2002 Taurus Electrical Issues

tblake · #1 10-25-2009, 08:41 PM

Anyone have any insight?

02 taurus, There have been random electrical issues since it was new like sometimes the windows not working, but they have usually cleared up by just shutting the car off and turning it back on.

Some Dash lights recently burnt out, but a few days ago all dash lights went out and now when the headlights are turned on, both turn signal indicators illuminate. They still work fine, still flash when you use the turn signals, but if the headlights are turned on, both turn signal indicators (indicators only) are also on.

It doesn't make much sense to me, the only thing I could think of is maybe there is voltage being leaked into a circuit it shouldn't have.

Does anyone know what to look for? Sounds to me like a bad ignition switch/harness or possibly a turn signal stock.

tblake · #2 10-31-2009, 11:51 PM

No one has had this issue before? Am I really the first one? Or do you guys just hate me over here because I am mainly on the GTP forum?

shorod · #3 11-01-2009, 10:43 AM

Hmmm, I don't recall ever seeing your original post....

The turn signal indicators remaining illuminated sounds like a grounding issue. As for other electrical gremlins, they may be associated with the Transmission Range Sensor. There have been several electrical issues that have been remedied by replacing the TRS in these, power steering (electric assist), lighting, radio, etc. You might search for "TRS" in this forum to see if anyone matches your symptoms.

Not horribly long ago (maybe a year or so) there was a thread about someone having instrument cluster issues, I seem to recall a few posts related to flex circuit issues, but I don't recall if the OP ever responded with what they found.

-Rod

tblake · #4 11-02-2009, 03:43 PM

Thanks! I am going to dig into it a little tonight and see what I can find out. I have a wiring diagram for the internals of the Multi Function switch, so I will test that out and see how it goes. Otherwise I will definatly look into the trans range sensor. Funny how something like that could cause all sorts of odd issues. Is there an adjustment for it possibly? Where is it located? On the trans?

shorod · #5 11-03-2009, 07:33 AM

Yep, located on the trans. There is an adjustment for it when installing a new one, but not to fix electrical issues if that turns out to be the problem. I don't think many people have purchased and used the alignment tool suggested in the manual, and I don't recall anyone having issues because they didn't use the alignment tool. "Search this forum" will be your friend though, lots of good information should appear.

-Rod

tblake · #6 12-14-2009, 11:30 AM

Sorry Guys, I thought I would Pop back over and follow up.

That day I took the dash apart and as soon as I moved the instrument cluster, all the lights started to work properly again. Wiggling the connector caused the problems to re-occure and go away as it was jiggled.

So, for the time being, I took out the cluster, cleaned the connections, replaced all the bulbs in it, and put it back together. Everything seems to be working good still. Only thing I can thing of is maybe it was caused because the only thing keeping the connection between the IP and harness is a 90 degree bend of the IP printed circuit board. Not sure how to make a long term fix for this other than just taking it apart and cleaning it. But so far it has been fine, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Another thing, I replaced all the illumination bulbs while I had the cluster out. Problem is it seems the one that is behind the far right side, fuel guage (if I remember right), even with a new bulb still wont illuminate. I think the trace on the circuit board may be burnt out. Is this common? This bulb has been burnt out as far back as I can remember, it was even burnt out before all the above issues happened.

tblake · #7 12-14-2009, 11:32 AM

So yeah!

Thanks for the Help!

I know you guys don't exactly jump for joy when a GM guy pops over with a question, but I am thankfull you guys were so eager to help out.

shorod · #8 12-14-2009, 01:30 PM

Thank you for the follow-up. I hope there aren't folks that ignore other's just because of the brand. If so, I'm in trouble, I no longer have any Taurii in the family (Infiniti, Lincoln, and a Mercury). I suspect the lack of responses was more due to people reading the thread and not having first-hand experience and waiting for someone who did to jump in. That's what kept me from responding initially.

As for the one bulb that doesn't work and possibility of a damaged trace, that's certainly possible but I'm not familiar with it being a common issue. Those bulbs don't draw much current and therefore don't a very thick trace. Did you by chance try a different bulb and socket to see if it's an issue with the socket rather than the trace or bulb.

-Rod

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