Aerostar Electrical Problems

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Jan 12, 2005 | 12:38 PM

Cephus

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Aerostar Electrical Problems

This just started happening yesterday and I won't be able to look at it until the weekend, but I wanted to see if anyone had any suggestions on where to look.

There appears to be a serious electrical contact short somewhere in the steering column. It started when the radio would go out as I turned the wheel. Just for a second at first, now more and more frequently. Then it had problems starting unless I turned the wheel. The engine cranks normally, but as soon as it starts, the engine dies and all gauges go to zero. Just a few minutes ago, the same started to happen with the windshield wipers. Good thing the rain for the week has stopped or I wouldn't be able to drive at all. I'm not sure if any other electrical systems are affected.

When I turn the wheel, I can hear a plastic-on-plastic rubbing sound from time to time on the column, I'm assuming that's where the problem probably lies. Any suggestions on specific components I should be looking at?

Thanks for your help.

Jan 12, 2005 | 05:40 PM

x.l.r.8

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From: Singhampton

I'd guess the ignition switch it'self, the wiring is easy to get to, just a couple of screws underneith the colum and the plug is easy the pull off, try checking the contacts although it's unlikely to be corrosion as it's pretty well protected, but a few seconds plugging and unpluging should do the trick, it could be the ignition switch or even a poor contact to the ground or +ive terminal on the battery, however the fact you have noise fromt he colum is alarming as you may find if the lock is defective it may throw the steering lock on, I don't want to panic you as I have no way of hearing the noise but if you start feeling any resistance what-so-ever on the wheel think about spending the time and taking off the steering lock just in case. I'd go with the Ignition switch but my expierience is limmited to say the least.

Jan 12, 2005 | 06:53 PM

cbr900

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From: brooksville, florida

xlr8 has the right idea, check out that large block connector in the steering colum, my van did the same thing and I found out that the block clips had broken and it was comming apart at times, I had to use some wire tie's to hold it back together but it has worked because I have not had the problem since, or it could be the ignition switch is also comming apart mine also do this, had to fit a new ignition switch to fix it.

Jan 13, 2005 | 10:22 AM

Cephus

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I was thinking that initially, but the ignition switch was replaced about 2 years ago, I don't know that it would be failing again this quickly, but it's certainly something I'll take a look at.

I guess I won't know until I rip it apart and look. Thanks.