96 cougar, INT fuse blows instantly upon replacement.

576 Views 32 Replies 7 Participants Last post by OilBurner2003, 7 d ago

OilBurner2003

Discussion Starter · 10 d ago

Know how I said until something breaks? Went to emissions, they failed me because the check engine light wouldn't flash upon cranking. I thought it was strange when I had codes on the computer but not on the dash. In my mind it was either a fuse related to the cluster or the bulb itself. Turns out this fuse is bad! Dunno if it actually will fix the light being off, but it control's a lot of stuff I would back. This 10 AMP fuse keeps blowing, instantly as soon as it makes contact. I'm sure some of you already know, but here's a list of what that fuse does.
Power mirrors;
Anti-theft lamp;
Trunk lamp;
Map lamps;
Vanity lamps;
Glove compartment lamp;
Engine compartment lamp;
Instrument panel lamps;
Rear courtesy lamps;
Door courtesy lamps;
Lock cylinder lamps;
Dome lamp

Seems like it's possible that could be causing my issue. So, that's why I'm here! Short maybe? Looking for thoughts, Thanks again!

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Grog6

· #2 · 10 d ago

You'll have to get an evtm, and start unplugging sections of harness. Then run it down with a meter, when you figure out which part is shorted.
Good Luck!

Reactions: 2

OilBurner2003

Discussion Starter · #3 · 10 d ago

Grog6 said:
You'll have to get an evtm, and start unplugging sections of harness. Then run it down with a meter, when you figure out which part is shorted.
Good Luck!

Is that a diagram of some sort? Apologies, never done something like this before.

Reactions: 1

Grog6

· #4 · 10 d ago

OK.WTF. An evtm is an electrical wiring diagram. Acronyms we use are in a file in the noobs section. you should read it. evtm's can be found on ebay, typically. There's this thing called google; if you type things like evtm, or maybe"int fuse blows thunderbird 1996 site: tccoa.com", it will show you all the threads that contain those words.
Not attempting to check or trying to educate yourself is called wanting spoon feeding, and this is as close as I get.
I'd recommend towing it to a competent shop.

OilBurner2003

Discussion Starter · #5 · 10 d ago

Grog6 said:
OK.WTF. An evtm is an electrical wiring diagram. Acronyms we use are in a file in the noobs section. you should read it. evtm's can be found on ebay, typically. There's this thing called google; if you type things like evtm, or maybe"int fuse blows thunderbird 1996 site: tccoa.com", it will show you all the threads that contain those words.
Not attempting to check or trying to educate yourself is called wanting spoon feeding, and this is as close as I get.
I'd recommend towing it to a competent shop.

That’s quite the accusation lol. Appreciate the help.

1997ThunderbirdLXV6

· #6 · 10 d ago

Post #3 in this thread:

www.tccoa.com

Need help with a 1997 Mercury cougar 3.8l

Hello everyone, I could really really use some help with my friends cougar. Not 100% sure what is the issue but I'll explain what is going on. So a couple months ago his vehicle started running really bad. When you first start it, it starts just fine. But as soon as it gets to operating...

www.tccoa.com

Reactions: 1

1997ThunderbirdLXV6

· #7 · 10 d ago

Grog6 said:
An evtm is an electrical wiring diagram.

Electrical/Vacuum Troubleshooting Manual.

OilBurner2003

Discussion Starter · #8 · 10 d ago

1997ThunderbirdLXV6 said:
Post #3 in this thread:

Need help with a 1997 Mercury cougar 3.8l

Hello everyone, I could really really use some help with my friends cougar. Not 100% sure what is the issue but I'll explain what is going on. So a couple months ago his vehicle started running really bad. When you first start it, it starts just fine. But as soon as it gets to operating...

www.tccoa.com

Appreciate it. Actually just fixed it. Cleaned both battery connections and no fuses are blowing. Never had that before, either that or I wiggled something. Either way, no check engine light illumination. Maybe it’s a bulb!

Reactions: 1

1997ThunderbirdLXV6

· #9 · 10 d ago

The bulbs in the instrument cluster are very easy to replace (on 97, but I imagine it's just as easy on previous years; not sure which year yours is).
The most difficult part is the removal of the cluster surround.

Reactions: 1

OilBurner2003

Discussion Starter · #10 · 10 d ago

1997ThunderbirdLXV6 said:
The bulbs in the instrument cluster are very easy to replace (on 97, but I imagine it's just as easy on previous years; not sure which year yours is).
The most difficult part is the removal of the cluster surround.

96 sir. Researching how to remove the the cluster now.

1997ThunderbirdLXV6

· #11 · 10 d ago

Take your time.

IIRC, three bolts at the bottom, two at the top. One clip near the left vent, three clips along the right edge.

Once dislodged and tilted back, use a small wrench or rachet to unscrew the rear defroster switch; that's much easier than attempting to disconnect the harness.

Steering wheel tilted all the way down, carefully lift the top edge of the surround up over the steering wheel; there will be minimal clearance between the steering wheel and top of dash. Now you can turn the entire cluster surround slightly clockwise and lift toward the center line of the roof.

Try not to lose the tiny rubber bumpers on the back of the panel, especially the two directly above the cluster.

When you put it back together, be very gentle on the two top screws. The screw holes on the cluster surround are notorious for breaking out. Just put the screws in and fasten until they touch the surround, then stop.

Reactions: 4

OilBurner2003

Discussion Starter · #12 · 10 d ago

1997ThunderbirdLXV6 said:
Take your time.

IIRC, three bolts at the bottom, two at the top. One clip near the left vent, three clips along the right edge.

Once dislodged and tilted back, use a small wrench or rachet to unscrew the rear defroster switch; that's much easier than attempting to disconnect the harness.

Steering wheel tilted all the way down, carefully lift the top edge of the surround up over the steering wheel; there will be minimal clearance between the steering wheel and top of dash. Now you can turn the entire cluster surround slightly clockwise and lift toward the center line of the roof.

Try not to lose the tiny rubber bumpers on the back of the panel, especially the two directly above the cluster.

When you put it back together, be very gentle on the two top screws. The screw holes on the cluster surround are notorious for breaking out. Just put the screws in and fasten until they touch the surround, then stop.

Those are amazing directions! Thank you so much!

Reactions: 2

XR7-4.6

· #13 · 10 d ago

I actually drop the whole column these days, not removing it intirely mind you, just removing the 4 nuts holding it to the dash frame and letting the wheel rest the seat. It’s an extra step but it makes removing the dash bezel much easier and less risky to damage it, easier to keep those rubber bumpers in place too

Reactions: 3

OilBurner2003

Discussion Starter · #14 · 10 d ago

XR7-4.6 said:
I actually drop the whole column these days, not removing it intirely mind you, just removing the 4 nuts holding it to the dash frame and letting the wheel rest the seat. It’s an extra step but it makes removing the dash bezel much easier and less risky to damage it, easier to keep those rubber bumpers in place too

Just got the dash thing off. One bolt for the cluster left.

OilBurner2003

Discussion Starter · #15 · 10 d ago

1997ThunderbirdLXV6 said:
Take your time.

IIRC, three bolts at the bottom, two at the top. One clip near the left vent, three clips along the right edge.

Once dislodged and tilted back, use a small wrench or rachet to unscrew the rear defroster switch; that's much easier than attempting to disconnect the harness.

Steering wheel tilted all the way down, carefully lift the top edge of the surround up over the steering wheel; there will be minimal clearance between the steering wheel and top of dash. Now you can turn the entire cluster surround slightly clockwise and lift toward the center line of the roof.

Try not to lose the tiny rubber bumpers on the back of the panel, especially the two directly above the cluster.

When you put it back together, be very gentle on the two top screws. The screw holes on the cluster surround are notorious for breaking out. Just put the screws in and fasten until they touch the surround, then stop.

Spot on directions. I am extremely grateful! Guess what? Check engine light bulb was burned. Picking up one now. This is just one of the many reasons I love this forum!

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GreenT

· #16 · 10 d ago

I have not done it myself but wouldn't now be the time to go LED?

I think Martin did that?

Reactions: 1

OilBurner2003

Discussion Starter · #17 · 10 d ago

GreenT said:
I have not done it myself but wouldn't now be the time to go LED?

I think Martin did that?

I think I picked up a LED. Just checked, my Check engine light now works! Should be able to pass emissions no problem.

Reactions: 2

1997ThunderbirdLXV6

· #18 · 10 d ago

GreenT said:
I have not done it myself but wouldn't now be the time to go LED?

I think Martin did that?

I did once briefly, but then put the old bulbs back in.

White LEDs really only make a difference if you scrape off that green film. I just wasn't up for that.

I ended up using those LEDs for my courtesy lights.

Reactions: 2

OilBurner2003

Discussion Starter · #19 · 9 d ago

1997ThunderbirdLXV6 said:
I did once briefly, but then put the old bulbs back in.

White LEDs really only make a difference if you scrape off that green film. I just wasn't up for that.

I ended up using those LEDs for my courtesy lights.

Man, just my luck. Was on my way to emissions this morning, stopped to get gas. When I went to start it, starter was dead. Not even a click. Checked multiple engine grounds, couldn’t find the Fuse/Solenoid. Grounded out starter with a screw driver and it sounds like it’s stuck. Towed back home…At least I wasn’t in the middle of nowhere.

Reactions: 3

supergordo

· #20 · 9 d ago

If you need any electrical diagrams send me a private message. Ill send you pics. My computer is down so I’ve been checking the forum on the phone which isnt fun for me at the end of my day.

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