Electriacal Issues?

[LoMbArD]

I have a 2001 Grand Am SE with the V6
Recently I have started to have an issue, and I would like to figure out what it is before it gets too bad.
Occasionally when I go to start my vehicle, I turn the key and the vehicle starts, but none of the dash lights come on, the guages don't work, the doors don't lock when I put it in gear, radio doesn't work etc. Sometimes after 10ish seconds the lights will pop on and everything will start working, other times I have to turn the car off and start it up again. On the times the lights come on after a few seconds my "service vehicle soon" light will come on and go off intermittantly until I turn the car off and back on again. If I have turned the car off and on until the lights come on before it starts the "service vehicle soon" light doesn't come on. Taking it to get codes read doesn't show up with anything. Any ideas? Everything seems to be running well, although my gas mileage has gone down a bit over the last several months.
Thanks for any responses

Aaron

[justin0717]

sounds like an ignition switch to me...

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF LoMbArD.

It does sound like a ignition switch problem but it could also be a EBCM malfunction, as the EBCM controls these components.

Where did you get it scanned ?
Auto stores cant read "B" or "C" codes just generic DTC's that start with "P".

Also the SVS could be may things. You could have a headlight bulb out, or even your tail lights.
Get a better scanner !!

[LoMbArD]

update to the scenario:

with being in the middle of moving and having a busy time at work, as the car was still running normally I decided to just live with it for a while. now that it is hot, I have noticed several other issues, that are all related (at least it seems to me to be that way)

I am in agreement that an ignition switch is at least part of my issue, I am going to be replacing that in the next few days.

When I turn the key to the on position (this is happening almost every start now) the lights on the dash are normal, radio plays, blower fan comes on etc. . . once I crank it, all of those turn off, everything electrical inside the car with the exception of the cigarette lighter, and the SVS light and SES lights come on occasionally although nothing else works, no tach, no blower fan, no radio, no power windows/locks nothing. It is also taking longer and longer for them to become functional after the car is started. I had it scanned at an AutoZone and they came up with nothing even though the SVS AND SES lights were on. . .told me it was prolly the gas cap.
I am hoping it isn't the EBCM, as the ignition switch is more than I want to shell out at the moment already.
Where would I go to find a better scanner? Should most shops have one? or am I stuck going to the dealership?

[brocsbar]

I had a similar problem with a car I was working on in my shop. All the guages would jump around and after extensive searching I found that the airbag module under the passenger seat was getting wet for years from the bad water problem on many grand am/prix. And after a while the car wouldn't even start cause the module was shorting and the car tought someone was stealing it.It can be disconnected and everything should work normal again except you Won't HAVE AIRBAGS!

[xeroinfinity]

Thankx for the tip brocsbar, but please look at the dates before posting in outdated threads! !!!
This one is over a year old, anything more then 3 months dont need brought back up, except for the original poster.


this is closed !