Trio of Problems

[Howie165]

My 99 Intrigue (3.5 L, 74k miles) developed three intermittent electrical problems within three weeks. First, the cruise started cutting out or won't come on at all. Second, the HVAC tends to stay in bi-level mode, occasionally switching modes on its own. Third, the auto headlamps click off. Given that all these are intermittent and all started about the same time, I can't help but think there is some connection. Of course, they all work when I get to the dealer. Any thoughts?

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

Possibility of a defective ignition switch. Common problem.

[phewop118]

Sounds like it's the ignition switch. You can change it yourself, but it isn't too easy.

[panzer dragoon]

take your car to the dealer and have them run the Tech2 scanner on it. (=So far your car has no OBD2 codes.) Tell them that you think it may be the ignition switch.

The Tech2 (GM dealer scanner) would be the way to go on a problem like this.

[artmoyer]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

Welcome to AF.

Possibility of a defective ignition switch. Common problem.

Was it the ignition switch? My daughters car has the same three problems, but the heater goes on and off whenever it feels like it. When the heater does not work, the cruise control does not work. We put a new HVAC unit in
and it did the same thing after about a week,so I'm leaning to this answer.

We also have the ABS wheel sensor problem . We replaced the hub and sensor
and after about a week the light came on again. Would the ignition switch have anything to do with this? Everything seems to happen at the same time.

Thanks

[BNaylor]

Welcome to AF.

The original poster has not posted a reply so we do not know for sure as to his problem, however, based on your symptoms which are classic it sounds like you have a bad one too. Further, the cruise control and HVAC problem supports replacement. It is not that difficult to troubleshoot an ignition switch problem with a wiring diagram and a multimeter. The ignition switch does feed 12 volts to the ABS system and traction control system.

[artmoyer]

Thanks for the quick response. I'm taking it back tomorrow and will post the results. I just put over a grand in this thing, Hvac unit and Hub and will be P'od if its the ignition switch. Hopefully they will take back the Heating unit.
One good thing, its my Brother in law working on it.

[Howie165]

Thanks for the help. I had the ignition switch replaced, and so far so good.

[Rolm]

Before replacing the ignition switch, I would recommend to shot some WD40 in the switch, It just may clean and free-up frozen contacts. Nothing to loose at this point. As a side note a friend of mine had all kinds of transmission problems on his BMW and 2 dealers told him he need a trans rebuild. I noticed there was a module with a bunch of contacts attacheded to his auto shifter I sprayed it with WD40 and no more trans problems. I spray all contacts with WD40 every few years and I have never had an electrical problem.