Electrical problems........

firstly my overboost buzzer constantly goes off, so i disconnected it. my speedo and tach do not work either, i dont use the tach when shifting and gauging my speed isn't an issue. But now the problem is that my premium fuel switch does not work anymore, ive doused it from every angle in contact cleaner and it still will not work. my car is so much slower set on unleaded and its so frustrating that a little damn switch can take so much.

my premium fuel switch, my speedo, my tach, and my overboost buzzer have all gone on the fritz at the exact same time . as soon as i noticed this, i also began to notice it wasn't nearly as fast. i didn't realize it was the premium switch until a couple of days after discovering the initial problems.

any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[This message has been edited by Mark'87TC (edited 01-06-2004).]

I am absolutely NOT claiming this will fix your problem, but I will say that this is one of the most important things to keeping the electrical system in check and making sure that you have a good base to start from before trying to root cause your issue.

Start by removing and cleaning the primary ground feed at the battery and where it connects to the engine block. I personally clean using a baking soda and water mix and then cleaning again w/ electrical cleaner and a rag. I then take a piece of sandpaper and scuff the block surface.

Next is the smaller cable that goes from the firewall to the engine block. (Sometimes these are even broken from a combination of corrosion and extra strain from engine torque over if the engine mounts are severly worn or torn.) Clean each end of the cable well and scuff the firewall where it connects and the block if you can.

Now check the fuselinks that connect to the solenoid. Are they burned out? Clean the terminals (Make sure you still have the negative cable unhooked to be safe) and the lugs on the solenoid.

With this done, you might get lucky and things will work. Either way, get yourself a Ford EVTM (Elec. Vacuum troubleshooting manual) and begin to understand the circuits in the car. Get a voltmeter and go at it.

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1985 T-bird TC, 5Spd, Black (The Project)
1985 T-bird TC, 5Spd, Black (The Project II)
1986 T-bird TC, 5Spd, Black (The Show Car)
1986 T-bird TC, 5Spd, Silver (The Daily Driver)
1989 Mustang GT, 5Spd, Black

[This message has been edited by Mr.T (edited 01-06-2004).]

Did the fuel switch and speedo / tach quit working at the same time? Reason I ask is that power for the speedo / tach and fuel switch all come from the same fuse. I dont remember which fuse (I am at work and dont have my manuals available), but I think it is a 10 A.

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Jeff Korn

88 Turbo Coupe: Intake and exhaust mods, T3 turbo at 21 psi, forced air intercooler, water injection, bypass valve, Ranger roller cam, subframes, etc., etc.. // 86 Tbird 5.0 (original owner): intake, exhaust, valvetrain mods, 100 HP nitrous, ignition, gears, suspension, etc., etc.... // 91 Escort: Bone stock winter car // 02 Taurus Vulcan(wifes car)