Can't Hear Door Chime

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Can't Hear Door Chime

December 09, 2008, 01:30:40 PM

I can't hear the door chime, or any of the warnings. Is there some way to adjust the volume? Do I need to replace it, and if I do...what does it look like and where is it located.

Sorry for so all the questions.:D

Thanks

Can't Hear Door Chime

Reply #1 – December 09, 2008, 02:34:25 PM

More than likely the chime module is dead. What year is your car?
According to the shop manual, first check fuses #6 and #18. If they're okay then read on.

What I like to do to verify beyond the fuses, is to turn the parking lights on and open a door. If you put your ear to the dash or under the dash, somewhere around the steering column, you may hear a slight buzzing or what would be a chime if it were louder. The module has a "speaker" on the underside. Even if you can't hear anything at all, if you watch the interior lights in the footwells, they may dim slightly as if there were a chime going. Either way, that pretty much confirms that it's the module. Honestly, I've found chime module to be one of the most reliable parts of these cars, so if you are having any issue with it then it's almost a guarantee that the module is toasted. I don't know of a practical way to fix one.

The chime module, depending on the model year, is either a bright light blue or black, and is located under the dash right above the fuse panel, to the left of the steering column. Difficult to get to, though. Don't confuse it with the wiper motor governor module (if you have delay wipers), as that's close to the chime module; the governor has one harness in, one harness out, and IIRC the chime module has just one harness.

Location Diagrams
http://s47.photobucket.com/albums/f162/jcassity_bucket/?action=view¤t=pg117.jpg
http://s47.photobucket.com/albums/f162/jcassity_bucket/?action=view¤t=pg118.jpg

Wiring Diagrams:
http://s47.photobucket.com/albums/f162/jcassity_bucket/?action=view¤t=pg151.jpg
http://s47.photobucket.com/albums/f162/jcassity_bucket/?action=view¤t=pg152.jpg
http://s47.photobucket.com/albums/f162/jcassity_bucket/?action=view¤t=pg153.jpg

Can't Hear Door Chime

Reply #2 – December 09, 2008, 07:01:31 PM

hey eric, hyjacking the thread a little, i have the guy in my 83 telling me my lights are on, door is ajar (no it's a door;)), etc.

sometimes it's loud, other times it's led..... is that the speaker dying or is it a different problem..... don't know if you've ever run into that issue or not, but i figured i'd ask

thanks

Can't Hear Door Chime

Reply #3 – December 09, 2008, 07:13:42 PM

Well, your talking chime module (1983 only) works off multiple inputs from the system sentry. There are a lot of wires to track down there, but it may be possible that some wires are loose. The links above actually pertain more to the talking module so you could use those for references.

I would suspect, though, that you have a ground issue, or maybe the voltage drops juuuuuust enough to make the module go crazy...or maybe it's just old and dying. Does the issue happen when the car is running, or when it's off, or both?

These modules are very old. While I have seen them die when relatively new ( <10 years old), generally they seem to hold up well, but like all things they have a finite life. I do believe that the module in our cars was also used in several other Fords...I remember seeing that somewhere but don't remember where. They might be available at parts stores too. The talking module is VERY uncommon, though. Ford only used those for a few years and then went back to the visual System Sentry system.

Can't Hear Door Chime

Reply #4 – December 09, 2008, 07:52:27 PM

it pretty much does it when it wants to, running or not..... the voice doesn't slow down, it just starts acting like it's talking behind a wall, i can hear it, but it sounds led and off in a distance..... i'll check the links and see what i can figure out

thanks much :)

Can't Hear Door Chime

Reply #5 – December 09, 2008, 08:03:54 PM

if the plug on your ignition switch is off or bad it won't make any noise.

I guess I mean the lock cylinder, not the switch...

Can't Hear Door Chime

Reply #6 – December 09, 2008, 09:00:54 PM

Quote

if the plug on your ignition switch is off or bad it won't make any noise.

I guess I mean the lock cylinder, not the switch...

Right, that is generally true...but that's why I suggested turning on the parking lamps. Bypassing the ignition cylinder will get to the lamps-on reminder part of the chime module. That helps troubleshoot one from the other.

Can't Hear Door Chime

Reply #7 – December 10, 2008, 03:59:25 AM

I'm trying to help... I just suck at it...

Can't Hear Door Chime

Reply #8 – December 10, 2008, 01:33:34 PM

When chimes were new everyone wanted to know how to silence them.

Can't Hear Door Chime

Reply #9 – December 10, 2008, 10:16:57 PM

I pull them out of the door when I'm working on the interior.

Can't Hear Door Chime

Reply #10 – December 11, 2008, 12:04:15 PM

Thanks everyone for the replys. I have a 1987 T-bird LX. It has a V6 and fully loaded. I can hear the chime, but it is so faint if you don't try, you won't hear it.

I know it is a dumd little thing, But if I can replace it or change the "speaker" I would like too. If it is a one peice unit where can I get one, or if any one has a part number that would be great.

Thanks again.

Mark

Can't Hear Door Chime

Reply #11 – January 02, 2009, 05:46:49 PM

I pulled the chime module out several years ago and the foam rubber surround which holds tension on the speaker diaphragm was shot. Just cleaned the old foam rubber off and replaced it with a rubber band. Find one with the right diameter and thickness to lay where the foam rubber was and reassemble.

Hope this helps.

Can't Hear Door Chime

Reply #12 – January 02, 2009, 07:45:56 PM

If anyone has one of these for an 85 thunderbird I would be very happy. Mine still makes noise.... it is just very faint.

Thanks.

Can't Hear Door Chime

Reply #13 – January 02, 2009, 08:14:18 PM

I remember the day I finally figured out how to silence that dreaded chime! That thing used to drive me insane.

Can't Hear Door Chime

Reply #14 – January 02, 2009, 08:35:24 PM

Quote from: Cougar5.0;249897

I remember the day I finally figured out how to silence that dreaded chime! That thing used to drive me insane.

X2

When I was re gluing my window, i pulled it out of the door. Never have to worry about it again.