65 thunderbird still has power after shut off

[Jonboy65]

Hi guys, im very new to this and just purchased a 65 ford thunderbird today. Im having a hard time researching this question so here it is

When i turn off the car all interior power still works. Keys removed from the ignition. The air works, radio and even power windows still function. Is this normal or is there something im messing? Any guidance is much appreciated

[georgemii]

ignition switch?

[Jonboy65]

Thats the conclusion we are thinking of. I went ahead and ordered an ignition switch and ignition lock cylinder which should be here in a couple days. I will post an update after i try that out.

[64ZCODE]

On my '64, the electric windows and blower work when the ignition is off. I've always assumed that's the way it's supposed to be, but maybe not?

[Rusty57]

While I agree that the ignition switch is a likely culprit, don’t discount some “enhanced” rewiring by a prior owner.

Get a wiring diagram and make some basic checks. Don’t assume that the current wiring on the switch is correct.

[Alan H. Tast]

On my '64, the electric windows and blower work when the ignition is off. I've always assumed that's the way it's supposed to be, but maybe not?

There is a trick to overriding the safety relay mounted on the firewall below the cowl shelf and slightly to the passenger side from the center line of the car to allow power seats and power windows to always have power, even with the ignition off, but the heater motor blower wasn't part of that circuitry. Ford had a TSB on how to do this for the '61-'63s and it carried forward through at least 1966. You may want to check the wiring at the safety relay and see if a couple of the wire terminals have been connected together without attaching to the relay.

[64ZCODE]

Thanks Alan, I'll check that out.

Doug

[JamesR]

Jonboy65, did you ever complete your ignition switch replacement? Did it fix your problem? If not, I have another possible cause for your issue.