1996 Ford Contour Electrical problem moving from park & other electrical problems

DocWereWolf · 08-09-2010, 02:12 PM

****PROBLEM SOLVED THANKS TO CUDA JIM AND ELECTRO****

I don't know if this got in the first time, but I have a problem that I have to reach under and manually move a switch to get it out of park. I hear a clicking when I depress the button on the shifter, the noise is in the steering column near the ignition switch. At the same time, my ability to control temperature became nil (always hot no matter if on A/C or not) and the 4 ways work, but not the turn signal.
This car is going to my daughter in Virginia and it needs to leave here in about two weeks. All electronics save the turn signals and the "depress the brake before going out of park" work, and of course the temperature control is not working. This has pegged the weird crappo-meter to a point where I am about to spit. I am on VA disability so I can't afford a regular dealer, any ideas and I will try it myself. Thanks.

Doc

Cuda_jim · 08-09-2010, 04:41 PM

Not sure what you mean "reach under"...what? Dashboard.....shift console?
I believe the AC is sepaerate form the shift lock system....looking at the diagrams now.

From the factory service manual:

Quote:

Shift Interlock System
A shift interlock mechanism prevents vehicles with an automatic transaxle from shifting out of the PARK position unless the brake pedal is applied. The floor shift interlock system consists of the following components:

a solenoid assembly attached to the key interlock assembly.
a bracket retaining the solenoid.
necessary wiring.
System operates as follows:

The solenoid is energized when the ignition switch is turned to the RUN position. This locks the floor shifter in the PARK position. When the brake pedal is applied and the stoplight switch is activated, the shift lock solenoid is deactivated and the gearshift lever can be moved out of the PARK position.
The ignition/shifter interlock locks the gearshift lever in the PARK position when the ignition switch is in the LOCK position. The key removal inhibit solenoid in the steering column requires the gearshift lever to be in the PARK position to turn the ignition switch to the LOCK position.

Cuda_jim · 08-09-2010, 04:45 PM

OK found the diagram. It looks like you need to check #23 fuse under the dash.
See diagram below.

DocWereWolf · 08-09-2010, 05:29 PM

I reach under the shift console that I loosened. I realize that one has nothing to do with the other, but it all went down at once. The number 23 fuse is fine, when I move the shift lever I hear a clicking and it is coming from the shift lever, the dealer ship here said it is the solenoid, but I don't think so. I have 4 way flashers but no signals and that makes no sense. The heater makes no sense either, what would keep it on hot and not allow it to go to cool? It matters not what position the temperature dial is in. Even when on a/c it goes only hot but the compressor is turning.

Cuda_jim · 08-10-2010, 02:37 AM

Check the ground (G301) behind RH kick panel.

G O R T · 08-10-2010, 03:34 AM

The heat blend door is operated by a small electric motor with a rod mounted on the duct. You may have knocked the rod loose.

DocWereWolf · 08-10-2010, 10:07 AM

Nope, door and all is fine. Grounds are all operational also. had a friend trace all he could, we have found nothing logical that would indicate why this is happening. I need much better readable schematics than I have. I am no electrician, but I can read basic diagrams. Any further help would be appreciated.

DocWereWolf · 08-10-2010, 10:08 AM

Jim, checked ground it is fine. Having 4 ways but no turn signals is a real puzzler, teh rest can probably be hunt and pecked.

Cuda_jim · 08-10-2010, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by DocWereWolf

Jim, checked ground it is fine. Having 4 ways but no turn signals is a real puzzler, teh rest can probably be hunt and pecked.

Turn sigs/4 ways....it's most likely the multifunction switch, common problem but it IS strange this all happened at one time.
I'll get a few more diagrams.

Cuda_jim · 08-10-2010, 04:39 PM

Here's a couple more.
Multifunction switch is referred to as Combination Switch in the diagram.

electro · 08-10-2010, 06:42 PM

Do your back-up lights work correctly?

DocWereWolf · 08-11-2010, 02:39 PM

OK, you and Electro are da man! You said check the #23 and I did but it was the circuit breaker #23 so I checked the #23 fuse after seeing it is the back up light fuse. All is working now; A/C turn signals and the safety for the shift. it is weird it is all tied in but hey, it's a Ford. I will write my 16 year old daughter a note telling her if it get's weird to go on this site. Thanks guys! Ford here did not check that fuse but was going to repair the solenoid for $293, That would be Nissen Ford in Albany. A 30cent piece did it.