steve r.

Today, my 88 Topaz refused to start. After checking around a bit, I tried
resetting the inertia switch. It started up, no problem. After a 2 1/2 mile
drive to the shopping centre, I returned to the car to find the switch
tripped again! A few hundred feet down the road, and it tripped again. I
coasted into a gas station, and reset it once more. After that it was OK for
the rest of the trip home. The temperature for the last two days has peaked
at over 100 F. I see no reason why heat should trip an inertia switch. Has
anyone else experienced this problem? Another question, where is the fuse
box in this model?

Thanks in advance
Steve R.

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masterblaster

Ever notice how "superconductor" magnets like to be supercold?
The inside of the inertia switch is basically a small funnel, with a steel ball
sitting in it, and a magnet at the bottom. Put a 20-year old magnet and
some egg-frying heat together, and the switch gets a lot easier to trip,
either by a bumpy road, or a slammed trunk (if you parked on a hill, like
I did), or someone bumping your car in the parking lot (any new scuffs?).
And make sure the switch is vertical, and bolted in the proper place, not
lying on the carpet. Fuse box should be above your left foot when driving.

steve r.

I assumed it was due to an aging switch, but have never had any reason to
dissect one! The switch is in the proper place. No bumps though. I live in
the country, but most roads are paved. I will probably bypass the switch for
now as it's some distance to a parts supply.

Thanks for the info!


Steve R.

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puddin man

The I-switch in my '94 TBird has failed a time or 2. Like to got me
killed once (long story).

If 100% practical, I'd bypass the damned thang and leave it that way.
If so, I'd appreciate notes on how to do it (I've been meaning to for
years). :-)

Cheers, Puddin'

"Mit der Dummheit kaempfen Goetter selbst vergebens!"
-Friedrich Schiller

steve r.

< Snip>

Sorry for doing a follow-up of my own post, but...... . Today I checked
around the auto parts wholesales, and some retail firms. The inertia switch
is not available as an aftermarket item. One Ford dealer on the South end of
Vancouver Island has one in stock. Just one! Fasten your seatbelts, they
want $94.00 CDN for it! I did the only reasonable thing, and made a jumper
for the connector in my workshop. Zero cost!

Steve R.


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masterblaster

Small flat wrench.
Long pants.
Stretchy socks.
Wrecking yard.
(Shhh, don't tell anyone!)

steve r.

The ones in the wreckers are probably just as bad. The climate here is very
wet in the winter, and the one from my car looks like it got wet sometime in
the past.


Steve R.

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