the key locks). That module is located on a structural bar behind the dash just above the glove box. You have to remove the box (remove screws around the edge of the box when you have its door open and the box will then come out, after disconnecting the wire to the bulb in the box).
The module has a 21-pin natural color plug so look for that to identiy the module. DON'T pull the plug out of the module's socket because doing that will set a 'hard' security lockdown problem preventing you from running the engine!
To ground pin 8 or pin 15 of the module plug just insert a fine straight pin through the wire insulation. Then touch either of those pins to a pin that you insert in the black/light green wire on either pin 1 or on pin 10 of the same plug which are grounded wires.
If that cancels the alarm, well and good. But if this persists you will have to either avoid using the system (by never activating it via the power door locks, the door keys or a key fob) but instead only use the mechanical door lock buttons to secure the car. You can remove the system entirely by pulling the plug on the security module BUT only do that after the alarm is cancelled and do it only while the engine is RUNNING normally or you will get that hard lock down problem as the result.
Please 'rate/nominate' my answer/me (see the PS below).
Thanks,
Roland
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QUESTION: ISSUE WITH THE ODOMETER IN THE DASH IT SHOWS THE TRIP MILEAGE WITH A LITTLE ASTERISK TO THE RIGHT OF IT. I HAVE NO IDEA HOW I CHANGED IT OR HOW IT GOT CHANGED AND I HAVE NOT A CLUE HOW TO CHANGE IT BACK EITHER. IF YOU COULD PLEASE SHED SOME LIGHT ON THIS FOR ME AS WELL... I REALLY DO APPRECIATE YOU...
ANSWER: Hi Tiny K.,
Did you notice a specific malfunction of the cluster yet? If so what is it?
There are two approaches:
There is a self test which you initiate via;
press the trip and trip reset buttons simultaneously and hold
start the engine
release the buttons
Observe what appears in the odometer window. Ideally 'chec' will appear and then you press the US/MET button and release and observe what happens in odometer window.
If 'code' appears for 10 seconds followed by 999, press US/MET button again and release.
Keep on going with the US/MET button.
There are a variety of possible fault pathways which cover 2 pages in the manual so I can't tell you the whole sequesnce. But let me know what happens so far. I can photocopy the page and postal mail it to you if necessary.
THe other approach uses the DRB-II Chrysler diagnostic box and about 50 pages from the body diagnostic manual. I have those but unless you are in the Bay area of California and could come over that would not be practical to use.
Thanks for the rating/nomination.
Roland
PS You can rate/nominate again if you believe I merit that.
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QUESTION: OK ROLAND, I TRIED THE TWO BUTTONS TO NO AVAIL. DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER TRICKS TO TRY. LIKE I SAID I DON'T HAVE AN IDEA IN THE WORLD HOW IT GOT CHANGED TO BEGIN WITH. BUT IT BOTHERS ME. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR YOU INPUT HERE
PS. CAN YOU HELP ME WITH AN 89 MERCURY GRAND MARQUIS LS WINDOW ISSUE?
AnswerHi Tiny K,
The asterisk says simply that for some reason the cluster data is not correct, and it is related to the digital communication coming to the cluster.
I need to know exactly what does the cluster do now...what works, what doesn't work?
What showed in the odometer window when you initiated the self-test?
Have you checked fuse #2, #5, and #8? If those are alright, then remove the cluster and verify that the black/light green wire on pin 7 of its plug is grounded to a metal chassis surface.
Then let me know the results of all the above and the answers to the other questions.
Unfortunately I have no manuals for Ford vehicles.
If you would be so kind as to rate/nominate again I would be most appreciateive.
Roland
