Weird electrical problem

[bigmd]

Ok so just noticed this the other day. Was driving my 86 GT and stereo shut off when I pulled on steering wheel . Would also do it when I parked and put some pressure on steering wheel when I got out . Then noticed when putting passenger window up it would shut off when window got to top. The radio was just put in a few months ago by a shop. Also not sure if it’s related but my battery seems to die very easily when doors are left open for a certain amount of time. Maybe I’m just used to newer cars and this is a quirk of a 34 year old car. Any help appreciated.

[KevinK]

Ignition switch failing?

[graphicdesigner80]

Ignition switch failing?

I’d second that. Pressure on the wheel/column makes me think the same.

[bigmd]

It’s quite possible. I’ve never had this problem I’m any Fox I’ve had. Looks like easy fix . Would it cause my dead battery issue with doors being open ?

[graphicdesigner80]

It’s quite possible. I’ve never had this problem I’m any Fox I’ve had. Looks like easy fix . Would it cause my dead battery issue with doors being open ?

Sounds like that might be more of a parasitic drain issue.

For now, I’d pull the column covers and see if the plastic section of the ignition switch has any wiggle-play. If so, replace.

[bigmd]

Ok . Will do, gonna order today.

[dtmilsap]

I replaced my ignition switch earlier this year, lots of things started to work again, fog lights, turn signals and blower motor. It's easy to replace and not expensive. Before they would come on intermittently.

Sent from my SM-G960U using Tapatalk

[bigmd]

Ok cool. This is the impression I’m getting from researching it.

[Ray Dog]

More evidence would be discolored or distorted plastic on the ignition switch,
And blacked and crispy insulation. All signs of over heating

[gr79]

Quirk of a 34 year old car? Yes and no.
If the issues started happening after the radio swap, that is the main suspected area of electrical to check thoroughly.

A 34 year old manufactured anything will eventually wear out if used. Can be easy or impossible to replace.
10's of 1000's of parts in a car. A lot are lifetime construction, others wear like brakes.
One little 10¢ part of the assy can take down the rest of other wise fine, assy.
A replacement part can cost more than a new item. Been that way for years.
Take any switch. Some wear very slowly like toggles or wall.
Others never make 20 or less. Battery flashlights.
Other type parts, like windshields, vary widely. Hammers, wrenches, axles, steering wheels, last a long time.

The ignition switch controls most everything electrical in our cars.
Motorcraft ones are priced within anyone's budget.
One of those items best replaced is before it fails or is suspect to be failing, or at end of service life.

New cars have more auto functions. The forgotten, like lights on/off. 80's was still manual control for most everything.
Like owning multiple cars. Which side is the gas door on this one being driven today? Manual thought. Normal.

[bigmd]

I ordered the switch . We shall see what happens. When I had radio installed it didn’t do this at all . Hopefully it’s the switch.