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I havent got to drive my car in MONTHS!
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Emeraldbug
New User
Aug 16, 2012, 4:12 PM
Post #1 of 5
(1919 views)
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I havent got to drive my car in MONTHS!
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Hi there,
I haven't got to drive my car in MONTHS!
Its a 1996 Ford Contour GL four-cylinder.
When I first tried to get it inspected several months ago the rear brake lights were not working (so it didn't pass inspection) but the third center brake light did work.
Went to autozone and O'reillys and replaced the bulbs (even though they looked good) still nothing. Then I talked with O'reilly's people and they said "It probably is the brake light switch) so I got one of those and replaced it as best I could... Now its a pretty simple procedure but i'm not entirely sure if its installed right on the brake pedal area where it goes. It seemed to have been. But I still didn't get rear brake lights. Research I've done says its probably the turn signal switch that needs to be replaced when the middle brake light (above the seat) works but the two main rear brake lights do not. At the time everything else passed inspection except the brake lights.
The brake light fuse has been replaced. Other fuses have been checked recently. All were good.
When I try to shift gears I hear a short ticking type noise around in the steering wheel column. I've heard before that might mean something is wrong with the turn signal switch.
So now for some reason my car is stuck in park now and it absolutely won't budge.
Any ideas? Thanks for your help!
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 16, 2012, 4:27 PM
Post #2 of 5
(1909 views)
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Re: I havent got to drive my car in MONTHS!
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The ticking you are hearing is the shift interlock solenoid releasing so you can take it out of Park.
If your turn signals are working in the rear, then you are probably correct about the turn signal switch. I wouldn't try to change that yourself though. That airbag is highly explosive.
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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.
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Emeraldbug
New User
Aug 17, 2012, 10:59 AM
Post #3 of 5
(1858 views)
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Re: I havent got to drive my car in MONTHS!
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Thanks so much for your response!
I wonder how in this world I'm going to get this fixed if its dangerous to work on myself. I have read before that its simple to replace the turn signal switch. I don't have much experience with cars...
Maybe somehow I can get ahold of a mechanic that can come out and help?? Towing this car would cost a fortune.
If anybody else has any words of advice I'd appreciate it!
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hudgek
Novice
Aug 18, 2012, 12:53 PM
Post #4 of 5
(1830 views)
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Re: I havent got to drive my car in MONTHS!
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Ford had some problems with shifter shaft assemblies. Often this would cause other problems (binding and switch breakage, shift interlock solenoids or cables and etc.) in the steering column, and it takes some savy to repair these. Sometimes the actual multi function switch (turn signals, hazards, headlights and whatever else...) is not difficult to replace. It does not require removing the steering wheel or the air bag on all models. You must be cautious working around the thing though. Do not do anything to a bright yellow wiring harness - that is the air bag wiring. Disconnect the battery, remove the steering column covers, remove the pigtail connector from the switch (It is held on by some stout but brittle plastic clips) and look for two or three screws that hold the switch in place.
Before I spent the money on the switch I would actually test to see if it works. Is the multi-function switch getting signal from the brake switch? Maybe the brake switch isn't getting power, or maybe it isn't passing the power. Is the signal being sent to the lights from the mf switch? You could have an open circuit anywhere between the fuse block, or the switches and the rear of the vehicle.
You will spend more money just replacing parts until you get lucky enough to find the problem (which you may never find) than you would if someone actually tests and diagnoses the problem.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Aug 18, 2012, 3:22 PM
Post #5 of 5
(1825 views)
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Re: I havent got to drive my car in MONTHS!
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You need to be real careful around that air bag. My advice is stay away from this job but if you do tackle it, disconnect the battery for 30 minutes before starting. The explosive charge in the bag has the power to kill you and all it takes is a bump of power in the wrong place.
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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.
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