Chrysler Repair: 97 LHS electrical: AC, abs, air bag, windows fail together, amp fuse, 97 chrysler lhs

Question
Hi Roland,

Thanks for your info, it cetainly helped to pinpoint the problem. The plug that plugged into ignition switch did not show any corrosion, but the inside of the switch that has a cam and a number of contactors appears to be the problem. The contactor that connected to the colored wires you mentioned was black from a poor connection, so we cleaned up the contactors and hopefully that fixes the problem. I'll have to wait until another day with 90+ temperatures to see if the problem comes back. Thanks again for your help. Sheri
-------------------------

Followup To

Question -
My 97 Chrysler LHS has had an intermittent problem when started, the A/C won't work, nor the power windows, and the ABS, and airbag lights are lit up, the steering also feels like it is hard to turn, but I'm not sure if that's just my imagination. This has occurred when the outside temp is 90 +. Any ideas where to start? Thanks, Sheri

Answer -
Hi Sheri,
It appears to me that there is either
1. a fuse that has a subtle crack in it and when it is hot and current flows thru it is temporarily "opens" but then 'closes' when is cools down (this would be a 40 amp fuse in position J in the power distribution box in the engine compartment near the battery), OR
2.the section in the ignition switch which connects the current from the fuse to exactly those 4 systems has corroded contacts which fail at higher temps. You could try spraying the interior of the switch with a pressure can of contact cleaner which you can reach by removing the lower cover of the steering column. The pink/black and black/orange wires are the ones that the switch section connects, so spray as best you can into the switch where those wires are attached.
I am quite certain that one or the other of these explains
your situation.
So take a close look at that fuse's internal wire, and be sure too it is firmly in its socket. Then if that doesn't correct it look into the ignition switch as the cause. If spraying doesn't fix it then you may need to buy a new switch, but that would be the last resort.
Let me know how it works out for you.
Roland

Answer
Hi Sheri,
Thank you for letting me know how this worked out for you. I am pleased that you were able to get inside the switch and clean up the cause of the open connection. It is good that Chrysler wiring diagrams and components allows us amateurs to understand what is wrong and even to repair it at minimal cost.
Roland