Okay, I'm a newcomer to the boards and I couldn't find this problem with a forum search, so here goes.
First off, I've had this problem happen intermittently the last 4-5 years or so. I've taken my '97 Blazer to the dealer each time, and except for one time, the problem could not be duplicated. Needless to say, the cause of the problem couldn't be found each time because of the intermittent nature of it.
Now, here's what's happening. (Apologies if I'm a bit long with it.) I'll start the car from a cold start (either first thing in the AM, after work, or being at the store for even a few minutes). I'll go ahead and drive off. Shortly after that, perhaps about 1/4 - 1/2 mile or so, the following items no longer work:
1. Power lock mechanisms
2. Power seat mechanism (including power lumbar) on the driver's side
In addition, the dome light will light up every once in a while. Sometimes a bright light; other times, a dim light. A couple of times, the power windows didn't work, either. (They seem to be OK this time around.) Battery level seems to be OK, according to the gauge.
When I stop the car and shut off the engine, I still can't use my power locks or seat. Opening the door will produce a bright light from the dome, though there have been times that I've noticed it to be dim and/or flickering. One time at night, I noticed that the dome light wouldn't go off at all (it usually goes off by itself in a minute or so) until I opened the door and closed it.
Say I have a 5-minute stop somewhere. I'll use the remote to open up the car. Power locks work, and power seat works. I'll start the car. Nothing wrong right away. I go a short distance, and the problems reappear.
Unfortunately (or fortunately), there comes a time when the problems disappear. Sometimes for a week; other times for a year (this was the case until the problems reappeared over this past weekend).
Obviously, an electrical problem is at fault, but where? Do I have a bad ground? (I suspect this to be the case.) Bad cable perhaps? Since this has gone to a dealer a few times (I'll try a different dealer this time), do I have any recourse from GM or a state consumer law? (CA, in this case.) I'm the original owner at 185K+ miles, and long since out of warranty, but I first noticed this problem at about 60K, I think.
Thanks in advance! I look forward to what you all have to say, besides getting rid of the car.
