What's going on with memory?

[jimdrechsler]

I can remember last year before I put the car away I was having the same problem I am having now. EVERY time you start the car I am losing memory to the radio. The CD pops out and the clock resets with channels lost. Any idea what could be causing this? It seems to start fine and normal as usual.

Thanks,

Jim

 

[whtpny]

I have had a car do this and it was the ignition switch. It would go too far foreward on startup.

 

[jrichker]

I have had a car do this and it was the ignition switch. It would go too far foreward on startup.

Good idea. There is a FREE recall on Ford ignition switches. They overheat and sometimes catch fire.

Copy down you VIN number and call the Ford dealer nearest you. Tell them you want to see if the ignition switch recall for Fords & Mustangs was done on your car. They will ask for the VIN number & check it against the master database. If it isn't in the database, then you can schedule an appointment to have the switch replaced for free. The TSB is #95S28, and don't let them tell you that they don't do that anymore...

 

[jimdrechsler]

very cool- im calling them now and will see what they say. ill keep you posted. could that be the only thing causing this you think? it started late last season.

thanks,
jim

 

[jimdrechsler]

he said it is only a technical service bulletin and that is not the same as a recall. he said that for dwill not cover the work done to it. also, the vehicle is over 10 years old and does not have records of anyting being done to it cause of age. any other ideas? he didn't even want the TSB # b/c there a millions of them out too or something.

jim

 

[bennettracing]

If it only happens when you start the car, it sounds like you have no constant power, and you have an accessory wire instead of ignition wire hooked to the radio. The accessory wire from the main harness cuts power during cranking.

-KB

 

[HISSIN50]

Something along the lines of Bennett's post was what I was thinking too.

I guess a test would be to turn the key on but not start the car. Does the CD stay put and all that?

It might just need one wire swapped around.

No comment on what you were told about the ignition switch. I won't let some dealership monkey touch my car anyhow. I spent about 30 minutes swapping the ignition switch the first time and was told that I was exceptionally slow, so it should be a quick swap if you want to do it yourself. I paid $21 bucks for the switch at the dealership (it's a good preventative maintenance thing to do often-times. Mine was starting to separate after I screwed with it).

Good luck.

 

[jimdrechsler]

I just went out and tried it. I turned the key and all the memory was still there. I started it and everything was gone. So, what does this tell me exactly? This site rocks, thanks for all replies!!

Jim

P.S. Is this Ford guy yanking my chain with what he said??

 

[HISSIN50]

There are indeed some circuits which lose power while cranking. This is to provide max power to the starter (like with sport bikes - have you seen the headlight go off while the starter cranks. Same idea).

I'd just pull the stereo. Check your constant power wire at the deck - ensure it's the OEM memory wire (not something someone added on). Put a test light on the wire and confirm that it loses power while cranking. If so, find a new constant power source. This should take a few mins to do.

MHO.
Good luck

 

[jrichker]

Diagram courtesy of Tmoss & Stang&2birds

See the following website for some help from Tmoss (diagram designer) & Stang&2Birds (website host) for help on 88-95 wiring http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/ Everyone should bookmark this site.

Ignition switch wiring
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/IgnitionSwitchWiring.gif

Fuel, alternator, A/C and ignition wiring
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/fuel-alt-links-ign-ac.gif

Complete computer, actuator & sensor wiring diagram for 88-91 Mass Air Mustangs
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/88-91_5.0_EEC_Wiring_Diagram.gif

Vacuum diagram 89-93 Mustangs
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/mustangFoxFordVacuumDiagram.jpg

HVAC vacuum diagram
http://www.veryuseful.com/mustang/tech/engine/images/Mustang_AC_heat_vacuum_controls.gif

 

[jimdrechsler]

im stupid for not mentioning this earlier, didnt even think of it! everything is aftermarket as far as stereo, amp, and 12 inch speaker in spare area. i will try and pull the stereo and look. im pretty ignorant when it comes to this stuff, but i can take it apart and if i cant fix it, i will have eh guy who is replacing the clutch do it for me!

thanks again for all replies!

 

[jimdrechsler]

OK- Today it did not lose memory when I started it. I havent had time to check it out and pull the deck yet. What I did try was taking the face plate off before I started the car. I did this a few times and the memory was there each time i re-attached the faceplate. i think i will just do that each time i guess. easier than taking the whole thing out