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Question

96 Lincoln Towncar brake lights and turn signals failed


Sent to Car Experts September 14, 2006 7:38 p.m.
I have a 96 Lincoln Towncar. The rear brake lights, the turn signals, and the hazard lights all stopped working at the same time. The fuses all test good. Any ideas?

Optional Information:
1996 Lincoln Towncar 4.6L

Already Tried:
Fuses
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $8   
Answer
September 14, 2006 7:47 p.m. (9 minutes and 15 seconds later) 		REPLIED Check Mark
Hi Tom. The one common element in your problem is the multifunction switch. That is your turn signal switch mounted behind the steering wheel. However it is unusual for all aspects of the multifunction switch to fail at one time so I recommend checking under the dash and the steering collumn for any broken or rat chewed wiring. Or maybe it has just come unplugged. Any way do not buy a new switch until you have ruled out wiring first.


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1 Other Expert Agrees with this!
C.J.  -- Auto Service Technician -- 96% Positive Feedback on 58 Car Accepts
ASE master certified, L1 certified, WA state emmissions, 19 years experience, foreign and domestic!
Reply to C.J.
Sent September 14, 2006 9:56 p.m. (2 hours and 9 minutes later)
The problem occurred between the time I left my car with a valet parking service and the time I recovered my car and drove away. Worse yet, they saw me locking my trunk opening switch and glove box as they opened the door to take my key. Is the wiring under the steering column reasonably accessible and visible such that they might have intentionally caused the problem and would I be able to detect it?
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
September 14, 2006 10:02 p.m. (5 minutes and 17 seconds later) 		REPLIED Check Mark
It doesn't take much to damage the wiring but if it was done deliberately it would be real easy to spot with a flash light. The collumn wiring is kind of difficult to access but the other wires under the dash, like for the trunk lock out, is relatively easy to get to. Another thing that just occured to me is that if the 4 way fkasher is partially on it can cause an open in the multifunction switch and cause the same condition. Turn the 4ways on and see how they work. Let me know.

__________________
If I answered your question choose accept but if you still need more help just ask, I'm here for YOU.
C.J.  -- Auto Service Technician -- 96% Positive Feedback on 58 Car Accepts
ASE master certified, L1 certified, WA state emmissions, 19 years experience, foreign and domestic!
Reply to C.J.
Sent September 14, 2006 10:14 p.m. (12 minutes and 21 seconds later)
The 4 way flashers don't work at all. Is there supposed to be a round device in the fuse box that controls flashing? If so it's missing. I took a quick look under the dash and all the wires seem to be contained inside a plastic cover around the steering column and I didn't have time to try to take it all apart to examine or probe the multifunction light.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
September 14, 2006 10:21 p.m. (6 minutes and 50 seconds later) 		ACCEPTED Check Mark
Hi again Tom. I have never seen all functions of the multifunction switch quit at the same time. I definately would lean more towards an electrical problem. If the valets did it it would be visible. If a rat chewed through one wire it could cause all of these problems. You said that the fuses were all good but did you check for power to the fuses? A valet might have popped the hood and removed a main fuse from under the hood in the power distribution center. One main fuse powers multiple inside fuses.

__________________
If I answered your question choose accept but if you still need more help just ask, I'm here for YOU.
C.J.  -- Auto Service Technician -- 96% Positive Feedback on 58 Car Accepts
ASE master certified, L1 certified, WA state emmissions, 19 years experience, foreign and domestic!
Reply to C.J.
Sent September 15, 2006 2:11 p.m. (15 hours and 49 minutes later)
I have resolved the problem. You were right and wrong at the same time but I will "accept" the advice and assistance you provided. Armed with your suggestions I checked the main fuses under the hood but they were all good. However, I then took it to a mechanic friend, and he discovered that by wiggling the hazard light button he was able to resolve the problem. So it turns out it was an intermittent physically sensitive hazard switch that has caused the problem and that is an integral part of the multifunction switch. So now everything is working and I can order a new multifunction switch and replace it at my leisure. A good outcome. Any advice on where to order the part online? Thanks for all your help. I expect I'll be asking you for assistance again in the future.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
September 15, 2006 4:00 p.m. (1 hour and 49 minutes later)
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C.J.  -- Auto Service Technician -- 96% Positive Feedback on 58 Car Accepts
ASE master certified, L1 certified, WA state emmissions, 19 years experience, foreign and domestic!

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