Re: Some 4000s electric problems

[Robert Phillips <r3rfp@dax.cc.uakron.edu>]

On Sun, 29 Jan 1995, gund wrote:

> I have a few minor electronic problems with my 87 4000s.
> 
> 1.rear defrost doesn't work

When you say "doesn't work"  does the light on the switch light up, but 
it doesn't de-fog, or do you mean the light doesn't come on at all?

> 2.right side tail-light not working.

Check for burned out bulb, corroded socket etc.  I seem to have a fairly 
large amount of water that drips/runs in when the car is wet and I open 
the trunk.

> 3.cruise not working
There are a few components that could be loose/disconnected if they are 
not broken.  Make sure the vacuum line that goes to the little black 
pancake/vacuum valve near the throttle rod is not broken, cracked or 
disconnected entirely.  The hose is very cheap and should be replaced if 
in doubt.  Just find the right size and cut to fit.
The other is a very small, two-pin plug that connects to the rear of the 
speedometer.  This is the sender to tell the cruise how fast the car is 
going, that allows it to adjust to hills, etc.  You will not have seen 
this is you haven't taken the speedo/tach/guage pod off of the dash, but 
if it is disconnected, it won't work.


> 4.cig lighter same
Many things here.  First impulse would be either a dead lighter or a 
loose wire to the socket.  I think they have a hot wire and a ground wire 
going to the socket.  Check to see that they are both firmly attached.  
It should be accessible through the hole after the ashtray is removed.


> And here is a strange dilema, one of the passenger door's handle is broken.
> The lever is missing off the door handle and it is not possible to open from
> the inside either. So now I have no way of getting the door open! Anyone
> encountered these problems before? Any help will be greatly appreciated.
 
Welcome to the club.  In 2.5 years of ownership, I have replaced three of 
the four door handles.  They are much cheaper used than new. (obviously)  
Local junkyard is the place.  I just bought a spare 4000 to rob for 
parts, and this seems to be the best solution.  As far as not being able 
to get it open at all, it sounds as if the lock mechanism is locked and 
won't release.  Is it a front or a rear handle?  The rears are a 10 min. 
replace.  The fronts you have to worry about connecting the push-rod for 
the lock cylinder and take a little more time.  See if you can see what's 
wrong by taking off the door panel and looking at the mechanism.

As you might have guessed, I too have an 87 4000S and have been through 
many of the problems you face.  On the electrical stuff, I would say 
check the fuses on everything.  It takes some time, but pull out each 
fuse, one at a time, and see if they are blown.  One fuse can disable 
several electrical systems at once.  Did all of the electrical items go 
out at once?  If they did, I would say 99.9% it's a fuse.  If not, other 
things could be suspect.  

I should let you talk before I go any further.  Don't hesitate to mail me 
directly for 4000S problems.  Been there, done that...

			---Bob