electrical/power steering issues

Hi, our 1996 is having a life of its own! When you move the column shifter the radio can die in drive and reverse but be OK in neutral and park. Also sometimes when driving the power steering goes into highway mode (variable power assist), also the wipers can die and the seat belt light can come on. We have even had the power windows stop working. I have been told that this can be the ignition switch, does this make sense? Other ideas?

Thanks

Welcome to the forum!

Ignition switch is one thought, I'd also suggest you investigate the Transmission Range Sensor (TRS) as it can cause some pretty odd electrical gremlins and would be associated with moving the column shift lever.

Try out the handy "Search this forum" feature from the Taurus forum main page, searching for the keywords "TRS" or "DTRS."

-Rod

Depending on year, who you talk to, where you buy your parts it is also know as the neutral start switch, neutral safety switch...there may be more. Your symptoms are very consistent with what I've heard about a troubled TRS. I only raise the names because I've heard several people asking for the TRS at various parts places and were told they've never heard of one. They may have changed names from 95 to 96 in the Taurus though they are similar or nealy so a part. I think they started out as the starter safety(park nuetral) switch and the reverse light switch. Then they were redesignd to also send info to the pcm.

The Transmission Range Sensor is the problem. Both the other posters are correct. We have repalced about 75 of these on our fleet. Easily replaced and fairly inexpensive.