Hello--68 year old, life-time Ford fan, stumped by electrical problems.
Car is 1986 Mustang GT. My 40 year old son bought this car a few years ago with hopes of restoring it-with my help. (Yes, i was flattered!)
But then ( tell me if you've heard, or lived this story before)...wife got pregnant, job responsibilities increased--in short no time, and no $$ for the Mustang. I put a new convertible top on it, more as a gesture toward preservation than restoration. Until recently, the car ran and drove--solid performer, and essentially stock--no poorly done boy racer mods.
I was cleaning it up, and then i had to replace a brake line. I was hoping to get to the Ford Carlisle weekend, but ran out of time. ( Wasn't that a great show!)
Then, with the car sitting on my lift, I started it to drive it outside and electrical problem #1 hit. Three seconds after starting, the wipers go into intermittent mode, and the dash amp meter audibly pegs to the discharge side. This cycle continues, but I did not keep it running long, maybe 30 seconds. If I pull the rectangular plug from the top of the alternator, the problems both stop--but of course, the car is running on the battery. If I turn the key to "ON" with the engine not running, the problems do not occur--with the alternator plugged in, or not. I then unplugged the W/S/W harness, and the multi-function lever harness from under the steering column--no change. I even removed the W./S/W switch--no change.
While this was going on, electrical problem #2 raised its ugly head... Now the car is a "No Start". It cranks normally, but not a hint of trying to start. I removed the air intake hose from the throttle body and dumped in a little gas, and it immediately started and ran for 2 or 3 seconds. OK, so the problem is lack of fuel, right? Ignition side seems to be OK.
One more observation....After I tried cranking for 10-20 seconds, I listened under the hood and heard "clicking" sounds. Almost like a relay, but also like when the engine sheet metal heats up and makes those little crackling sounds. I removed the battery cable, and the clicking continued, so its likely NOT electrical. Is it related to the other issues, or just a false lead?
I did check the fuel pump shut off in the trunk, and the button was depressed--not raised as if it had triggered. I have some hearing loss, so i am not certain I hear the fuel pump run, but I think it runs for a couple of seconds when I switch the key to "ON".
I wanted to check the fuel pump pressure, but I can't even find the schraeder valve connection, nor the fuel pressure regulator. Where did they bury them?
I am out of my element on the SEFI stuff. Give the ubiquitous Ford 2V or 4V carb, and I know what to do. I do appreciate that the SEFI gets more power from less fuel, and thats all good, but its just too new for my experience.
I have played around long enough, now its time to ask for help from the guys and gals on this forum.
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