Losing Dash Power When Turning - 08 Grand Prix

[Nic8524]

Hello,

I have an 08 GP, base with about 83K miles...
For a few months now I've been losing electrical power to my dash when turning. It started out just on my right hand turns, but now I notice it happening when I turn left as well as when I have to brake harder than usual. I don't lose engine power, but I do get the engine chime, the flickering of my dash lights and my radio turns off/on. I've searched around and can't find anyone with the exact problem but I have heard that this could be caused by a faulty ignition switch? Today I took it to the repair shop and the mechanic told me he thinks it is the clock spring but wants to do a $90 diagnostic test to make sure (of course he does). I really do not want to pay $90 for him to tell me, what I told him was the initial problem. Anyone know what this could be? Right now the issue is more of an annoyance but I dont want it to become something major. Any help, or links to other threads where(if) this has been discussed already would be appreciated.

[rickisrad]

have you checked all of the fuses and relays in car and under hood? push them all in to be sure they are seated properly.

[FishFind]

see if it does it when the car is in park also.

We are trying to see if it is something in the steering column or if it something to do with the car shifting momentum.

[Nic8524]

checked all applicable fuses and they seem to be in good shape and seated properly. Just tried it in park and the situation im describing did not happen. im almost positive its a momentum related issue because if im turning at a low speed it rarely happens, but if im past a certain threshold or on some kind of embankment (ie using a winding entrance ramp) or braking from above a certain speed it occurs more often.

[FishFind]

I do not have a wiring diagram for this car but hopefully someone will come along soon that will.

A good way to check it though is to pull out the dash and rub and push the wires and watch to see when it loses power.

You most likely have a short to ground or to the 12v feed. If you wired the radio your self you can see what wire they have in common. They either use the same power or the radio gets power from the dash. Or they use the same ground.

Is anything aftermarket?? alarm, stereo, remote start?

[rickisrad]

I agree ^^ If all of the fuses are good the next thing to look for is a bare wire or short some where. Like Fish said have the car on and running, wiggle all underdash wires to see if you could replicate the problem. Also look under the engine cover and under hood to see if any wires are damaged there. Sometimes a chipmunk or mouse will get in there and chew the wiring harness. next check the ground wires. Also make sure the battery is not corroded and in good working condition. while the car is on and running wiggle the key around to see if that causes any of the issues you are having.

[Nic8524]

I have both an aftermarket stereo and starter/alarm on the car. Problem started after I got the starter/alarm put on in abt Nov 2011...I know that still have the warranty for that though. Ill go out and mess w/ the wires and post what I find. Thx for the help guys.

[FishFind]

I can bet you your problem is going to be where they wired in the alarm/starter. Sounds like a loose wire connection. Not sure on color of the wire but I would guess check the red and pink ones.

[FishFind]

oH rickisrad. My brothers and sisters all went to Normandy High school. I am guessing yer wife won't know any of them.

[rickisrad]

Originally Posted by FishFind

oH rickisrad. My brothers and sisters all went to Normandy High school. I am guessing yer wife won't know any of them.

yeah probably not.

[rickisrad]

They may have messed something up in the wiring, these cars can be a wiring nightmare. I would really look at what they did.

[GMCustomerService]

What did you end up finding over the weekend, Nic8524?
Looking forward to an update,
Sarah
GM Customer Service

[Tech II]

I doubt it's a short to ground.....most of these companies use the quick connects that pierce wires, and in some cases, damage the wiring and create intermittant problems......I'd give a tug on the wiring to the starter/alarm system.....

[Nic8524]

No luck as of yet, I am going to try to get to the root of this problem myself instead of going through the dealer. Anyone know where I can find an instructional on how to remove steering wheel cover/lower dash?