Intermittent Light/power failure
97cavy
02-21-2006, 10:28 AM
My apologies if my search was weak.
I searched and found some items that sound the same, but I am just not sure the issue they are diagnosing is the same, and I dont want to Hijack someone else's thread so here I go:
97 Cavalier 2.2L Manual Trans
When driving down the road, sometimes I get intermittent problems (as of yesterday) after about 10 miles of driving. My ABS and E-Brake light come on first, then my day running lights go off, or flicker on and off. After this comes my theft system light (only comes when car is off, to hold clutch in to start usually). Today, on my way here to work (22Mi. drive), my Stereo (aftermarket of course) that has had no problems in 9 months of operation, decides to just shut off for 3 seconds when the cluster panel lights started coming on. The car runs fine. Here is an odd one. Usually, when I set the E-Brake, the Day Lights go off. Mine tried but came on, then off, and on, and off, and so forth.
If I let the car sit for a while off, it goes back to normal. HELP!
I wonder if either of the following could have made an impact on this:
1. I have had a short in my left rear bulb for about a year. If I replace it, the right one goes out. when we pulled off the bulb, it looks like the contacts get fried every time, shorting it out. We packed grease around it about 2 weeks ago, and fixed the issue (GO GO GADGET GHETTO mechanic)
2. I wanted to install a Sunpro Tach. After reading the instructions over and over (which caused me to register here in the first place), it says no adapter was necessary for my car. Just use the 2way vampire clips and connect the tach to wire # 10 on my PCM (only one #10 that is available, other isnt occupied) which leads to the throttle positioning sensor. Well, doing so didnt make the tachometer work, and testing on my 72 F250 it didnt work either, so, bad tach i presume) I left the clip on #10, as it does not come in contact with anything, and covers the slit the clip made on the wire.
ANY help will be greatly appreciated. I am at work, so if it takes me time to reply, my apologies.
I searched and found some items that sound the same, but I am just not sure the issue they are diagnosing is the same, and I dont want to Hijack someone else's thread so here I go:
97 Cavalier 2.2L Manual Trans
When driving down the road, sometimes I get intermittent problems (as of yesterday) after about 10 miles of driving. My ABS and E-Brake light come on first, then my day running lights go off, or flicker on and off. After this comes my theft system light (only comes when car is off, to hold clutch in to start usually). Today, on my way here to work (22Mi. drive), my Stereo (aftermarket of course) that has had no problems in 9 months of operation, decides to just shut off for 3 seconds when the cluster panel lights started coming on. The car runs fine. Here is an odd one. Usually, when I set the E-Brake, the Day Lights go off. Mine tried but came on, then off, and on, and off, and so forth.
If I let the car sit for a while off, it goes back to normal. HELP!
I wonder if either of the following could have made an impact on this:
1. I have had a short in my left rear bulb for about a year. If I replace it, the right one goes out. when we pulled off the bulb, it looks like the contacts get fried every time, shorting it out. We packed grease around it about 2 weeks ago, and fixed the issue (GO GO GADGET GHETTO mechanic)
2. I wanted to install a Sunpro Tach. After reading the instructions over and over (which caused me to register here in the first place), it says no adapter was necessary for my car. Just use the 2way vampire clips and connect the tach to wire # 10 on my PCM (only one #10 that is available, other isnt occupied) which leads to the throttle positioning sensor. Well, doing so didnt make the tachometer work, and testing on my 72 F250 it didnt work either, so, bad tach i presume) I left the clip on #10, as it does not come in contact with anything, and covers the slit the clip made on the wire.
ANY help will be greatly appreciated. I am at work, so if it takes me time to reply, my apologies.
97cavy
05-28-2006, 01:42 PM
Replaced the battery, reseated the PCM connections, still no dice. Any ideas?
I thought it may be a short in the stereo as well, causing something, so I removed the fuse. Still happening.
It is definitely something electrical. The alternator is charging at 14.2, but when lights come on, it drops to about 13.9. After I drive it to work and back, it wont start right away. It seems as if the fuel pump isnt engaging (probably due to an electrical issue). Then, after a minute or two, things go back to normal, and it works again.
Problem is, that this earlier reported problem is consistant now, all the time. ALL gauges turn off, and all indicator lights start flashing. My lights start dimming on the outside of the car, and I have no resolution. Someone please give me some advice. Where to start?
I thought it may be a short in the stereo as well, causing something, so I removed the fuse. Still happening.
It is definitely something electrical. The alternator is charging at 14.2, but when lights come on, it drops to about 13.9. After I drive it to work and back, it wont start right away. It seems as if the fuel pump isnt engaging (probably due to an electrical issue). Then, after a minute or two, things go back to normal, and it works again.
Problem is, that this earlier reported problem is consistant now, all the time. ALL gauges turn off, and all indicator lights start flashing. My lights start dimming on the outside of the car, and I have no resolution. Someone please give me some advice. Where to start?
97cavy
05-28-2006, 02:35 PM
DISREGARD the previous post.
Found issue I think, I have to try this after work today:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=545936
TY ENGUDAI!
Found issue I think, I have to try this after work today:
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=545936
TY ENGUDAI!
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