My buddy's 88 is a nightmare

Green92LX · 03-13-2001, 10:04 AM

Here we go....
This is an odd one. My buddy just bought and 88 for dirt cheap...but it has some "Gremlins" walkin around in there. This post will concentrate on only one of them...
Engine off/key off...when you turn the parking lights or headlights on the fuel pump kicks on...
Engine running...when you turn the lights on the cluster dies but the car keeps on running...
The car has a Clifford alarm hooked up and tucked up in the dash, but no remotes for the piece of junk...
Its an 88 5.0 with a stick and 104,000...

I haven't dipped into this baby yet, but some advise would be appreciated...thanks in advance.

------------------
1992 5.0 LX, V-1 S-Trim @8LBS, Edelbrock 6037 Heads, Cobra Intake,E-303, 1.6 Roller Rockers,65MM Holley TB, 75 MM Pro M Mass Air, 190 LPH FP w/ 24 lb injectors,MSD 6A and BTM, BBK equal length shorties, offroad h-pipe,Mac Flowpath Mufflers, Pro 5.0, 3.73's,Motorsport "C" springs,welded subframe connectors, Ponies w/ 225/50 Nittos, Dark Green w/ 93 Cobra Spoiler

Daily driver: 89 Coupe with 207K plus, BBK shorties,offroad h-pipe,2-chamber flowmasters with dumps

Capri306 · 03-13-2001, 11:12 AM

Oh boy, looks like you might be in for a wiring nightmare. Here's what I'd do. Get an accurate schematic, rip out the alarm system (there's no remotes anyway, right?), and put everything back to stock specs. This way you can start from scratch and know everything's working properly first. This'll take a lot of time & patience, but I think it's the best way in the long run. The instrument panel will have to come out, and you'll probably have to rerun some wires, so make sure you have a soldering iron and heatshrink nearby. Off hand, it looks like somebody crossed wires for the headlight switch and the fuel pump relay. Not cool.

If you don't wanna do it yourself, go to a reputable shop, but be prepared to dish out some major $$$. Good luck!

------------------
Capri306, Moderator, The Mustang Works Online
1979 Mercury Capri, 5.0L -- C4 -- 2.73
1987 Mustang LX Notch

Unit 5302 · 03-13-2001, 12:06 PM

I'd say the alarm has a fuel pump shutoff, and that has been improperly wired into the parking lights that the alarm flashes.

I'd also say, don't rip the cluster out until you've changed the dimmer switch/knob on the dash right under the cluster. I'm guessing that's why your interior lights shut off.

Those are minor problems if the rest of the car is in good shape.

I would also request a wiring instruction sheet from the alarm manufacturer to see if you can fix what the airhead installer did.

Remember, he got this car for "dirt cheap" which means he'll definately get his money out of it!

Green92LX · 03-13-2001, 01:50 PM

The most pathetic thing about this situation is that the previous owner was driving it like this!!!!!!!! What an a$$hole!!!!

I will be fixing it too, I refuse to let ANY of my work go to a "professional" that will suck me dry...

I just got suckered into this one because of the good old bartering system...he's spraying my car (remember I was the one asking about cyber green) and I'm fixing all the $hit thats wrong with his toilet mechanically...

Wish me luck!!!!!!!!!

------------------
1992 5.0 LX, V-1 S-Trim @8LBS, Edelbrock 6037 Heads, Cobra Intake,E-303, 1.6 Roller Rockers,65MM Holley TB, 75 MM Pro M Mass Air, 190 LPH FP w/ 24 lb injectors,MSD 6A and BTM, BBK equal length shorties, offroad h-pipe,Mac Flowpath Mufflers, Pro 5.0, 3.73's,Motorsport "C" springs,welded subframe connectors, Ponies w/ 225/50 Nittos, Dark Green w/ 93 Cobra Spoiler

Daily driver: 89 Coupe with 207K plus, BBK shorties,offroad h-pipe,2-chamber flowmasters with dumps

03-15-2001, 10:55 AM

I agree, start by taking out the alarm then see what is wrong. You might get lucky, (when the alarm is removed), and everything work fine.......

------------------
Mike

Sold my 88GT Aug Y2K

Just got T-top 86GT 11-18-2000

stangbang · 03-15-2001, 07:03 PM

It sure sounds like the alarm was wired incorrectly,hopefully you can get a hold of the factory wiring diagrams at your public library.J.C.Whitney sells a nice alarm system with two remotes that will start your car and lock/unlock the doors if it has power door locks.I installed one in my Towncar and it wasn't that hard. If I remember right it was about $150.Good luck

Dangerous Dave · 03-16-2001, 12:07 PM

yeah the alarm install sounds like the problem...good luck...

although...you have seen the movie Christine haven't you? be careful... (heheh....)

------------------
1988 GT-under construction

Green92LX · 03-16-2001, 12:19 PM

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will be an easy one...I have been avoiding it for a month now

Thanks guys

------------------
1992 5.0 LX, V-1 S-Trim @8LBS,Edelbrock 6037 Heads,Cobra Intake,E-303,1.6 Roller Rockers,65MM Holley TB, 75 MM Pro M Mass Air, 190 LPH FP,24 lb injectors,MSD 6A and BTM,BBK equal length shorties,offroad h-pipe,Mac Flowpath Mufflers,Pro 5.0, 3.73's,Motorsport "C" springs,welded subframe connectors,Ponies w/ 225/50 Nitto NT 450's on front,255/50 BFG Drags out back,93 Cobra Spoiler
Daily driver: 89 Coupe with 208K plus, BBK shorties,offroad h-pipe,2-chamber flowmasters with dumps,

tireburner163 · 03-16-2001, 12:29 PM

my sounds like my car

------------------
1990 Dodge Dynasty with 175,000 miles. Mods:chiped paint, CD player. Sucks but it was free. Praying for a stang.
The "Guetto Glider"

Chevyguy · 03-16-2001, 03:53 PM

Wow that Dodge almost sounds worse than my 87 Cavalier I got for free. Nothing like the feeling of the mighty 2.0 choking on the clogging Cat as it starts dropping down from 70 MPH on a mild upgrade, ARRRRGGHHH

------------------
Frank W
90 5.0 LX coupe Stone stock Two Broken T-5's at the Trans shop now. First Mod removed Silencer at 99,614 miles.
74 Chevy Laguna Type S-3 305 apart in garage, getting a 454 to put next to it
www.chevellepages.com/folingo

ford rules · 03-18-2001, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Green92LX:
Here we go....
This is an odd one. My buddy just bought and 88 for dirt cheap...but it has some "Gremlins" walkin around in there. This post will concentrate on only one of them...
Engine off/key off...when you turn the parking lights or headlights on the fuel pump kicks on...
Engine running...when you turn the lights on the cluster dies but the car keeps on running...
The car has a Clifford alarm hooked up and tucked up in the dash, but no remotes for the piece of junk...
Its an 88 5.0 with a stick and 104,000...

I haven't dipped into this baby yet, but some advise would be appreciated...thanks in advance.

Tell your buddy what you think of his truck. may be he will sell it.

nosfed · 03-19-2001, 10:56 PM

Some of the problems are surely related to the alarm. Mine had some fun stuff going until I removed mine. Most likely it will all be under the steering column, and you will have to remove it and splice the wires together. You just need to put yellow with yellow, pink with pink, etc. The wires you want are just under the dash on the left side.

03-13-2001, 10:04 AM	#1
Green92LX Registered Member Join Date: Jun 1999 Location: North Haven,CT Posts: 336	My buddy's 88 is a nightmare Here we go.... This is an odd one. My buddy just bought and 88 for dirt cheap...but it has some "Gremlins" walkin around in there. This post will concentrate on only one of them... Engine off/key off...when you turn the parking lights or headlights on the fuel pump kicks on... Engine running...when you turn the lights on the cluster dies but the car keeps on running... The car has a Clifford alarm hooked up and tucked up in the dash, but no remotes for the piece of junk... Its an 88 5.0 with a stick and 104,000... I haven't dipped into this baby yet, but some advise would be appreciated...thanks in advance. ------------------ 1992 5.0 LX, V-1 S-Trim @8LBS, Edelbrock 6037 Heads, Cobra Intake,E-303, 1.6 Roller Rockers,65MM Holley TB, 75 MM Pro M Mass Air, 190 LPH FP w/ 24 lb injectors,MSD 6A and BTM, BBK equal length shorties, offroad h-pipe,Mac Flowpath Mufflers, Pro 5.0, 3.73's,Motorsport "C" springs,welded subframe connectors, Ponies w/ 225/50 Nittos, Dark Green w/ 93 Cobra Spoiler Daily driver: 89 Coupe with 207K plus, BBK shorties,offroad h-pipe,2-chamber flowmasters with dumps

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03-13-2001, 11:12 AM	#2
Capri306 Moderator Join Date: Sep 1998 Location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA Posts: 1,001	Oh boy, looks like you might be in for a wiring nightmare. Here's what I'd do. Get an accurate schematic, rip out the alarm system (there's no remotes anyway, right?), and put everything back to stock specs. This way you can start from scratch and know everything's working properly first. This'll take a lot of time & patience, but I think it's the best way in the long run. The instrument panel will have to come out, and you'll probably have to rerun some wires, so make sure you have a soldering iron and heatshrink nearby. Off hand, it looks like somebody crossed wires for the headlight switch and the fuel pump relay. Not cool. If you don't wanna do it yourself, go to a reputable shop, but be prepared to dish out some major $$$. Good luck! ------------------ Capri306, Moderator, The Mustang Works Online 1979 Mercury Capri, 5.0L -- C4 -- 2.73 1987 Mustang LX Notch

03-13-2001, 12:06 PM	#3
Unit 5302 Registered Member Join Date: May 1999 Posts: 5,246	I'd say the alarm has a fuel pump shutoff, and that has been improperly wired into the parking lights that the alarm flashes. I'd also say, don't rip the cluster out until you've changed the dimmer switch/knob on the dash right under the cluster. I'm guessing that's why your interior lights shut off. Those are minor problems if the rest of the car is in good shape. I would also request a wiring instruction sheet from the alarm manufacturer to see if you can fix what the airhead installer did. Remember, he got this car for "dirt cheap" which means he'll definately get his money out of it!

03-13-2001, 01:50 PM	#4
Green92LX Registered Member Join Date: Jun 1999 Location: North Haven,CT Posts: 336	The most pathetic thing about this situation is that the previous owner was driving it like this!!!!!!!! What an a$$hole!!!! I will be fixing it too, I refuse to let ANY of my work go to a "professional" that will suck me dry... I just got suckered into this one because of the good old bartering system...he's spraying my car (remember I was the one asking about cyber green) and I'm fixing all the $hit thats wrong with his toilet mechanically... Wish me luck!!!!!!!!! ------------------ 1992 5.0 LX, V-1 S-Trim @8LBS, Edelbrock 6037 Heads, Cobra Intake,E-303, 1.6 Roller Rockers,65MM Holley TB, 75 MM Pro M Mass Air, 190 LPH FP w/ 24 lb injectors,MSD 6A and BTM, BBK equal length shorties, offroad h-pipe,Mac Flowpath Mufflers, Pro 5.0, 3.73's,Motorsport "C" springs,welded subframe connectors, Ponies w/ 225/50 Nittos, Dark Green w/ 93 Cobra Spoiler Daily driver: 89 Coupe with 207K plus, BBK shorties,offroad h-pipe,2-chamber flowmasters with dumps

03-15-2001, 10:55 AM	#5
Myke_y2k Guest Posts: n/a	I agree, start by taking out the alarm then see what is wrong. You might get lucky, (when the alarm is removed), and everything work fine....... ------------------ Mike Sold my 88GT Aug Y2K Just got T-top 86GT 11-18-2000

03-15-2001, 07:03 PM	#6
stangbang Registered Member Join Date: Oct 1999 Location: brunswick,ohio Posts: 135	It sure sounds like the alarm was wired incorrectly,hopefully you can get a hold of the factory wiring diagrams at your public library.J.C.Whitney sells a nice alarm system with two remotes that will start your car and lock/unlock the doors if it has power door locks.I installed one in my Towncar and it wasn't that hard. If I remember right it was about $150.Good luck

03-16-2001, 12:07 PM	#7
Dangerous Dave Registered Member Join Date: Sep 1999 Location: Minneapolis, MN Posts: 121	yeah the alarm install sounds like the problem...good luck... although...you have seen the movie Christine haven't you? be careful... (heheh....) ------------------ 1988 GT-under construction

03-16-2001, 12:19 PM	#8
Green92LX Registered Member Join Date: Jun 1999 Location: North Haven,CT Posts: 336	I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this will be an easy one...I have been avoiding it for a month now Thanks guys ------------------ 1992 5.0 LX, V-1 S-Trim @8LBS,Edelbrock 6037 Heads,Cobra Intake,E-303,1.6 Roller Rockers,65MM Holley TB, 75 MM Pro M Mass Air, 190 LPH FP,24 lb injectors,MSD 6A and BTM,BBK equal length shorties,offroad h-pipe,Mac Flowpath Mufflers,Pro 5.0, 3.73's,Motorsport "C" springs,welded subframe connectors,Ponies w/ 225/50 Nitto NT 450's on front,255/50 BFG Drags out back,93 Cobra Spoiler Daily driver: 89 Coupe with 208K plus, BBK shorties,offroad h-pipe,2-chamber flowmasters with dumps,

03-16-2001, 12:29 PM	#9
tireburner163 It's a lot like a race car Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Meridian, MS Posts: 4,130	my sounds like my car ------------------ 1990 Dodge Dynasty with 175,000 miles. Mods:chiped paint, CD player. Sucks but it was free. Praying for a stang. The "Guetto Glider"

03-16-2001, 03:53 PM	#10
Chevyguy Backyard Mechanic/Chemist Join Date: Feb 2001 Location: Acton MA USA Posts: 435	Wow that Dodge almost sounds worse than my 87 Cavalier I got for free. Nothing like the feeling of the mighty 2.0 choking on the clogging Cat as it starts dropping down from 70 MPH on a mild upgrade, ARRRRGGHHH ------------------ Frank W 90 5.0 LX coupe Stone stock Two Broken T-5's at the Trans shop now. First Mod removed Silencer at 99,614 miles. 74 Chevy Laguna Type S-3 305 apart in garage, getting a 454 to put next to it www.chevellepages.com/folingo

03-19-2001, 10:56 PM	#12
nosfed Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2000 Location: wichita ks Posts: 79	Some of the problems are surely related to the alarm. Mine had some fun stuff going until I removed mine. Most likely it will all be under the steering column, and you will have to remove it and splice the wires together. You just need to put yellow with yellow, pink with pink, etc. The wires you want are just under the dash on the left side.