radio cutting out, lights dim

[89LincolnTWNcar]

I was driving today and for the past few days I've heard a supercharger-like whine coming from the engine bay. It would change pitch with RPM consistently. Tonight as I was coming back from college the lights got real dim, the radio cut off, and the gauges would reset every time I tried to hit the high beams. Did my old alternator just crap out?

[87_crown_vic]

sounds like alternator crapped out... but youwould have seen a alternator light come on if that happened. check connections and take alternator in to be tested. if bad, keep as a core and go to junkyard for 3g swap

[ss_mini14]

the same thing happened to me the day before my alternator caught fire (due to corrosion on the infamous plug). the alternator light didn't come on untill i replaced the alternator with a bad one (off the shelf).

[89LincolnTWNcar]

OOK then time for the 3G upgrade I've been saving for later. hahah I don't want a fire, no thank you.

[gadget73]

yeah, sounds like alternator problems but you might want to check that ignition switch too. I had problems with my radio cutting out when the switch died.

[89LincolnTWNcar]

We'll I'm all done with the 3G swap, but it still is making the same noise as it did before. She turned over once 1/2 way then nothing but clicks and funny buzzing sounds coming from the starter/under the dash area. I think the starter is fine, how do I change the ignition switch??

[86GmLsCoupe]

We'll I'm all done with the 3G swap, but it still is making the same noise as it did before. She turned over once 1/2 way then nothing but clicks and funny buzzing sounds coming from the starter/under the dash area. I think the starter is fine, how do I change the ignition switch??

It's was very easy on my Grand Marquis and I have a feeling your's should be also. With my car, pop the column shroud off, the switch is mounted just below the ignition tumbler, it should be just two of these larger security Torx screws, pop it off, unplug (just be easy on the harness, you know how they are), and then installation goes in reverse. When you take the shroud off, you may notice the switch, which is a metal and plastic piece are loose and coming apart, thats a big telltale sign its on its way out. The contacts will probably be pretty dirty and worn to.

[gadget73]

We'll I'm all done with the 3G swap, ....

Sounds like it's time for the 3g swap mang.

try to follow along here


Yes, sounds like a dying ignition switch. They're tamper proof torx, or sometimes a funky thing with no usable head. Tamper proof bit sets aren't real expensive if you have that type. The new ones will usually be that kind so it might not be a bad idea to pick up a set anyway. If you have the type of sockets used for rounded off bolts, they work well for the type of screw with the break-off heads. Just tap it on there and spin them out.

[86GmLsCoupe]

I just picked up a small set at Sears and made a donation to Dad's Craftsman collection. They come off/go back no problem at all. They're the ones with the pin in the center which are called security, tamper, or pin-in Torx screws.