2000 Town Car. Random blinker clicking - where's the ground?
Just recently my 2000 TC (48 k miles, well maintained) has started clicking -- not really constant, but random and very frequent, as though something with a sensor is turning a relay on and off. Sounds like the blinker, but it's hard to tell if the click is actually coming from the blinker switch. Nothing seems to be affected, but I'm off on an 1800-mile drive soon, and the clicking is annoying and something must be getting way too much use.
Blinkers work fine when turned on, left/right and front/rear, whether the engine's running or merely ignition on. When the blinkers aren't on, i.e. lever in neutral position, there's the sound of blinker -- uneven, not rhythmic, random but frequent -- but no lights flash front or rear. With ignition on only, there's some of it, i.e. several random clicks, but it then seems to stop or at least subside. With engine running, it's ongoing. In both modes it stops when brakes are applied, then starts up again when brakes are released.
Form what I gather, everything seems to point to either the blinker switch or the lighting control module being wonky. Before delving into that, a crucial thing to check, and in principle easy, is the ground: it can be subject to corrosion.
And there's where I'm stuck -- where is the ground, and how do I get to it? I've searched for diagrams and photos, so far in vain. If the problem is only that the ground needs cleaning up, I'd hate to have to take it to the $$$dealer$$$.
Anyone know where the ground is, and how to get to it?
Blinkers work fine when turned on, left/right and front/rear, whether the engine's running or merely ignition on. When the blinkers aren't on, i.e. lever in neutral position, there's the sound of blinker -- uneven, not rhythmic, random but frequent -- but no lights flash front or rear. With ignition on only, there's some of it, i.e. several random clicks, but it then seems to stop or at least subside. With engine running, it's ongoing. In both modes it stops when brakes are applied, then starts up again when brakes are released.
Form what I gather, everything seems to point to either the blinker switch or the lighting control module being wonky. Before delving into that, a crucial thing to check, and in principle easy, is the ground: it can be subject to corrosion.
And there's where I'm stuck -- where is the ground, and how do I get to it? I've searched for diagrams and photos, so far in vain. If the problem is only that the ground needs cleaning up, I'd hate to have to take it to the $$$dealer$$$.
Anyone know where the ground is, and how to get to it?
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Comments
Could the clicking be related to the Traction Control Module? I don't have an answer as to where you would locate the Ground connection.
meanwhile, still haven't found the ground.
Our 1999 Towncar started doing exactly the same thing yesterday. It does it randomly driving down the highway. Touching the brake causes the clicking to stop. No lights blink while the clicking is going on, yet the turn signals, flashers and brake lights all work correctly. I've noticed that just sitting still, I can make it click just by moving the steering wheel. The clicking may be fairly slow and irregular or it may be very fast.
I wonder about the ground issue also. Is it possible that a wire has worked loose in the steering column? Or is it possible that the switch that causes the cruise control to disconnect when the brake pedal is pressed could be bad? All lights work properly, possibly ruling out turn signal switches. The cruise control switches are in the steering wheel. Brake disconnects cruise and causes clicking to stop..any possible connection?
Thanks.
bookman4
Mine stopped clicking a few days after I posted here, and I couldn't figure out how to get the flash panel off without destroying it, so I didn't try. The clicking has started up again with great enthusiasm just lately, though, so I may get up the nerve to start pulling it apart soon. The diagnosis that it's the ground seems to be a good educated guess, and worth trying for a fix with that, IMO.
As for what it's affecting, good idea: cruise may be a possibility given that braking stops the clicking. But the sound I get is the same clicking as when blinkers are on (even though, as in your case, my blinker lights aren't affected).
Maddening little glitch, whatever it is, and the long-term effect can't be good.
If your husband can figure out where the ground is and how to get to it without destroying anything, that would be the first to try -- and if it works, please report back!
Must say that the lack of a proven solution is surprising, as the clicking is apparently a relatively common problem.
"there is an ABS siloniod [solenoid] located to the upper left of the brake pedal, under the dash you can check."
PROBLEM was multi function turn signal lever. Less than $70 at local parts store. Steering wheel column cover snaps apart and lever is easy to replace.
That's all folks!!! No more free loading crickets under my dash!
Love this site!
Also, the molding over the ground - is it on the door, or forward, lower left just beyond the door frame?
Thanks for any help!