what's this thing called?
 

Here is what happens: Sometimes when I go to start the car I get nothing(no cranking at all). I wait a few minutes and it starts up just fine. I did notice that when it won't start that I don't hear that humming sound from under the seat. What is that thing called in case I need a new one? Isn't like a fuel pump relay?
Would that case the engine to not even crank at all?
The other day after I did get it to start, all the idiot lights were flashing as I was driving(low gas,oil,check engine etc.)
Oh, BTW this is happening on my '88GT
Does anyone know what is going on with all that?

Sounds like a bad ignition switch to me.

Take care,
-Chris

I would agree with PKRWUD on that. Ignition switch is a pretty good bet.

I have the exact same problem. I checked everything but the switch so far. I'm getting ready to swap to an 89 tilt column so I haven't bothered yet, but I do know it's either the ignition switch or the security alarm disabling my key switch.

That makes sense but what would cause all the warning lights to flash?
Do I have to go through all the same bull as I did on my '82 to replace the ignition switch like pulling the steering wheel and all that crap? I guess what I am asking is: Are they still mounted like they always have been?

Ign. switch
 

Newer style Ford columes much easier to work with!I think you'll
need some "tamper"proof(like any thing is??!)Torks bits to change it.I would also check net.safe swicth by clutch pedal.
That might have some thing to do with it not starting,as for the lites wigging out? Idoknow!May want to check all battery cont.+
check Alt out put.I had my Escort doing some strange #@$! just be for my Alt take a shtt,It was charging real just before.:confused:

ignition switch
 

Well now I think it's the battery because tonight I drove to the store and back and when I got back home I turned the key off and back on to see if it would start again and nothing happened again. I then noticed that I had no headlights or anything electrical, not even the horn worked.
It was dark and late and I didn't feel like messing around with it then. I'll check the battery tomorrow. It almost has to be the battery now.

Older alarms can act up like this sometimes.

I don't have an alarm system.