1997 Aurora Electrical Trouble

I just gave my daughter a 97 Aurora for Christmas as her first car. The car is showing signs of electrical problems and I can't locate the problem. When the headlights are turned on manually or are enabled by the twilight sentinel the driver seat controls stop functioning and there is a clicking noise located directly over the instrument display. If the lights or twilight sentinel are turned off the seat controls work except for being able to move the seat forward. The clicking sound that exists with the lights on will stop momentarily if the seat control swithes are manipulated. The seat will not move but the clicking ceases for 30 seconds and returns. Are the headlights and power seat controlled by the same relay, wiring or module? How can I fix this problem? This Christmas gift is looking like a lemon.

Well Dad, you have stumbled and have fallen into the money pit that is the Aurora. Now, you can try to get out with that two ton piece of junk on your back or, you can sell it, have it towed to the junk yard or whatever, and get your little girl one of several good Ford makes or, one of the many dependable foreign models.

I am not kidding. Look at the number of posts and compare it to the number of Auroras actually sold. There is no car I have found that has as many problems, and serious problems at that, as compared to the number sold. Your black wallet will soon fade to a light grey as it will be exposed to sun so much while you're reaching in to retrieve money to pay the mechanics. I mean, if there is a shop you normally go to have your cars fixed, once they see you with that car, they'll add another bay and start dreaming of a house at the beach.

The point is, get rid of it unless, you don't mind having your little girl stranded on the side of the road on a regular basis. No kidding.

Sincerely,
A Former Victim of the Nightmare that is the Aurora

Headlight switch issues are very normal for this car, the good thing is that it is not all that hard to fix. Basically you just have to clean it out. There are several old posts on how to do it.

As to the seat problem you might look at the point where the wiring harness goes into the door. Pull back the rubber cover and look for a broken wire. This area is a weak spot for power windows also.

Lastly as the previous poster said, this car does have its problems. And if you take the car to a shop for everything, it can get very expensive. :crying: But if you can fix the small things yourself (like the headlight switch) it can be a good comfortable car.