I just picked up a 88 tc and im having issues keeping it running. you go to start it like normal and let go of the key and it dies. I think its the lock cylinder thats giving me problems because every time i go to start it it fires right up first try. But i noticed the keys were aftermarket so im thinking the lock cylinder was replaced. Now if this was done incorrectly what problems would this cause?
Had the same problem. the cylinder was replaced on the parts bird and would do pretty much what it wanted. sometimes the fuel pump would even stay on after the car was shut off, until the key went back in and I jiggled it.
sounds like the ignition switch to me. all the lock cylinder does is unlock the column and activate the switch.
The replacement cylinder in mine was kinda loose, so it probably was turning the switch on and off when it jiggled. That's as far as I investigated before i stripped it
ok well the switch is cheap and easy to change ill start there in the am. It was a loooooong snowy trip to pick her up. But is it in really really good shape. And i found out the motor has a fresh rebuild on it from the last owner.
now where's the pics?
yes yes the pics :evilgrin: :beatyoass:
its too dark out now. But i will get some in the am when there is more light i promise!
i got a question... None of the keys i have unlock the doors and trunk. The doors i can live with till i get a lock kit to get all 1 key but how do i get into my trunk without the key ans if it doesn't have the trunk poper?
look at your evtm,, the run side of the ign switch cant be wired up correctly.
yeah ill take a look at that to make sure its correct.
if something has come loose in the switch itself it would act as though something isnt wired correctly too right?
yep,, its one of the probable faults. my gut says if the switch was replaced, there are more odds the human hands has a greater chance of failing than the equipment. thats just statistically speaking.
95% of all errors are are related to the human touch. its evident in safety practices, assembly line audits, various repairs made to this and that, causes of fire ect ect.
my best guess and first guess would be to check the electrical connector to the ignition switch for a wire that has backed out of its plug. this may or may not be man caused, we see wires backing out all the time.
john, you still have your evtm right?
i replaced a couple pages due to blurryness up on photobucket.
yeah i do i just don't know where it would be. But when i got the switch off and started to unplug it, it fell apart in my hand! and i looked at the end with the wires but i may need to get a new pigtail because the plastic was a little melted. Not baked like ive seen a few but just like it got a little too warm. But after i replaced it the car fired up and stayed running and the radio worked the trunk popper worked and the drivers window motor worked.
And now the pics?
go look in user rides.
Ford had a recall on these back in the day. I had the same problem 2 yrs ago. Call your local ford dealer and see if the recall was done on your car. If not than they should do it, with no problem. Here is the recall info
'88 Ford Thunderbird Recalls
Recall ID # 96V071000 - ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Recall Date: APR 25, 1996
Component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION
Model Affected: THUNDERBIRD
Potential Units Affected: 7900000 Recall Details