1994 Mercury Villager only fuel pump and headlights work

1994 MERCURY VILLAGER
285,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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KCDUCTTAPER
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I've had this '94 Villager with 285000 miles since it was brand new. I was recently driving it when the ABS lights came on, the dash lights started dimming and brightening randomly, and I heard a relay clicking noise. I pulled over at the next intersection and shut it off to reset the computer hoping something sent the computer into panic mode. When I tried to start it again, I got nothing at all other than the fuel pump whine. The headlights work (bright and dim) as well as the fuel pump, but nothing else works. No dome lights, park lights, clock, brake lights, starter, wipers, nothing. About 30 minutes after I stopped, I got it to start up again as usual, but as soon as I got a couple feet, it did it again and I haven't been able to start it since. I checked the ground to the block and frame and they turn out fine.
Jun 16, 2010 at 2:29 PM
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INTERNETMECHANIC
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I'd use a voltage tester on applicable fuses. Not only check the fuse, check for voltage on the fuse circuit. Even if the fuse is good, if no voltage, the circuit is dead. The red wire at load side of relay goes hot with the key in the start position. The green wire with tracer is voltage to the coil side of relay goes hot with key on and is wired through the park/neutral switch. Check for voltage. You may have to check feed to and from the ignition switch. Usually with multiple circuits that have no voltage, tracking one circuit, may fix some of the others, if not all.


https://www.2carpros.com/forum/automotive_pictures/512072_villager_GS_1.jpg

Jun 16, 2010 at 3:12 PM
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KCDUCTTAPER
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There's voltage to the fuse panels and all the fuses that are important are good. The block and body are properly grounded as well. It acts like a bas connection, not a short, because the battery's not dead.
Jun 17, 2010 at 3:33 AM
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INTERNETMECHANIC
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Check the circuits to the relay for voltage, the diagram.
Jun 17, 2010 at 8:43 AM
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KCDUCTTAPER
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It turns out there was a bad wire from the battery to the main fuse panel. Throw a new wire in there and it's good as new.
Jun 18, 2010 at 2:27 PM