01 electrical troubles (radio and wipers)

[doug handy]

Sporadically the radio will shut off while while driving down the road. This usually occurs at the first drive of the day with the headlights on. At the same time that the radio goes off the wipers are also off and the power door locks will unlock and lock back. I found yesterday that the turn signal will apparently bypass the short and cause the wipers and the radio to work again. Any ideas????????

[Willyum]

Is it an aftermarket radio or O.E?

[doug handy]

OE, no electrical work has ever been done on the car other than a mobile phone base which is no longer installed.

[harleyd]

Your problem is the transmission range sensor.

I had the same problems, TRS fixed it. Radio, windows, wipers locks, etc... $53 part, 20min to remove and install. Simple. Removal and install must be done with the transmission in neutral. I suggest the dealer for the part because, any updates to this problem part will be in the new part. Can't garrantee that from a discount house. Besides, only $53. I got a discount from my dealer, $43.

You can start the car and disconnect the TRS, drive the car around a bit, if the problems go away, thats it. You must reconnect the TRS to start the car again. TRS is located on top of the transmission, drivers side under the air intake tube. The shift cable goes to it. Also check if your symptoms are only in park, neutral, reverse or drive. My problems occured in D&R only.

See link below for more info.

Good luck!

http://www.automotiveforums.com/t169034.html