1995 Mercury Sable "ACC" Position on ignition app

WJLANE

MEMBER
1995 MERCURY SABLE
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
178,000 MILES

My radio and power windows stay functional even when the key is removed from the ignition. The car will start and stop just fine but the condition above drains my battery overnight even with the radio off. The condition just started a day or two ago when I noticed my radio did not shut off. I do remember using the accessory position shortly before this issue started. Is there a switch in the ignition that failed? How do I fix it? Just replace the ignition cylinder?

6 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Test it this way first:
STEERING COLUMN SWITCHES -1995 Mercury Sable GS
Page 1 of 1
IGNITION SWITCH
1.Test for continuity between specified terminals with switch in each position. See Fig. 3 . If continuity is not as specified, or is poor in any switch position, replace ignition switch.
Fig. 3: Identifying Ignition Switch Terminals (Sable & Taurus) Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
2.Continuity should exist between terminals B5 and I1 with switch in START and RUN positions only. Continuity should not exist for all other switch positions. 3.Continuity should exist between terminals B5 and A1 with switch in ACC position only. Continuity should not exist for any other switch position. 4.Continuity should exist between terminals A1 and B1 with switch in RUN position only. Continuity should not exist for any other switch position. 5.Continuity should exist between terminals A2 and B2 with switch in RUN position only. Continuity should not exist for any other switch position. 6.Continuity should exist between terminals A3 and B3 with switch in RUN position only. Continuity should not exist for any other switch position. 7.Continuity should exist between terminals A4 and B4 with switch in RUN position only. Continuity should not exist for any other switch position.
IGNITION SWITCH

Removal
Disconnect negative battery cable. Remove steering column shroud. Remove tilt lever (if equipped). Remove instrument panel lower column cover. Unplug ignition switch connector. Set ignition switch to RUN position. Remove ignition switch.
Installation
Set ignition switch to RUN position by turning ignition switch shaft to START position, then releasing shaft. Install ignition switch. Connect ignition switch wiring. Connect negative battery cable. Check operation of ignition switch. To complete installation, reverse removal procedure.

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Saturday, October 18th, 2008 AT 8:40 PM

WJLANE

MEMBER
6 POSTS

So the ignition switch is not the same thing as the cylinder in which the key is inserted? What do I test the continuity with? Is this the definate source of my problem? If not, what else could it be?

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Saturday, October 18th, 2008 AT 11:18 PM

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

Test with a continuty tester, or ohm meter. No its not the lock cylinder part, this is a white plastic part the harness plugs into. Most likly this is the problem, but wiring can also be shorted.

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Sunday, October 19th, 2008 AT 7:01 AM

WJLANE

MEMBER
6 POSTS

I replaced the ignition switch but my problem remains.

This car doesn't mean a whole lot to me as I just use it to get back and forth to work. All I want to do is keep my battery from draining overnight without having to constantly open the hood and disconnect the negative battery cable everytime I shut the car off.

Is there a wire I can tap into with a switch that will prevent the battery drain while in accessory mode?

Even with the radio completely off, the drain exists. What else can cause battery drain while the ignition is in accessory if everything is turned off?

Just looking for a quick fix at this point but still curious as to what could drain the battery.

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Sunday, October 19th, 2008 AT 12:23 PM

WJLANE