Key Off=Dead Ranger
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Elder User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 524
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From: Liberty, MO
Key Off=Dead Ranger
Within the last month occasionally when I turn the key off, it kills power to the entire truck for a few seconds. My radar detector (which is on 24/7 cuz of the lighter never switches off with the key) turns off and my amp pops (the same pop as if you unplug it from power and reconnect it). I turn the key back on and my stereo loses its presets. This doesnt make sense to me. Its almost as if the ingition switch in my truck has a dead short that's not blowing a fuse. There's no other way I can explain all the power being killed!
I replaced my ignition switch probably 2 years ago, so I'd like to think that that's not the issue even though that's the only thing that logic tells me is the problem. Also, my cruise control is currently non operational. Maybe the cruise wires run through the ignition switch as well?
Any input would be awesome.
I replaced my ignition switch probably 2 years ago, so I'd like to think that that's not the issue even though that's the only thing that logic tells me is the problem. Also, my cruise control is currently non operational. Maybe the cruise wires run through the ignition switch as well?
Any input would be awesome.
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,476
Likes: 224
From: Frequently frozen MN
Two possibilities that I can think of
1. The one that you don't like -- ignition switch is shorting to ground. I don't like it either because it calls for a pretty hard partial short. Enough to take everything down--but not enough to take out any fuses.
2. There is a bad power feed (or ground) to your Unswitched 12 v. In this case, somehow your ignition power is feeding the unswitched 12. Can happen. When you pull off the ignition, the sudden load causes everything to drop. But, the source is good enough so that it comes back up sufficiently after the initial drop. Get a voltmeter and see what's happening when the switch is shut down. Then, with the switch off, find some sort of a heavier load to power from your lighter plug. Monitor the voltage when you add some load ( Measure the voltage at the power and ground of the heavier load. If you have a bad ground, it will be what changes)
good luck,
ford2go
1. The one that you don't like -- ignition switch is shorting to ground. I don't like it either because it calls for a pretty hard partial short. Enough to take everything down--but not enough to take out any fuses.
2. There is a bad power feed (or ground) to your Unswitched 12 v. In this case, somehow your ignition power is feeding the unswitched 12. Can happen. When you pull off the ignition, the sudden load causes everything to drop. But, the source is good enough so that it comes back up sufficiently after the initial drop. Get a voltmeter and see what's happening when the switch is shut down. Then, with the switch off, find some sort of a heavier load to power from your lighter plug. Monitor the voltage when you add some load ( Measure the voltage at the power and ground of the heavier load. If you have a bad ground, it will be what changes)
good luck,
ford2go
Cargo Master
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,208
Likes: 13
The early 90 Fords had problems with ignition switches separating where they where crimped together. I would look there first. Then check for a ground problem. I have seen strange things happen when a ground goes bad. Dc current will find ground through other components like something going through your ignition switch..
