Newbie questions

[ijab44]

Hi everyone, I wonder if anybody out there can answer a few questions?
Firstly, a couple of times I have had the engine off listening to the stereo and the electrics seem to shut off apart from the 12v lighter sockets.After about 30 mins the power mysteriously comes back on. Is this a normal function of the immobiliser or a fault? I notice there is an auxilery position for the key ( fully anticlockwise ), does this have to be used to avoid the immobiliser operating?
Secondly, I replaced the standard ford stereo with my Pioneer unit. Using a flylead from Halfords the yellow block connector on the loom is not used? Is this for the Ford CD multichanger? I also notice that when I eject a CD the leccy aerial goes down unless I switch to the radio first. Is the only way round this a direct tap from the aeriel power feed to the stereo loom?
Finally, I have noticed a very slight noise from the engine under load. I can only describe it as a low volume rattle. My local Ford dealer says it can hear nothing wrong. Could this be the timing chain problem I have read about? The engine sounds fine when not under load.
The vehicle is a 1998 model with 86,000 miles and full service history. I bought it because of it's relative exclusivity but the downside is a genaral lack of information in the UK. It was great to find this site to exchange info.
I am away next week but would appreciate any help with my questions.
Thanks,
Ijab

 

[Howard]

Firstly welcome to the site.

Now to answer your questions.

1. Yes the power will go off after an amount of time to save the battery. This is normal. Use the aux position to bypass.

2. Yes I think the yellow block is for the Ford Cd changer. Which I presume you are not using now. As for the ariel this is controlled by the deck that you have. You could try and disconnecting the wire that powers the antenna (I don't know which one it is sorry) and connect it to the fly lead from the head unit. (very often blue).

3. The slight noise you hear could be pinking. Clean the maf and also check the upper intake bolts for tightness.

In general over here you need to DIY to keep it going well. You can get a haynes manual from amazon or a chiltons if you prefer.

 

[ijab44]

Thanks for the help Howard. The aeriel should be simple to sort although it's more of an annyance than anything else. I have a Haynes and will take a look at the maf and intake bolts. Come to thing of it, it does sound like pinking.
As for the power problem, I can see how it can save you a flat battery but when I say it leaves me with no power I mean zero, except for the 12v supply from the 2 power sockets. The remote has no effect and the vehicle won't turn over. No internal lights, central locking - nothing. It just seem a bit overkill just to stop you running down the battery.That is why I thought it might be an immobiliser fault. The 2 times I have failed to use the aux position I have been left stranded for about 30 mins until the power returned. Is this normal?
Thanks again,
ijab

 

[Howard]

That does not sound quite right to me. Time to start fault finding. It should only turn off the radio and not the whole car.

 

[ijab44]

I will get my head into to the wiring diagrams!