Blinkers, lights, and cruise control cuts off randomly.

ImShortJustDeal · Post by **ImShortJustDeal** » 09 Jul 2005, 21:06

Sometimes when I turn my car on my blinkers won't work. I then began to notice that when my blinkers didn't work neither did my cruise control, which is on the blinker arm. Also my bright lights won't stay on when I pull the arm. So after this has been happening for like a month I get in my car and turn it on. It happens to be nighttime and I notice my lights won't even come on! and all the dash lights and radio lights in my car aren't coming on. So when i turned just my parking lights on the interior lights worked. So I had to drive all the way home holding my bright lights on (since they wouldn't stay on by themselves) just so I could see where I'm going. Sometimes I can justt shut the car off at a redlight or something and then turn it back on and the blinkers and everything work fine. But I know the day is gonna come when it's night time and I have to get home and my lights don't work at all. So guys..tell me what's wrong.

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 10 Jul 2005, 05:20

I recentlt test drove a 98 XC that had the same problem. The fix was after you started the car you had to move the key back just a little. The ignition switch didn't have enough spring left in it to move the key from the start position to the ignition position. Give it a try?

ImShortJustDeal · Post by **ImShortJustDeal** » 10 Jul 2005, 10:45

What does the ignition switch have to do with my lights, blinkers, and cruise control?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » 10 Jul 2005, 14:12

sheesh, soo many questions

the part is like 40 bucks. when you jiggle it, and they work, proving that this was the problem, go get it fixed.

ImShortJustDeal · Post by **ImShortJustDeal** » 10 Jul 2005, 16:42

The whole point of this damn thing is to ask questions so [edited by Matt].

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 11 Jul 2005, 04:56

The ignition also sends power to all of your accessories. I am not sure if this is what is wrong with your car or not but that was the case in the one I test drove. Its worth a try to check it and see if it is the same with yours.

ImShortJustDeal · Post by **ImShortJustDeal** » 11 Jul 2005, 12:25

I didn't think it was the problem but I tried it and it work. Thanks a lot. Now I won't be stuck without lights at night again. Thanks again.

turbotim2 · Post by **turbotim2** » 11 Jul 2005, 12:33

Cool, glad it worked out. I don't know how much it costs for a replacement ignition switch (the other guy on here suggests $40). But if it works by turning the key a bit, it will buy you some time!

Rorton · Post by **Rorton** » 28 Sep 2005, 18:12

This apparently is a very common problem. I paid an independent mechanic to change the on on my '97 850 GLT Wagon. He charged me $60 just for the part. I probably got ripped but it's worth not having my wife's ongoing complaints about it.