1991 Escort GT with weird electrical problem

Asked by cookooooo Dec 01, 2014 at 09:06 PM about the 1991 Ford Escort 2 Dr GT Hatchback

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I'he had a strange electrical problem lately:
when the headlights AND the rear defrost are on, the engine won't
shut off. I turn the key to the off position, I get it out of the
ignition switch and the engine, the headlights and the defrost are
still on. At that point, if I turn either the headlights, OR the
defrost off, everything shuts off. It is only the combination
headlights-defrost that does that. If I turn the headlights,defrost
and heater-blower on, and I turn the key to the off position,
the heater-blower will shut off but not engine-headlights-defrost.
Headlights-heater-blower, defrost-heater-blower everything shuts
off fine. I replaced the ignition switch & lock cylinder.  What to check now?

1 Answer
30,935

Tom answered 9 years ago

Sounds like you lost a ground connection Duplicate the condition and with a good digital meter check the voltage from the - battery terminal to the engine ... you should have less than 1 volt. Now check the voltage from the ground wire at the headlight to the - battery terminal. Finally check the voltage from the headlight ground to the engine All this is done with the key off and the engine running as you described

Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

  • 1991 Escort GT with weird electrical problem 1 Answer

    I'he had a strange electrical problem lately: when the headlights AND the rear defrost are on, the engine won't shut off. I turn the key to the off position, I get it out of the ignition switch and...

    1991 Ford Escort 2 Dr GT Hatchback

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 1995 Ford Escort GT fuel problem 2 Answers

    This is a dirt track car with 1.8 engine. We broke a fuel line a few weeks ago and repaired it. Not sure if that's relevant but trying to give all details. Car fired up with no hesitation at all. Id...

    1995 Ford Escort 2 Dr GT Hatchback

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • 1994 5 speed Ford Escort Electrical Problem 2 Answers

    Wipers and heat blower motor quit at the same time. Wipers were changed from 18" to 20". Is this a problem? Can you give me a fix for this? Not a fuse. I have had this vehicle from new and other t...

    1994 Ford Escort 2 Dr GT Hatchback

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • What's wrong with my 99 Ford Escort? 1 Answer

    Noticed leak. Had T-coil thing replaced. Leak stopped. Noticed check engine light came on, and each time foot put on brake pedal, brake light came on! Car had coolant and oil! What's wrong with m...

    1999 Ford Escort 4 Dr SE Sedan

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

  • Whats wrong with escort? 3 Answers

    Hi, I'm having a problem with my 95 escort wagon. I have no turn signals, car stuck in park (you have to take it out by pushing small rod in hole beside shifter), and car only has 3rd gear while drivi...

    1995 Ford Escort 4 Dr LX Wagon

    -

    Maintenance & Repair

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

1991 Ford Escort

Write a car review

Review another car

Shortcuts

Search Ford Escort Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    dandyoun
    Reputation
    1,110
  • #2
    diyfixer
    Reputation
    730
  • #3
    Gene Arnett
    Reputation
    720
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Used Cars for Sale

2003 Ford Escort For Sale
3 listings
2002 Ford Escort For Sale
1 listing
2001 Ford Escort For Sale
1 listing
1999 Ford Escort For Sale
5 listings

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.