96 Town Car: Wierd Prob w/ Steering Wheel Button(s)

[LieutenantCracker]

I have a 1996 Lincoln Town Car, that's in pretty good shape for the 160,000 miles that she's run-up but there are a couple o' problems w/ her, that I can't quite figure-out:

1) The buttons that are integrated into the steering wheel, are supposed to control the radio, climate control & cruise ctrl. The cruise works fine (& yes, I'm aware of the recall but, I'm stubborn & am going to take my chances-- instead of having the dealer simply disconnecting it perminantly... then sending me on my merry-way!) however, none of the radio or climate control buttons work UNLESS the parking &/or headlights are on(???) I've checked the fuses, just for the heck of it, b/c surely this wouldn't be fuse-related... & I also checked the exterior-lighting control module, and all the wires that lead-to the various places that they lead but, can't figure this one out!
I doubt the following is related but, kind of wierd, none-the-less... you can APPLY the foot-pedal parking brake whenever you please but it won't stay down/lock unless the engine is NOT running (even if you're stopped & in Park), AND it disengages as soon as you crank the engine, the next time-- Even though it's only SUPPOSED come off if you manually pull the lever, or if you shift into Drive. Lastly, the programmable "Memory-Seats" buttons don't work at all (I only mentioned those last 2 probs. b/c SOMEBODY out there might see a "connection" between the malfunctions, that I don't.... Again, I checked AND TESTED the fuse(s) and they're all fine.
Thanks, in advance!

--Louis Tennant
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Coach handbags

[Kitt1993]

I'll wait to hear what Steven has to say... He would know.

[LieutenantCracker]

So, is that as-though to say, you might have an answer, if "Steven" doesn't?

Additionally, do you mean "Phffteven" OR "Steven"? If you meant the latter, exactly who is that? If the "former" is to whom you were referring, I(I definately know him!!!
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BATTLESTAR GALACTICA DICUSSION

[Towncar]

Originally Posted by LieutenantCracker

Additionally, do you mean "Phffteven" OR "Steven"? If you meant the latter, exactly who is that? If the "former" is to whom you were referring, I(I definately know him!!!

I'm going to need a slide rule and compass to navigate that sentence... what's a "Phffteven" ? if I run that through my PC reader it sounds like something from a gay bar annunciated with a flip of the wrist !!

Taking these problems into context, I would say a few of them do sound related. There's no way to prove it out without swapping a known good part, however I'm betting on the Multi-function Switch and/or Clockspring for all those steering column issues.

The parking brake problem is related to the vacuum switch at the bottom of the steering column, it's always tripped giving direct vacuum to the Release Motor whenever the engine is running.

The Speed Control (cruise) isn't 'permanently' disconnected at the dealerships, it's just unplugged and registered in their database so you can't sue them. Also, they don't unplug them anymore.. there's plenty of the recall parts on hand everywhere now, they simply fix it.

As for the Memory Seats / mirrors.. they don't work while the car is in motion.. I don't recall if they are programmable in motion.. maybe so.

If you don't have one.. get the Owners Manual for Memory Recall instruction and function. Search here for Owners Manual or visit my web page.

I'll put $10 on the Clockspring for the Steering Wheel Button problems.

[Kitt1993]

You know Steven, it almost sounds like Mccgiver under a different name.. Kinda anyway..

B

[danielsatur]

How new is the car to you?

Do all features work other than controls on steering wheel?

Theres alot of Bells & whistles on this car to get to know.
You might find an old owners manual on E-bay or a salvage yard.

Steve is a real person & like AllData.com to AutoZone.
Automotiveforums.com is free,and Alldata.com costs $15 a year.

Kitt wants tobe his buddie!

Set priorities and attack one problem at a time.

Good luck,you can do it!

MCGIVER

[danielsatur]

Originally Posted by Kitt1993

You know Steven, it almost sounds like Mccgiver under a different name.. Kinda anyway..

B

Not true - Got grounded,I thought Honda Elements looked Ugly!