[gerryb]

My car is dying help me.
Recently I've been having problems(electrical)My left turn signal shuts the car off.My horn shuts the car off as well as the wipers and when the ABS kicks in it shuts off as well.I am now running with my flasher relay pulled along with the others.So I have no horn no signals no wipers,the no ABS I can deal with .The others I need desperately.Please if you have any ideas let me know as soon as possible.I am actually stuck in a small town in Ontario.No money and after tonight no where to stay.I need to get home so please help with any suggestions.I am open to anything right now.

 

[Chingon]

That sounds terrible - sorry you're going through that. Electrical gremlins are terrible enough when you're at home. Maybe try un-plugging the battery for awhile?

Worst case scenario - sell your car for a ride to the bus station, ticket and a hot meal?

 

[1998v8sho]

Try to disconnect your battery and reset the system.
Check your fuses.
At this point it could be a host of things that could be happening.

Are you the original of the car?

 

[gerryb]

Nope not the original owner.The problem started a while back when I had my gas tank changed I think.My alarm doesn't work either now.Sometimes the windows won't work either(today)

 

[sheila]

Maybe check trs (transmission range sensor)? Those are some strange symptoms!

 

[gerryb]

I was thinking that too!!I know my tps is on it's way out for the last little while,but would a faulty tps
show those symptoms?

 

[1998v8sho]

A faulty TPS would cause the car to shut off, but not cause all those other electrical issues you are describing.
If your problems started when you had to have your gas tank changed out, I would take it back to where you got it serviced and have them fix it. Get AAA. They are a lifesaver at times.

 

[gerryb]

It also started actually shutting off this afternoon when I accelerate in reverse or drive along with all the other problems I've been having.If I keep my foot on the gas the car will restart and continue on it's merry way.

 

[gerryb]

Wait ....is the transmission range sensor the same thing as VSS .I know my vss is going from what I've been told not the tps.Sorry for the confusion.Would a faulty vss cause some of these symptoms?

 

[gerryb]

Any other ideas I am desperate here.

 

[sheila]

Vss (vehicle speed sensor) would initially give you a slipping 1-2 shift and erratic shift points possibly along with speedo issues. OD off green light might also flash. Trs (aka neutral safety switch) can cause a myriad of elec. gremlins (spotty ps, radio, windows, etc., etc., etc.).

 

[sheila]

What yr. and eng. is the car?

 

[gerryb]

What yr. and eng. is the car?

It's a 2000 with the duratec
So you're thinking more than likely the trs then

 

[gerryb]

Where's that located?I have a 2000 wagon.

 

[sheila]

Trs is underneath corrugated air hose atop trans. Not sure if thats your prob.? Do a search or check the topic finder features at the top of this page for a list of trs symptoms and threads.

 

[Jeff K]

Ground problem. Look for loose / disconnected / corroded grounds both under the hood and around the rear of the car where tank R&R may have broken a ground wire or a ground was not reconnected.

VSS and TRS are 2 completely different components. I am certain the TRS is not the problem.

 

[gerryb]

Ground problem. Look for loose / disconnected / corroded grounds both under the hood and around the rear of the car where tank R&R may have broken a ground wire or a ground was not reconnected.

VSS and TRS are 2 completely different components. I am certain the TRS is not the problem.

It's possible that when the guys did my tank they busted a ground.Can I just add another ground from the tank to the frame.There is a spot on the lip where I can nut and bolt a ground wire to it.

 

[sheila]

Ground problem sounds more plausible. Happy hunting.

 

[Jeff K]

I doubt a ground from tank to frame will do anything, as the tank doesnt have any grounds to anything in the first place. I wonder if a ground, like lighting ground of fuel pump ground was disconnected / broken when the tank was out. I dont remember for sure if there are any grounds up under the tank that cant be seen with the tank in the car, but I dont think so.

 

[gerryb]

Went out htis am and ran 2 new ground wires.One on each side of the engine bay to the battery.Then another 1 from the block to the frame.I now have a perfectly operational car.
Thanks every one for your help.It is very appreciated.