1998 Ford Taurus SE – Electrical issues

[fishcounter]

1998 Ford Taurus SE – Electrical issues

I have recently had some strange electrical issues with my Taurus. The dashboard light inside the instrument cluster has been going dead behind where the fuel gauge is, the rest will stay lit (i.e. speedo, tach), but this part will go out. Usually when you restart the car it will be on again. The windshield wipers have also been staying on sometimes until I restart the car. The other day after not having driven the car for a couple weeks, it would not start, I jump started it and have not had any problem since, even at below freezing temperatures (I live in New-Brunswick, Canada). I also have an aftermarket RF CD changer in the trunk that has been in the car since I bought it in 1999. This recently stopped working, I thought the problem was with the CD changer, however I can make it work fine in my other car (2004 Ford Taurus). The error code that is displayed on the CD changer screen indicates a problem with the power source. It seems like it is not getting enough power. When I first hook it up in the car (1998) it works for 10 to 15 minutes and after that it just stops.

Anyone have any idea what kind of electrical problem would be causing all of this.

[alex boss]

Start by having your battery checked out after cleaning the battery posts. Cold weather is the batterys worst nightmare. If its weak replace it with one with the highest cranking amps you can afford. Then see what happens with the other probs. HTH Alex

[fishcounter]

I will try replacing the battery. Does anyone know if I can put a 2004 or 2005 battery in my 1998. They look the same and I could get one at a salvage yard for 40 $.

[alex boss]

Originally Posted by fishcounter

I will try replacing the battery. Does anyone know if I can put a 2004 or 2005 battery in my 1998. They look the same and I could get one at a salvage yard for 40 $.

Yeah;they will work if the size and position of the posts is the same- but I sure would go to Autozone or whatever major parts chain is in your area and have them test your battery before you spend any money on a junk yard battery. How would you know if you are not getting one that is worse than the one you have now? What i am suggesting is don't try to go cheap on a battery, you need a reliable battery to start your car. If the battery checks out good, then your problem lies elsewhere. Spend your money on fixing the problems, but you have to be sure what they are first. HTH Alex