dash warning light randomly blinking

[loun]

My door ajar, low washer fluid and seat belt dash warning lights started to come on randomly for a few seconds while driving. I can hear a relay clicking on while this is happening. I pulled the relay thinking that it was bad, but the lights still come on without the clicking sound. Any idea where to start looking?

[arvie]

I got the same problem on my 1998 Ford Windstar.
It always activated the seatbelt warning light first and followed by windshield washer and door warning light whenever I shift from Park-Drive or Neutral-Drive (and intermittentlly while driving). does anybody out there had a suggestion?

[loun]

I found the problem this weekend while checking the power and grounds. The ignition switch is randomly sending 12 volts to the "start" input on the GEM, putting it into its startup sequence. This startup sequence flashes the lights and momentarily disables the accessories that the GEM controls. How difficult is it to replace the ignition switch? Are ther any special tools needed?

[12Ounce]

The ignition switch on my '99 has been replaced. Its a black plastic box connected (thru sliding linkages) to the ignition key tumbler. About half way down the strg col under the shrouds/covers. No special tools that I recall.

I believe the tumbler has to be removed to remove the covers. If so, put key in "on" position. Disconnect battery. Look (upward) under the key tumbler ... you will the little pin release hole for the tumbler. Tumbler is pulled straight out when pin is pressed.

Be sure to grease up the linkages before replacing the covers.

[arvie]

Originally Posted by arvie

I got the same problem on my 1998 Ford Windstar.
It always activated the seatbelt warning light first and followed by windshield washer and door warning light whenever I shift from Park-Drive or Neutral-Drive (and intermittentlly while driving). does anybody out there had a suggestion?

what is GEM? is it located under the instument panel?

[loun]

The GEM is located under the dash. It controls almost all of the accessories (power widows, wipers, rear defrost, locks, ect.) and the 3 warning lights in question. Your problem is exactly the same as mine. If you jiggle the ignition switch while the van is running you will see the light sequence. Replace your ignition switch.

[arvie]

I replaced my Ignition switch during the weekend. and I drove my van 200 miles up to lake tahoe and did not encountered the random warning lights anymore. However, while replacing the iginition switch, I found that the wires going to transmission position sensors (white/pink) has a poor contact (car alarm was tapped on this line to disable the starter thru a relay) and eventually disconnect while I'm removing the wire harness on the ignition switch. not sure if it contribute to the problem but I fixed it too anyway. Thanks for all the advise