1971 Mark III Needs Step By Step Diagnostics From The Factory Shop Manual With Follow Up

Dear Bill,
Thank you for providing this great service.
The auto headlamp dimmer worked erratically and now I can not switch to hi beam anymore. The switch feels worn and I can hear a relay clicking. I struggle to find a replacement foot switch for auto dim. Is the relay located in the switch or elsewhere? If not, is the switch serviceable? The hi beam indicator light does not work. How can one get at it or is there a way to test it? I got the radio refurbished and after putting it back in all dashbord lights are gone. I found the fuse blown. The circuit has shortened out. I struggled to read the wiring diagram I have as there is no index regarding the abbreviations for the wire colors. I found the ash tray illumination working and wires in color which I think are related to the dashboard illumination wiring but I can find nothing going up behind the dashboard! Where do I best start troubleshooting? The rear demister motor runs noisy and now blows its fuse after a short time of running. Is the motor serviceable – and where is it? Do you have to remove the rear seats? If so, how do you do this? The previous owner is unsure about what gas to use for the AC. The pump has a sticker on it saying that it got refurbished. The filler caps seem to sit on adapters. How can I find out about the gas? The heater motor runs noisy. The workshop manual suggests removing the hood, offside wheel, inner wheel arch and then pulling the whole gigantic plastic box containing the AC system through there – a somewhat daunting task! Is it true that you can get at it through the glove compartment? The view to the firewall is obscured there by a thicket of wires and things which look like vacuum motors or control boxes. Thank you so much in advance for your care.
All the best,
Guido
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Hello Guido –
The answer to many of your questions have been answered previously in our blog. Searching for these previous blog questions may turn up some good answers for you. The blog is for our existing customers but we may be able to help you diagnose and find more information for you to work with. You mention your Workshop Manual and a wiring diagram. From the information that you have posted, you may not have the necessary concise and comprehensive manuals to diagnose and repair some of the complicated workings of the Lincolns. Please send us a photo of the front cover of your manual and the wiring diagram that you are using in order that we may advise you further. If you are in need of parts after your issues are diagnosed – we may be able to help.
Sincerely,
Bill
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Dear Bill,
Thank you for your swift reply and the offer to look at my manuals and help with parts supply. Please find enclosed a picture of my manuals and diagrams.
I have read many of your previous blog entries and found a lot of closely related descriptions, however I am not yet quite sure I found all answers to my questions yet. I shall search more thoroughly in your previous answers.
Thanks again and all the best
Guido
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Hi Guido –
Thanks for the photos. Your manuals and wiring diagram appear to be reprints of the original. The original factory manuals consist of five separate publications, and we do offer a version similar to yours that has been condensed down to two volumes. Your questions regarding your manuals and wiring diagrams are valid but they should be asked to your supplier as we do not know how complete those manuals are. My set of five FoMoCo manuals for 1971 seems to answer most of your questions. A drawing of the defogger motor location is also shown on one page if you can’t locate it.
From your email it seems that you believe that the radio has caused your instrument lighting to blow a fuse. Inspect all of the wires near the radio in case they were squashed during installation. If nothing is found, unplug the radio and replace the fuse and check if the fuse still blows. If the fuse still blows you will need to look elsewhere in the circuit.
The blower motor is serviced by removing the recirculating door assembly under the dash. It is described in the T-Bird section and not the Mark III section.
We would have no idea what refrigerant was in your a/c if there are no labels or info. under the hood from the previous repair shop.
George Miller at our office can give you the details on any parts you may need.
Good luck with the diagnosis.
Sincerely,
Bill