Notices

A short?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 14, 2003 | 08:35 PM
  #1  
Sluggercat2's Avatar
Sluggercat2
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
Question A short?

I own a 87 F150 5.0L and every so often my headlights, radio. door locks cigar lighter and maybe some other things just cut out. Sometimes after I hit a bump other times its just that way when I start her. Truck runs fine the whole time. What is it these have in commom besides the battery? Any ideas, I'm stumped.

Thanks
 
Reply
Old May 14, 2003 | 08:37 PM
  #2  
Franklin2's Avatar
Franklin2
Moderator
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,971
Likes: 2,731
From: Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
A short?

A connection on the starter relay(large terminal on the battery side) feeds all these circuits. Also there may be a big plug on the firewall that may have worked loose, or gotten wet and corroded.
 
Reply
Old May 15, 2003 | 06:48 PM
  #3  
steve83's Avatar
steve83
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
A short?

It's probably a bad ignition switch. Does it have a positive return-to-RUN feel, or is it slow/loose? They're cheap & easy to change. Next time they go out, try wiggling the key back & forth to see if they kick on.
 
Reply
Old May 15, 2003 | 10:36 PM
  #4  
Franklin2's Avatar
Franklin2
Moderator
25 Year Member
Photogenic
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,971
Likes: 2,731
From: Virginia
Club FTE Gold Member
A short?

Originally posted by steve83
It's probably a bad ignition switch. Does it have a positive return-to-RUN feel, or is it slow/loose? They're cheap & easy to change. Next time they go out, try wiggling the key back & forth to see if they kick on.
I didn't think the headlights went through the ignition switch.
 
Reply
Old May 16, 2003 | 12:08 PM
  #5  
steve83's Avatar
steve83
Post Fiend
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 9,987
Likes: 7
From: Memphis, TN
A short?

You're right - they don't.
 
Reply
Old May 16, 2003 | 01:47 PM
  #6  
thelonerangerxlt's Avatar
thelonerangerxlt
Posting Guru
25 Year Member
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 1,984
Likes: 2
A short?

Mr Sluggercat, there's a small ground wire coming off the negative battery cable, that connects to the radiator surround. This is a ground for the headlights, but it may affect other circuits too. Make sure the connection is clean and tight.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
dwil
Arizona Chapter
8
Apr 7, 2014 09:18 AM
ftrk66
Ford Inline Six, 200, 250, 4.9L / 300
2
Dec 11, 2012 11:53 AM
Gwilkrrs
General NON-Automotive Conversation
118
Aug 5, 2007 10:04 PM
hans88
Big Block V8 - 385 Series (6.1/370, 7.0/429, 7.5/460)
3
Apr 26, 2006 10:17 PM
caseys
Aftermarket Products
8
Oct 17, 2005 12:50 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:42 AM.

story-0
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Slideshow: Top 10 Ford truck tragedies.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-18 19:34:33


VIEW MORE
story-1
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make

And it might be even better than that.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-18 19:26:42


VIEW MORE
story-2
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!

Slideshow: Does lowering an F-150 Lobo RUIN the ride quality?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-18 19:20:37


VIEW MORE
story-3
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home

Slideshow: Ford's bizarre fishing-themed Explorer concept has resurfaced after spending decades largely forgotten.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:07:46


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!

Slideshow: The 10 best Ford truck engines we miss the most.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 13:09:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?

Slideshow: first look at the 810 hp 2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road!

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-12 12:50:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!

Slideshow: Everything You Need to Know about the 2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-05-07 17:51:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!

Slideshow: 10 most surprising Ford truck options/features in 2026.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:17:22


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026

Slideshow: Here are the top 10 Fords coming to Mecum Indy 2026.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:49:49


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 worst Ford truck wheels of all time

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 16:49:01


VIEW MORE