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.
 
Kidd, if you're looking for speakers, I went JBL 6x8's, in the factory spots. I love 'em.
 
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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1997ThunderbirdLXV6 said:
Has anyone ever painted the lower portion of the taillights in body color? The part that's dark on pre-96 non-SC cars.
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I’ve seen it but I don’t like it, they create a really unsightly seam line between the rear bumper. I think people used to do it to 89-95 LXs during the time the SC/96-97 taillights were harder to find.
 
Kidd-7 said:
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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I think wafers = tumblers. They are the little plates that move up and down to follow the ridges/notches on the key so when you insert the key the tumblers all align to allow the cylinder to turn. If the tumblers are worn and/or if the key is worn it might be hard to get it to turn. I installed a new ignition cylinder in the Saturn many years ago. They sell you a complete kit with new tumblers. You take your old cylinder apart and figure out which tumbler goes where (they are typically stamped with a number) and put the new tumblers in the new cylinder in the same orientation. Unfortuntaly the keys I have for it are copies of copies so you have to have the right touch to get the cylinder to turn. I have the code to cut a new key, but I'm too lazy to go to a locksmith to have a new proper key cut.

I'm not a locksmith, but if I can figure it out so can you
 
XR7-4.6 said:
I’ve seen it but I don’t like it, they create a really unsightly seam line between the rear bumper. I think people used to do it to 89-95 LXs during the time the SC/96-97 taillights were harder to find.
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Back when that was more popular in the aughts, it coincided with other gaudy appearance mods of that era that were considered ricey. It fits in the same category of appearance mods as silver metallic tint, body-colored or chromed B-pillars, body-colored windshield banners to the AS1 line, and smoked headlights/taillights.

The stripe on the taillights looks more dignified in black than body-colored.
 
Irv said:
The stripe on the taillights looks more dignified in black than body-colored.
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I've considered blacking it out with PlastiDip for a removable finish. Just never got to it. Generally speaking I'd prefer shallower lights. I thought body color could look cool...but I can see how the gap between the lights and the bumper cover would appear very pronounced that way.
 
Ericv8thunderbird said:
SC & 96/97 all red taillights look the best IMO.

Even if I didn’t clone the SC look, I’d still swap them out with the all red ones.

View attachment 15837
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Couldn't agree more with that. You already have the best looking taillights (IMO). Any modification just feels like a change for change's sake.
 
1997ThunderbirdLXV6 said:
That is a common trap to be caught in...

I just feel they should have changed the surface curvature. Simply removing the black stripe from 95 to 96, or from non-SC to SC, but leaving the curvature as is seems very low effort.
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It’s probably a matter of perspective, but I have always seen the black strip as a low effort means to make the SC look that much more premium. Only with the SC gone for 96 Ford stuck the all red tails on all LXs

The curvature was a contrivance to round out the lenses to fit in with the 90s trends. The original taillights/reflector panel on the 89-91s are totally flat, but still have the black/red differentiation between models
 
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