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Technical => Electrical Tech => Topic started by: tbirdblex on October 01, 2010, 10:17:54 PM

Title: How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?
Post by: tbirdblex on October 01, 2010, 10:17:54 PM
I recently purchased a 1987 Ford Thunderbird LX 3.8L as a parts car, but unfortunately the owner lost all of the keys for it and neither an authorized Ford dealer or a locksmith were able to help me.  Do any of you know which wires I need to cross and/or jump to get the car started?  I already have removed the steering column cover and broke the steering column lock.  I have figured out what I need to do with some of the wires, but not with the electronic fuel pump.  Any assistance with figuring out how to get this car hotwired will be greatly appreciated.
Title: How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?
Post by: hypostang on October 01, 2010, 10:30:41 PM
Why not just remove the electrical part of the switch and work it with a screw driver ?
Title: How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?
Post by: turbo_88_XR7 on October 01, 2010, 10:36:00 PM
^ makes life a whole lot easier
Title: How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?
Post by: daminc on October 01, 2010, 10:39:40 PM
that's how they steal them. takes less then 15 sec if your good
Title: How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?
Post by: Watchdevil on October 02, 2010, 02:07:40 AM
Quote from: daminc;337560
that's how they steal them. takes less then 15 sec if your good

I was gonna say... that's how older Fords are stolen all the time.
Title: How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?
Post by: Watchdevil on October 02, 2010, 02:11:38 AM
Quote from: hypostang;337557
Why not just remove the electrical part of the switch and work it with a screw driver ?

Certainly if he can get the steering column unlocked so the wheel moves freely he can remove the ignition switch from the column and just move the slide on the switch to get it to start.  If the lock cylinder can be broke with a screw driver in such a way that it can be turned to start it then it's easy to turn the lock cylinder to the correct position to push the pin in to remove it completely to put in a new one with new keys.
Title: How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?
Post by: hypostang on October 02, 2010, 10:05:05 AM
Quote from: Watchdevil;337572
Certainly if he can get the steering column unlocked so the wheel moves freely he can remove the ignition switch from the column and just move the slide on the switch to get it to start. 



 Exactly what I was trying to say , but you said it better :D
Title: How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?
Post by: 88CougarGT on October 02, 2010, 11:55:33 AM
I had the same problem when I got mine.  Take a dremmel and slot the security screws that hold on the ignition switch.  Then remove the switch.  Unbolt the column lock and let the wheel hang floppy.

Hook up your battery, mush the switch peg forward...VRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMM
Title: How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?
Post by: Beau on October 02, 2010, 01:39:29 PM
Well, you could do all that, but that's the fun and boring way. The Proper way would be to swap in another column.

Guaranteed to make life interesting, lol
(Ask me why I know this..) :hick:
Title: How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?
Post by: Haystack on October 03, 2010, 11:55:31 PM
If you swap columns, keep the same type. You can swap your columshifter into a non column car, but it will break off and be hard to change gear.
Title: How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?
Post by: Watchdevil on October 04, 2010, 12:30:55 AM
Quote from: hypostang;337597
Exactly what I was trying to say , but you said it better :D

Hey man it's never my intention to always "show you up" with my words, just so you understand! ;)
Title: How do I hotwire a 1987 T-bird LX 3.8L?
Post by: hypostang on October 04, 2010, 01:46:17 AM
Quote from: Watchdevil;337884
Hey man it's never my intention to always "show you up" with my words, just so you understand! ;)


I know , you just speak more eloquently than I do ;)
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