Electrical Gremlins

The mechanic and I are still at a loss. It has still gone undetermined why my headlights and dash (computer) lights flicker at the moment that I step on the brakes or put on my turn signal. We're still looking for ideas on where to look.

But now there's a new problem. Recently, my car acquired a new electrical gremlin, who prevents the car from starting. About 2-3 times per week, I will get in the car and turn the key. The dash (computer) and radio lights illuminate, but the car won't start, won't even turn over...just a click. I turn it off and turn it back to start and it starts, no problem. This morning, it did it again, and I noticed that my entire trip computer was reset (avg mpg, fuel used, etc) and the greeting said "unknown driver". However, when I pressed the Memory 1 button, it gave me my greeting and all my presets (temp/radio/mirrors, etc) were there...but not until I pressed the memory button. I now suspect that this "reset" is not new...my wife complained that her Memory 2 settings had been wiped out...I just thought she was crazy :screwy: and would tell her to press the Memory 2 button...and viola'. Now I realize that maybe the car has been resetting before today and she wasn't crazy after all (ssshhh!!!).

I have not noticed a rhyme or reason to this not-starting issue...except that it seems to occur more often when the car has sat for a few hours, rather than when I run into a store and come back out. Hot or cold ambient temp seems to not affect whether it will start or not. I have a new (1 yr old) battery and with the above mentioned flickering going on, I've had the charging system checked about 3-4 times and it passes each time.

Has anyone ever experienced this? I really am starting to fear that the car will one day just have an electrical meltdown and I'll be left with a beautiful 2-ton paperweight.

All of your problems sound related to a loss of power. My guess is a loose or corroded battery cable. The notorious one is the battery positive especially if you have the 2 that overlay eachother, caused me a ton of grief when I first bought mine, they would seem tight, but they really weren't and alot of corrocion built up inbetween them.

The problem ended up being was the bolt that goes between the 2, a fix for under $2 for a new bolt and have never had a porblem since. :thumbsup:

How difficult is it to replace the battery cables? I can somewhat find my way around the engine compartment, but if the cables are tricky to replace, I may just take it to the mechanic to replace them. Which bolt are you referring to? Does it come with the cables when you buy replacements? I'm willing to replace the lot, just need to know what to buy. Thanks for the help. :cheers: