Dt*: the contact stated while traveling 30 MPH on dry flat road conditions, the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably. The brakes were applied and kept the vehicle from further accelerating. The vehicle pulled over without incident. The contact let the vehicle cool down for an hour, and then drove to the residence. The contact noticed a the federal safety agency recall#96v071000 regarding electrical system: ignition on the federal safety agency website. The service dealer was contacted and determined the vehicle was not included in the recall due to the VIN. The contact expressed that many fuses have blown out due to this ignition problem, and sometimes a clicking sound was heard coming from the steering column when making turns to either side.
1990 Ford Thunderbird electrical problems
38 complaints (27% of all complaints for this car).
- owner complaints
- 38
- of this car's complaints
- 27%
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 2
Which part fails
- Ignition: switch10
- Ignition10
- Alternator/generator/regulator5
- Wiring: interior/under dash3
- Wiring: front underhood3
- Wiring3
- Starter assembly: relay1
- Ignition: module1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Ford Thunderbird electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 1990 Ford Thunderbird electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system: ignition
- What is wrong
- The ignition switch could experience an internal short circuit.
- Risk
- This condition could cause overheating, smoke, and possibly fire in the steering column area of the vehicle.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the ignition switch.
Recall number 96V071000 · Recall details
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery: cables
- What is wrong
- Battery to starter cables are longer than specified; excessive cable length could contact engine damper pulley.
- Risk
- Cable protective covering and insulation could wear through and cause a direct short to ground, resulting in overheating of the cable insulation and possibly a underhood fire.
- Remedy
- Replace battery to starter cable with correct length cable.
Recall number 90V026000 · Recall details
What 1990 Ford Thunderbird owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
1. Just suddenly started occurring. 2. Re: campaign id # 96v071000, I have an ignition problem with my 1990 ford thunderbird but was told by ford my VIN does not apply to recall. Although no fire, I believe there is some sort of short circuit in my ignition switch. The automatic seat-belt will, at unpredictable times, not move into position when ignition switch is turned and at the same time the engine will turn over normally but will not start. "every time" seat belt doesn't work, engine will not start. 3. Have not been able to make any repairs, yet.
Engine fire
Wires in steering wheel caught on fire.*ak during the fire the consumer son was injured.
Vehicle will shut off without prior warning. Stop and go in and out of traffic. Dealership will pick it up.
Modual first failed sep 00. Car lost power steering and brakes at 60 MPH. Car was parked from sep 00 to 26 july 01 while ford got part. New moduel was installed 26 july 01 and failed 8 aug 01 again at 60 MPH without power steering or brakes. Ford dealer is now looking for a new one. Part was listed at $100.00 at time of sep 00 failure. Modual obtained in jul 01 that failed in aug 01 cost $306.00
Ignition fails to shut vehicle off and engine continues to run. Dealership has not examined vehicle. Please provide any additional information/attachments.
While traveling at any speed without any indicatin vehicle would stall. Please provide further information.
Vehicle is waiting for repairs to the ignition module, consumer is waiting for the parts before the repair is made.
Vehicle parked in driveway 4 days. It caught fire. Fire dept distinguished the flames. Indication of fire origin was in the ignition switch fixed wires. Contacted ford. Indicated recall was sent out. Been having problems with vehicle skipping & missing. Took to service dept & informed head gaskets had blown & water leaked into cylinder. No technical service bulletin for thunderbird about head gaskets.
Questions about the 1990 Ford Thunderbird electrical
Does the 1990 Ford Thunderbird have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 38 complaints about the electrical of the 1990 Ford Thunderbird, 27% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 1990 Ford Thunderbird electrical problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 1990 Ford Thunderbird electrical?
Yes, 2 recalls: 96V071000, 90V026000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Ford Thunderbird have the most electrical problems?
The Ford Thunderbird model years with the most electrical complaints are 1990 (38 complaints), 1993 (37 complaints) and 1992 (27 complaints).
Other 1990 Ford Thunderbird problems
Brakes 34Seat belts 23Acceleration 17Engine 11Transmission 8Lights 7Fuel system 6Body 3Steering 3Tires 3Visibility 3Airbags 1Locks 1
VIN decoder
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