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Nathan
12-29-2005, 04:39 PM
Welp.. it's been over two months since I prematurely terminated the life of a healthy mailbox.. and over a month since I got my car back from the body shop. (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/showthread.php?p=316721)

I had to take it back once to get a rim refinished because it looked like they took the tire off with a can opener. They also had to replace the air foil under the radiator because it had decided to buckled and scrape the ground.

After spending yesterday parked in the rain, she wouldn't start. I at first noticed that the headlights were dead to the world. If I turned them on, in the instrument cluster the brights light, both turn signal lights and the air suspension lights would all come on at the same time. If I turned the lights, air suspension and HVAC system off.. the car would fire. In about 10 seconds, the brights/flashers/air susp lights all come back on and the car would sputter and die. While the lights on the dash are still on, if I try to fire her up again ... she just turns over. If I wait until the dash lights go off, she'll fire up but again die when the lights came back on.

Now to me, this sounds it's obviously an electrical problem. The passenger side headlight cluster was replaced (with the radiator and front passenger quarter panel) during the repairs. I've alrealdy had it towed in, but they haven't touched it yet.

I talked to both the Collision department at the dealership and the Service department (which apparently now has the car) and they both keep mentioning the word "engine" and the phrase "Does not start". I obviously have some custom work done to the engine... but this problem seems like an obvious electrical issue (in relation to the rain and the collision repair). Does anyone have any thoughts?

MENINBLK
12-29-2005, 05:41 PM
Try replacing the Multifunction switch in the steering column.

This controls the Brights, Turn Signals, Wipers, and Washers.
I think it is also integrated into the Hazards and the Third Brake light.
I have a service manual on its way, but by the time I get it
and get back to you, it will be another 2 weeks.

Nathan
12-29-2005, 07:28 PM
Try replacing the Multifunction switch in the steering column.

I think it may be deeper than that... the HVAC and compressor for the rear suspension won't function even with the headlights off. After I start it, if I try to use the windshield wipers... the car dies about 1 centimeter into the windshield wiper's movement.

Oddly enough, the tail lights function properly.

Nathan
12-30-2005, 12:58 PM
I just got a call from the service department. The ground wire that bolts on to the fender (that was replaced) wasn't properly secured. They fixed it and towed it at no cost to me. At this point, I'm just happy to have her back.

On a side note, the new air dam that pulls air up into the radiator is dragging the ground. They've got another one on order. If they don't know why the first two broke... why put a third one on? haha

Dragcity
12-30-2005, 02:48 PM
Sorry Dude, That sucks. Guess we all gotta learn how to 'Drive Sideways'

Happy New Year anyhow, and hang in there.

Mad4Macs
12-30-2005, 02:58 PM
I'm glad the repair shop owned up to it, because after your 1st post, I wasn't going to suggest replacing parts, I was going to suggest replacing mechanics!