99 windstar electrical

[ron moore]

I have a very weird electrical problem, hope somebody has, some advise. I have a 99 windstar v-6 it started and stalled twice, then the headlights turned on with out the switch being turned and the dash went dark except the fasten seat belt figure. now it won't crank or anything and the windows and radio and such work even with the key off and the headlights will not turn off unless you disconnect the battery. any suggestions????????

[nobadgers]

I have had this problem twice. In fact my van is in the shop today for this problem. The last time this happened the dealership replace the dash board assembly due to a "short". It cost about $700 to replace.

[ModMech]

It sounds like you have Daytime Running Lights (DRL), and that the ignition switch is misadjusted so it does not actually turn off. This would account for it not starting as well, because when the switch retaining bolts get loose, the switch just slides around, and as you turn it to "start" the spring just pushes the switch instead of actually moving the contacts inside.

The Ignition Lock (key cylinder) is a TOTALLY seperate part from the Ignition Switch. The switch is mounted on the top of the steering column just under the dash. With the key out (Ign = off), you can see if you can move the switch (whitish rectangular box with a grey connector and lots of medium-heavy wires (12 or so)), if so all you need to do is to find "off" and tighten it down again.

[Jubahaw]

Try switching the battery ,there could be a dead short that wont show up unless you do a load check on the battery.
Even if you hook up a battery charger and it says the battery is full you still could have a dead short.
I had almost the same problem and that is how I fixed it..... Good luck

[ModMech]

A dead short will NOT keep the headlamps on with the switch off. It would blow the fuse, and the lights would not work at all.

I stand confidently by my "ignition switch" diagnosis.

[Jubahaw]

I agree w/ModMech ,a dead short would not allow the headlights to turn on at all, go with the ignition switch ,ModMech is probaly right on this one.....