The Unofficial "Ask a Stupid Question" Thread

MadMikeyL said:
Sounds like the ignition switch is starting to fail. I would replace it before it leaves you stranded.
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1997ThunderbirdLXV6 said:
Question: why are we blaming the ignition switch? He said that one symptom is that the radio presets are deleted, correct? If that's so, all power must be lost at least momentarily. I don't see how the ignition switch would cause that (?).
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clarity: are you talking about the tumbler assembly the key goes into or an ignition control module?
I am curious how the tumbler / key assembly would cause my electrical symptoms.
 
That makes more sense. Rock auto only lists the following for Ignition control module: HOLSTEIN 2IGM0032. I'll investigate elsewhere.
 
The ignition control module only controls the actual ignition that fires the spark plugs(96/97s don’t actually use one, it’s integrated into the PCM).

The ignition switch mechanically distributes power to various circuits throughout the car, so if there’s a bad contact in one of the circuits like keep alive power that can cause issues.
 
My original point was: the radio presets are safeguarded ("kept alive") by an always-on circuit, same as the clock. That circuit, to my knowledge, doesn't go through the ignition switch (?). Ergo, if loss of radio presets and clock setting are part of the symptoms, I would not blame the ignition switch.

Am I missing something here?
 
Kidd-7 said:
And oddly enough, I’m pretty sure the clock was unaffected.
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Do you have an aftermarket stereo or is it the original? Iirc the dash clock has a short memory, few seconds or so.

I went through starting issues and replaced the ignition switch under the dash in mine. It was an easy job, unfortunately didn't fix the problem though. It's a simple mechanical switch and probably not prone to failure unless the vehicle has very high mileage
 
Kenz said:
Do you have an aftermarket stereo or is it the original? Iirc the dash clock has a short memory, few seconds or so.

I went through starting issues and replaced the ignition switch under the dash in mine. It was an easy job, unfortunately didn't fix the problem though. It's a simple mechanical switch and probably not prone to failure unless the vehicle has very high mileage
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Aftermarket and I’m pretty sure the PO did a poor installation job, my drivers side speaker has stopped working. That’s a tangent; I’m trying to set aside time to rebuild the window motor and fix that speaker, but I really want to replace the whole system and require the speakers.
 
Also I don’t think it’s the head unit wiring as everything dies for a few second when this happens, dash lights are the only other thing on.
I did pick up a new cylinder and it’s at a locksmith to see if he can rekey it to match my current key.
 
Kidd-7 said:
Also I don’t think it’s the head unit wiring as everything dies for a few second when this happens, dash lights are the only other thing on.
I did pick up a new cylinder and it’s at a locksmith to see if he can rekey it to match my current key.
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He should be able to. It is monotonous and requires patience, but you can do it yourself if he says he can't. I did that on my Crown Vic since they didn't sell any lock cylinders that allowed you to key it yourself with new tumblers.
 
KevinVarnes said:
He should be able to. It is monotonous and requires patience, but you can do it yourself if he says he can't. I did that on my Crown Vic since they didn't sell any lock cylinders that allowed you to key it yourself with new tumblers.
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He seems pretty knowledgeable, see we’ll see. He mentioned he might have to get new wafers. Not sure what those are since I’m not a locksmith. But if he falls through I’ll hit you up for some guidance.
 
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