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92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights


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Plooker
User

Jun 10, 2021, 10:18 AM

Post #1 of 31 (1440 views)
92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

My 92 Sable has no taillights, lic plate light, front marker lights, instrument panel and all dash lights inop (climate control, ashtray light etc...) Fuses all good (2 separate fuses for these groups of lights, and every fuse in the panel checked twice). All bulbs that were checked are good. Attempted a new dimmer switch, still nothing. High/low beams, brake lights, turn signals and interior courtesy lights all work. Waiting for Factory ETM and Schematics to arrive.

Familiar problem with Sable/Taurus...???


Hammer Time
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Jun 10, 2021, 10:36 AM

Post #2 of 31 (1435 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

Does your car have autolamps?

Does it have "lamp out" warning system?

Wagon or sedan?



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Jun 10, 2021, 10:38 AM)


Tom Greenleaf
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Jun 10, 2021, 10:42 AM

Post #3 of 31 (1423 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

? How did you test all fuses? Those items were common with taillights out on Fords to annoy you that they were NOT working and fix it.
If a new fuse (look which position it's in) or on board spares doesn't work or blows a socket is probably at fault. A fuse can look fine and not be even larger spade ones used in this car,


T



Plooker
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Jun 10, 2021, 10:48 AM

Post #4 of 31 (1415 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

Hi, and thank you for the quick response. This Sable is a sedan and does not have auto-lamps. I'm not sure about the "Lamp out" system, but there are no warning lights on.

Tom W.


(This post was edited by Plooker on Jun 10, 2021, 10:49 AM)


Plooker
User

Jun 10, 2021, 10:53 AM

Post #5 of 31 (1411 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

Hi Tom, and thank you for the quick response. I visually inspected all the fuses several times, all were good. I even installed new ones for the 2 "groups" of inop lights, still all inop.

Tom W.


Hammer Time
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Jun 10, 2021, 11:11 AM

Post #6 of 31 (1401 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

OK, first basics

The correct way to test a fuse is using a test light that can show either power or ground and you test at both ends of the fuse. In this case the lights have to be on to test.

This is the only way you can know if the fuse is even receiving power which is something you need to know, especially in this case.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Tom Greenleaf
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Jun 10, 2021, 11:17 AM

Post #7 of 31 (1396 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

Visual inspection isn't good enough. Now test with a test light, you can without removing them is more sure power gets to both sides when they should be on.

If nothing at either side of the fuse the fuse box or power to back isn't making it there so a hunt is on.

Hey - it's old now (newer than most of mine) can be a short hard to follow back if that.

I don't recall even the top end of these telling you a bulb was out in any of them.

Just key to run without starting you usually see which warning bulbs it has and that they work BTW.

Other is any aftermarket stuff that has been added that you know of look for disturbed wires or ones tapped into for a problem.

Good luck - hope it's not a wild chase behind fuse box I think goes thru firewall? If so look at that side for a problem,

Tom



Plooker
User

Jun 10, 2021, 11:23 AM

Post #8 of 31 (1394 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

Thank you, I will do that when I get back out into the shop. If the fuses are not receiving power, or even of they are and the lights are all inop, it sounds like I'm pretty well stuck until the Factory ETM and schematic sheets arrive.

I was throwing out a Hail-Mary hoping someone would see my post and go "Oh that, I've seen that many times on this model, it's a really familiar issue..." I had to at least try...

Thank you again, I truly appreciate your time and input!!


Plooker
User

Jun 10, 2021, 11:27 AM

Post #9 of 31 (1389 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

Thank you, I will do that when I get back out into the shop. If the fuses are not receiving power, or even of they are and the lights are all inop, it sounds like I'm pretty well stuck until the Factory ETM and schematic sheets arrive. The "fun" has just begun, right. Hopefully The Hunt isn't too long...

I was throwing out a Hail-Mary hoping someone would see my post and go "Oh that, I've seen that many times on this model, it's a really familiar issue..." I had to at least try...

Thank you again, I truly appreciate your time and input!!


Tom Greenleaf
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Jun 10, 2021, 11:28 AM

Post #10 of 31 (1386 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

If more you usually find burned or wrinkled wire if in sight not in a loom unlikely still at the age.

I forget but are switches for interior lights visable on door jams? Those can short in fact usually before this. Just removing those if that type can short them, have to to unplug them,

Good luck + hope it's not a real pest,

Tom


Hammer Time
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Jun 10, 2021, 11:32 AM

Post #11 of 31 (1383 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

No, you're not stuck. I have the factory wiring diagrams. I just need you to do the testing I am asking for.

You don't have to be concerned with anything right now except whether that fuse is receiving power at both sides with the lights on.

This is rather simple so don't make it any more complicated than it needs to be.

Yes, the light out system was an option for this vehicle and that changes the wiring diagram if it has that.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Plooker
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Jun 10, 2021, 11:46 AM

Post #12 of 31 (1375 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

Oh, thank you so much!! I didn't realize you were willing to go that far on this project!! OK, it will be a bit before I can get back on that car, but within an hour or so I can, and I will send my results. I was dreading waiting until next week for the ETM and schematics to get here. I need this behind me so I can move on, you know...

Tom W.


Hammer Time
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Jun 10, 2021, 11:55 AM

Post #13 of 31 (1370 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

There are 3 fuses

#4 20A power all the time
#13 5A Lights have to be on
#15 10A Lights have to be on

There is a small hole at each end of the top of the fuse that you can insert the probe to test.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Jun 10, 2021, 11:59 AM)


Plooker
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Jun 10, 2021, 12:55 PM

Post #14 of 31 (1358 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

Hi again, with the ignition on and the headlamp switch on, power in and out of every fuse except #13 & #15


Hammer Time
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Jun 10, 2021, 12:58 PM

Post #15 of 31 (1351 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

Ok, that solves it. You have a bad headlamp switch.

It's possible the plug into it was overheated and not making good contact now.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



(This post was edited by Hammer Time on Jun 10, 2021, 12:59 PM)


Plooker
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Jun 10, 2021, 1:18 PM

Post #16 of 31 (1344 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

Well thank you so much. Is that a for sure, then? As well, any idea how much, and in what order, of this dash trim needs to come off to get to it...

Tom W.


Hammer Time
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Jun 10, 2021, 1:26 PM

Post #17 of 31 (1333 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

Fuse #4 supplies power TO the switch
Fuses #13 & 15 receive power FROM the switch when it is on. There is nothing in between. It can be the electrical plug going into the headlamp switch if it has been overheated and not making good contact.

This is all conditional on you giving me the correct info concerning auto lamps and bulb out sensors.

Here are the instructions for replacing the switch.


1. On models equipped with airbag, disarm airbag system as outlined under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG SYSTEM DISARMING.
2. On all models, disconnect battery ground cable.
3. Pull off headlamp switch knob and remove retaining nut.
4. Remove instrument cluster finish panel as follows:
a. Engage parking brake and remove ignition lock cylinder as described in Steps 5 thru 8.
b. On models with tilt column, set tilt column lever to full down position and remove tilt lever.
c. On all models, remove four bolts, then cover and reinforcement assembly from under steering column.
d. Remove steering column trim shrouds, then disconnect all electrical connections from steering column multi-function switch.
e. Remove two multi-function switch retaining screws, then the switch.
f. Pull gear shift lever to its lowest down position.
g. Remove four cluster opening finish panel retaining screws.
h. Pull finish panel away from instrument panel, then disconnect wiring from switches, clock and warning lamps.

Fig. 3 Ignition Lock Cylinder Removal



5. Rotate ignition switch to the Run position, then working through steering column lower shroud, Fig. 3, depress lock cylinder retaining pin with suitable 1/8 inch drill.
6. Pull ignition lock cylinder from housing.
7. Remove two headlamp to instrument panel retaining screws.
8. Pull switch out of instrument panel, then disconnect electrical connector and remove switch.
9. Reverse procedure to install.
10. On models equipped with airbag, reactivate airbag system as outlined under MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES/AIRBAG SYSTEM DISARMING.



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Hammer Time
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Jun 10, 2021, 1:30 PM

Post #18 of 31 (1331 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In





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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Tom Greenleaf
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Jun 10, 2021, 2:03 PM

Post #19 of 31 (1322 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

Great work HT and Tom W., That has to be it. Ayup, it got hot is the bet you'll see it by eye. Easy on plastic it will crack like egg shell to button this all up neat. If troubles with that hit up on fixes for dang plastic junk, | :-) |

Tom G


Plooker
User

Jun 10, 2021, 2:09 PM

Post #20 of 31 (1319 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

Thank you, this Sable definitely does not have auto headlights

Wishing a great rest of the day,

Tom W.


Plooker
User

Jun 11, 2021, 1:18 PM

Post #21 of 31 (1294 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

Hey, I put the new switch in and everything works!! Thank you!! The one thing I still can't figure out, is the front light-bar. It has 4 bulbs in it and is not even mentioned in the owner's manual, unless I just do not know what to call it...

Thanks again, Tom W


Hammer Time
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Jun 11, 2021, 1:22 PM

Post #22 of 31 (1292 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

Not sure what you are referring to. Can you post a picture of it?



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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Plooker
User

Jun 11, 2021, 3:20 PM

Post #23 of 31 (1284 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

I'll try to upload a pic. Same thing your associate Tom said, unsure what the light-bar is, so it must be unusual. Maybe it was an accessory?? The previous owner did upgrade this Sable to add the factory passenger air bag and ABS options. I found a hand written note by prev owner references the bulbs for the light-bar as Ford #5204 / aftermarket #2040. Installed new bulbs and Bingo, light-bar comes on with park lights and/or headlights. I don't seem to be able to upload the pic here, but I sent one to Tom via messages, if you wish to see it.


Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Jun 11, 2021, 3:25 PM

Post #24 of 31 (1280 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In


Quote
The previous owner did upgrade this Sable to add the factory passenger air bag and ABS options.


I don't believe that for a second. There is no way he could have done what it would take to add those features. Those systems are integrated throughout the whole car. You don't just add those things.

Here are the instructions to post pictures. It works fine.



http://autoforums.carjunky.com/...LOAD_PHOTOS_P151389/



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.



Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
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Jun 11, 2021, 3:29 PM

Post #25 of 31 (1278 views)
Re: 92 Sable inop taillights and all dash lights Sign In

That's not a light bar. It's just the factory grill. He may have put some light bulbs behind it but that would be illegal.



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.







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