No headlights,parking lights,taillights,or dash lights...

[dejole]

Hello everyone,

I'm new to the post but, have been browsing this site for about a month now.
I have a '93 Festiva GL. I call it "Lil' Red." It seems I have a Serious electrical short somewhere, I think. I've checked all of the fuses in the fuse box. Replaced the headlight switch on the steering column. And, have replaced the relays for both the headlights and the parking lights. Does anyone have any suggestions of where else to begin to look for what might be my problem?
I've got alot of good ideas from reading your previous posts but, haven't had any luck so far. Thank you all in advance. I would really appreciate all the help I can get.

[turqfest]

Have you checked the fusible links under the hood?

[FestYboy]

check the one labled "head"

[dejole]

I've checked it out and it looks to be fine.

[GenevaDirt]

change it anyway....could be a break you can not see....can make a jumper wire just to make sure before you find a replacement if neccesary.

[dejole]

I've just changed out the link with one that I picked up today at the scrapyard.
That didn't seem to do the trick either.
I'll try one of the other ones that I found. Maybe this one is bad too.

[GenevaDirt]

did you change them all....just so you know?

[FestYboy]

the connectors have a nasty habbit of corroding and causing a signifigant load at the power source. wiggle the link's connection. if there's no positive result, then double check the chassis ground that your headlight switch provides to the headlight relay.

[dejole]

No, I've only changed out the one labled "HEAD" and "EGI".
I assumed the one labled "MAIN" is good as I just drove the car into the garage tonite.

[dejole]

FestYboy, where do I need to look for the chassis ground?
At the relay itself? Or, elsewhere?

[dejole]

I did some investigating today.
My left turn signal light (front) does not flash. But, the bulb is not burnt out.
I swapped it out with the right signal bulb but, the left side still did not work.
Could this be the problem I am having with the rest of my lights not working?
If anyone could give an idea I would greatly appreciate it.

[CharlieZ]

All the lights depend on a ground return wire thru the connector(s). As someone said about the fuse links, corrosion at the connectors is or can be a problem. My left front turn signal lamp takes a notion to quit once in a while. Just disconnecting and reconnecting the connector near the battery restores it. All of them need a good cleaning. I wonder if there is any kind of spray stuff that would do the job? They aren't all that easy to brush clean.

[turqfest]

Hey dejole - this may be worth a read for yourself. Check out the link below:

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?t=14465&highlight=pink+fuse

[Nerd Racing]

try replacing your bulbs one by one and I bet you'll find one that is bad but the filament is not blown, causing the circuit to short out.

[dejole]

I finally have my headlights and tail lights working again. I had some pieces missing from the switch I picked up at the junk yard. I was able to salvage the parts I need from my old burnt out one.
But, now I have another problem. My headlights are always on, unless I disconnect the battery. I've replaced both the headlight and parking light relays. But, to no avail.

So, once again I am asking for suggestions on how to remedy this new situation.
You all have been alot of help so far and I really appreciate all of the advice.