Multiple problems... Can anybody help???

[gearhead1175]

I have a '98 Intrigue with the 3800 motor. In the past 4 months, i've had a lot of electrical problems with it that may or may not be all related. (big surprise huh). I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction.

First, the cruise control started working intermitantly, which I thought might have been a vacuum leak somewhere. I could set it and it would work for awhile, but if it had to accelerate for a hill or incline the cruise would shut off and I can not set the cruise again.

Second & more recently, the automatic headlights would make the headlamps "flicker" at dusk or dawn. At night or during the day they would work just fine. I replaced the sensor on the dash figuring it was the culprit but no change.

Lastly, the rear window defogger works intermitantly. Sometimes when I hit the button I hear a clicking noise coming from behind the glove box. After removing the glove box to investigate, I found the relay was clicking, I replaced the relay but no change. Still working intermitantly.

I am wondering if these 3 are related, possibley share a common gound wire or are all controlled by a body control module. Any assistance would be apprecated.

Gearhead.

[BNaylor]

A common problem is the ignition switch and harness assembly. It sounds like you have a few flaky contacts in it (carboned up or arced out) causing the problems you are experiencing. Classic symptoms are headlights flickering, no cruise, defogger and other symptoms like HVAC blower, etc.

[panzer dragoon]

Why not take your car to a GM service center and use the Tech2. The Tech2 is specifically made to diagnose these types of problems (the faulty ignition switch will show up).

It's much easier just using GM service for a diagnosis $30-$80 and going from there. AlldataDiy can also help diagnose these problems or a GM service manual. Do you have an OBD2 scanner <$100?