Help Please!

[Y2KSVT]

Hello,
I've had my '01 LS8 for just over 4 months now, and it's been running great. Tonight, I stop to fill up the tank. I get it all filled up, get in the car and start it up. I go for the gear selector, and the button won't depress. It's stuck in park! I also notice that the fuel gauge is sitting on E! The Low Fuel light is still on the dash, just as it did at 55 miles to empty, which is when I stopped to get gas. So I shut the car off, and tun the key to the ON position, and the gear selector button actually depresses! So I start the car with the button depressed, and I'm on my way. As I'm driving, I notice my turn signals aren't working. The indicator lights on the dash are flashing fast. I push the status button on the dash, and it goes through the routine, pointing something out about a door data error, a trunk data error, and exterior lamps data error. I can note them all if I need to. Just seeing if anyone knows what this might be? I can't even get into the trunk to reset the battery! Any help guys? Thanks!!

Mark

[shorod]

Can't you use your key to open the trunk?

As for the error, not familiar with those symptoms and not sure where to start. Disconnecting the battery for awhile does seem like a good starting place. Also, inspect the fuses and relays in the fuse panels as well, under the hood, in the cabin, and in the trunk.

Also, if you have access to a professional scan tool that can scan the body computer, it would be worth seeing if you have communication with it.

-Rod

[Y2KSVT]

Rod! I appreciate that you're always so quick to help where you can. I was in a little bit of a panic, so I didn't think of opening the trunk with my key, until I calmed down and realized how dumb I was. But here's the update, after further inspection. I have front turn signals, but no rear turn signals. I also don't have any brake lights when applying the brake pedal. I'm assuming that the lack of brake lights, and the fact that the tranmission doesn't recognize the brake being applied, are coinciding with eachother. Is there a fuse that controls that function? I pulled the fuse #35 behind the passenger kick panel, which is described as the "Stop Lamp Signal" and it's still good. Everything else seems to work(lights, wipers, front turn lamps, etc.). It's just the brake lamps, rear turn signals(which use the same bulbs obviously), and the transmission not recognizing the brake being applied.

Mark

[shorod]

I don't have the wiring diagrams available to me here at work, but I think the brake pedal switch feeds in to the front electronic module. Seems like for this to effect the shift interlock and the brake lights, you should be looking at the brake pedal switch.

-Rod

[shorod]

It actually appears that the brake lights are controlled through the Rear Electronic Module. This is according to the wiring diagram for my 2004 LS. I have the factory service manual for the 2002 at home which should match your 2001 (2004 has separate bulbs for brake and turn signals).

-Rod

[Y2KSVT]

Thanks for the replies Rod! I'm picking up a brake pedal switch tonight actually, right after work. Do you think the brake pedal switch has anything to do with the trunk popper not working on either my dash, or my key fob? The tail lights are also stuck on, unless I unhook the battery. And my fuel gauge is stuck on E. Does the brake pedal switch control anything with these functions, or is it a 100% complete coincidence that they all stopped working at the EXACT same time?

Mark

[Y2KSVT]

Well, I've decided that I'm not going with the brake pedal switch. After talking to my Ford technician buddy, and thinking a little more about it, it doesn't sound like the switch is the problem. I think there's some sort of electrical gremlin that needs to be found. Since I'm a when it comes to electrical stuff, I'm taking it into the dealership to have him look at it. Can't wait to get the bill for this!

Mark

[shorod]

I doubt the brake pedal switch would be tied to many of the other problems, but it wouldn't surprise me if the Rear Electronic Module may play a role in some of them. Thursday evening I'll try to remember to check the 2002 manual to see if there is something common to all these items, like maybe a bad battery (batteries in these cars cause some strange things) or fuse/relay. Main grounds are always suspect when there are numerous seemingly unrelated electrical issues too.

-Rod

[Y2KSVT]

Originally Posted by shorod

Rear Electronic Module

I think this is what it was. I just got a call back from Ford. It was something in the trunk that ended up shorting out. The part alone is $400, and they'll have it in by tomorrow. It's gonna cost me $590, and that's with a break on labor and parts. I'm heavily considering the sale of this car.

Mark