Car electrical problems?
First thing to go was the dashboard lights, turn signals, and cruise control, all at the same time. Then, anything I plug into my cigarette lighter blows a fuse within a few days. Just recently, my radio, clock, and interior
overhead lights went. Power windows work sometimes, but not all the time. Because I am afraid they'll stop at anytime, I don't even use them. I'd rather they be stuck rolled up then down. I've tried replacing the fuses. Last time I put in a new fuse, it blew immediately. I'm scared
something more vital might go next, like ignition or headlights or even the
braking system or something. What can I do? Please help!!! BTW...car is '96 Mercury Mystique
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
well, you dont have to worry about the braking system going completely out on a 96 mystique, because even if you lose all accessory electrical connections in the cab of the car the power brakes will still work. the mystique doesnt have a computer controlled proportioning valve, its prop. valve is a mechanical/pressure controlled system, so the only way for the power brakes to stop functioning is if you lost all your engine bay electrical systems (i.e. alternator and charging solenoids) and this caused you to lose the functioning of the engine, therefore losing manifold vaccuum pressure, which works your brakes. so you are safe to drive the car to the repair shop. this is exactly what i would do because it sounds like you may have a large problem in the area behind your fuse panel (i.e. bare or grounding wires leading into and out of close proximity to the panel itself). I would say that this is the case because you have multiple circuits blowing out multiple fuses in succession. before i lost the engine electrical system i would either drive the mystique to a liscensed repair shop or have a tow truck come and get it if your afraid too much damage has been done. i would not try to fix an electrical problem of this magnitude myself. this warning comes from personal experience, i tried to fix a multiple short in a friend of mines ford escort zx2, (very similar wiring pattern to the mercury mystique) and i ended up creating another short to the live battery feed wire going to the ignition. needless to say his car burned to the ground right there in his uncles driveway. I was sick to my stomach over that one.
well the best thing to do is rip out your dash and look for any open wires touching metal bc that will blow all your fuses,. i remember my interior lights were always dead and the fuses kept blowing and i ripped everything out and tapped up any loose wires with electrical tape and that did the trick
this sounds crazy but look for something in you cigarette lighter like a penny or a dime.this happens all the time and it will effect all these systems. good luck mark