1997 Ford Taurus Shorted ignition wire now gauges won't wor

LAUGH

MEMBER
1997 FORD TAURUS
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
155,000 MILES

When hooking up a remote starter I accidentally shorted the ignition wire now the speedometer, tachometer, cruise control, rear defroster, and heater temperature control will not work. All other gauges and electrics work fine. I have checked all fuses. Main ignition fuse under hood was blown but I replaced it. Car starts runs and shifts as it should. The remote starter works great so I know it is geting the tach signal. I have tried disconnecting the remote starter and still the same.

2 Replies

BMRFIXIT

MECHANIC
19,053 POSTS

Test the ignition switch and its wires if all have power on with key on (if not suspect bad ignition switch )
you should have the wiring schematic from the remote starter
recheck fuses with car running or key on

SPONSORED LINKS

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, March 23rd, 2009 AT 8:28 PM

LAUGH

MEMBER
1 POST

Ignition switch was disconnected when wire was shorted. I have a 99 taurus as well. I could swap parts. Anyone know if the gauge clusters are compatible with 97 and 99. Perhaps the shorting just damaged the cluster and the switches for the rear defrost and heater temp control.
Are you suggesting that I check all fuses for power with key on. Or just the ones I suspect are for the components not working?

Was this

answer

helpful?

Yes

No

Monday, March 23rd, 2009 AT 8:39 PM