Electrical problem
1999 Ford Windstar Front Wheel Drive Automatic 99102 miles
I have a 1999 Ford Windstar LX. The driver's side rear lamp, middle of the three lights (on when headlights are on) is out. I have swapped bulbs, and the bulbs work on the other side. I've swapped sockets, to the same effect. I've gone after this with a multimeter. I get 12 V at the socket.
I have read on the internet that the Windstars have Rear Electronic Modules. I've also read that the 99 LX model does not. That confuses me. If it does not have an REM, how does the bulb ever go off? I can test 12v at this socket whether the car is on or off. I deduce from this that the mechanism for toggling the light is based on manipulating the ground, which is what an REM apparently does. I am further confused, because the fuses that feed this are obviously working. As near as I can figure, if there is an REM, then the fuses are feeding the rem, which then feeds the individual components. Or so I deduce.
I'm not sure how the relays work, or how they could be involved in this. Where is this REM? Is it supposed to be on '99 LX?
How does this tie in to TSB 985155, "Some vehicles may exhibit various electrical concerns caused by the tire jack pinching wires to the rear electronic module (rem)."
Any thoughts? Thanks! Ben
1999 Ford Windstar Front Wheel Drive Automatic 99102 miles
I have a 1999 Ford Windstar LX. The driver's side rear lamp, middle of the three lights (on when headlights are on) is out. I have swapped bulbs, and the bulbs work on the other side. I've swapped sockets, to the same effect. I've gone after this with a multimeter. I get 12 V at the socket.
I have read on the internet that the Windstars have Rear Electronic Modules. I've also read that the 99 LX model does not. That confuses me. If it does not have an REM, how does the bulb ever go off? I can test 12v at this socket whether the car is on or off. I deduce from this that the mechanism for toggling the light is based on manipulating the ground, which is what an REM apparently does. I am further confused, because the fuses that feed this are obviously working. As near as I can figure, if there is an REM, then the fuses are feeding the rem, which then feeds the individual components. Or so I deduce.
I'm not sure how the relays work, or how they could be involved in this. Where is this REM? Is it supposed to be on '99 LX?
How does this tie in to TSB 985155, "Some vehicles may exhibit various electrical concerns caused by the tire jack pinching wires to the rear electronic module (rem)."
Any thoughts? Thanks! Ben
May 21, 2009 at 5:10 AM
