cossiechris

Today i started the car, was ticking over fine. Turned the lights on and (of the front lights) only the nearside outer lamp (morrettes) cam on full beam. The wire started to melt ! When i put the main beam on, the Ford alarm (in the rear quarter panel) started going off. Turned the main beam off and the damn thing stopped. Started pressingf switches and the following set the Ford alarm off
Rear demister
Both electric windows (when pressing up or down)
Main beam

When i pressed THESE switches, the alarm DIDN'T sound
Indicators
Hazards
Front and rear fogs
Heated screen
Wipers and squirters
Rear washwipe

Turned the car off and it wouldn't start again. Engine turned over fine, just felt like no spark or fuel. The pump sounded like it was priming okay, so presuming electrical.

Tried to set the Cat1 alarm i have and as soon as it set, the Ford alarm started sounding again

A big f*cking help is required if anyone has experienced this before.

I'm thinking fusebox (age old problem on these Mk5 Escorts), any ideas anyone ? Please ?

A.Moore

I too am thinking fusebox 99% sure.Check if you have blow any fuses, then i'd personally buy another fusebox, iro £180 from Ford, or like i did have an auto electrician that's knowledgable with these fuseboxes, resolder the tracks.

Cossie-Iain

I think gary has vandalised your car
Check the obvious like the fuses first then if its not that just panic and get your cheque book out.Maybe your alarm is fooked also.You need a pro to take a look Id say.

cossiechris

It wasn't the fusebox. Managed to source one from JC last night and the same problems were there when i installed it.

Back to square one. The saving grace i suppose is that it happened now and not at Easter when we're at the 'Ring !

A.Moore

Oh well, at least you have a spare fusebox!..very handy to keep.Next step would be the alarm/wiring.........have an auto electrician look it over.

cossiechris

Trying to get a reliable one now, it has 3 immobilisers and a Cat1 alarm system. It appears to be the Ford 'alarm' that's sounder is giong off every time i put anything under an electrical load. WWAARRGGHHH LMFAO !

cossiechris

At last..........

Got car started after replacing the pugs (for the third time in as many days). Put the cam cover back on and it cut out. Took off the cam cover and removed plug lead from coil pack to plug 1 and it started, albeit on 3 cylinders. Moved the coil pack lead and it cut out. Further investigation showed the two wires to the coil pack plug (inside the rubber sheath) were bare and earthing each other out. Pure luck i found it, but the car's running well now. Pure coincidence was the electrical fault which was a crap earth on the electric windows/rear demister circuit AND the blown headlamp bulb. 3 seperate problems all sorted, odd how the all happened on the same day, but i#m happy now

Thanks to everyone on here for their help and also to JC for the loan of the fusebox to prove it wasn't that.

Back to terrorising the roads now i think

Chris

A.Moore

Well pleased for you mate, it really messes with your mind if something is wrong with your pride and joy!