[PizzaMan5000]

Hey guys, I've noticed that NOBODY is ever in the automotive section on this site. I am a self employed mechanic, but I really just buy cheap cars that have hard to diagnose issues and get them running. When I worked at a shop they called me Scooby, because I was always stoned and I loved solving mysteries! Im not claiming to know everything by any means, but I believe there are enough people on this site to chime in and get anybody's car troubles solved if the owner is willing to give every possible detail and willing to follow people's instructions on how to diagnose the true culprit. So please folks, post your moto-woe's! And give us stoner car guys something to ponder!

[stoned-trout]

no issues as I am master mechanic.....but great idea..when I went to school for automotive the school was donated whack vehicles from dealerships with problems they couldn't or didn't want to deal with . I am sure it was tax write off or something...intermittent problems were the worst and hard to track down .. the snap on scanner helped sometimes....

[PizzaMan5000]

It's fun finding a car somebody else has given up on and find out it only a broken solder etc isn't it?

[dropabomb]

well hell, i ll post my wierd issue. I have a 2010 F150 with around 51,000 miles on it. It has the strangest situation. While driving and at no specific time, but all the time my dash panel and clock/radio, and heat/air go out and dont function. the lights dont come on for any of those instruments and they do nothing. i also at the same time get some wierd errors on my speedo instrument display. i get everything from ABS flashing, to the tire pressure error, to the Emergency brake light, traction control error, all or any of these lights also light up. Now, the stranger part is when i hit, not hard but hit or slap my steering wheel, in no specific spot, and not every time but sometimes it will all come back to full working. other times some of the stuff starts to work and other functions dont but usually my only fix is hitting my steering wheel and hoping for the best. I have to say though i worry a bit as i figure while these errors are going on my airbag prolly isnt working. anyway, ive been kinda to broke to take it in so ive been living with it like this for about 6 months.

I figure it has to be some sorta loose switch/connector but again i dont wanna mess with my steering much as im afraid ill engage my airbag and hit myself in the dumb mellon. Any thoughts?

Thanks!

[doneit]

Check the main connection that go threw the fire wall... they have a 8/10mm bolt that can be loose if serviced or missed at inspection.. controls everything inside the vehicle..

[Mknasty32]

sounds like ignition switch, outta sync..
fords do that

[stoned-trout]

the area where airbag was makes a good hiding spot....lol

[dropabomb]

i agree, it has to be an ignition problem as thats really the only part that seems to 'shake' when i hit my wheel. Any idea if its something i can try and fix myself of you think its gonna have to be a dealership issue? Doh! Thanks for the help!

[PizzaMan5000]

I agree, Ignition switch is your MAIN culprit. It could trick your truck into thinking it isn't in the "run" position and have ALOT of things not work.... don't wait till your wipers don't work in the rain!
Don't go to the dealership. It shouldn't cause any computer problems, worst case you would have to go to the dealership to reprogram a key or something.. but the process is in the owner's manual too. I would go to the lowest bidder and get it done with aftermarket parts, no real benefit to most OEM parts.

[dropabomb]

Thank you pizza man and everyone else who have given ideas. Finally did my taxes today so hopefully I can afford to fix it. I'll let u know what find out!