Very strange problems

[[email protected]]

I own a 97 Olds Cutlass Supreme, that up until recently had few problems. A couple of days ago, I was driving at hwy speed when my ABS light came on, my air bag light came on and an audible warning dinger I'd never heard started dinging. When I got off the hwy and came to a stop, it appeared as though I was stuck in 3rd gear and had to shift manually to 1st to start driving again. While this was happening my temp guage also shot up. I kept driving (going to work) and after work, started the car and all seemed fine. Then it happened again a couple of days later. Does this sound like my computer's going??

[GTP Dad]

Welcome to AF!!

Are you having any issues with your alternator or battery? Many times when the voltage drops to a low level all of these items will happen. With the warm temps it is a good possibility that the battery is on the way out but it is recharging itself enough to keep starting. I would check the alternator and battery before doing anything else. The other area of concern are the battery cables. They may be corroded and not allowing proper voltage to get through to the car. The battery and alternator could be just fine but the cables or terminals may be bad.

This doesn't sound like a computer issue. But make sure that it didn't overheat as that can cause other issues.

[[email protected]]

I have had two occasions over the last 6 months where the car died...wouldn't start and needed a jump. The battery is about 2 1/2 years old, so I suppose that could be part of the problem. But...what would that have to do with my transmission/engine issues?? While this current stuff was happening, it did seem like my turn signals and windshield wipers were going much faster than usual too. (this all sounds really weird, I'm sure). Someone else suggested maybe a short in some wiring or a ground problem...any thoughts?

[GTP Dad]

The transmission is electronically controlled and when voltage spikes or goes too low the transmission will not shift properly. I suggest you check the ground as it may be corroded or making intermittant contact. Remove and clean the main ground. It should be located on the transmission end of the engine. Also check the wires from the battery as they may be internally corroded and you may not actually see anything.

[94cutsupreme]

whatever you do....make sure the airbag doesn't go off....my airbag light came on and me being dumb listened to my parents when they told me it was no big deal....well a few days later my airbag deployed when i was sitting in a parking lot...as you probably know it costs a lotttt to replace so just be really careful about the airbag light...maybe have someone take out the fuse or something until you get the issue resolved? i thought it was nothing but i was wrong!

[richtazz]

I agree with GTP Dad. Since everything that's acting up is elcetronically controlled, check the simple things like battery terminals and cables for signs of corrosion, dirt, grease, tightness, etc... Next, if you have an Auto-Zone or Advance Auto in your area, have the charging system checked (it's free).