Electrical Problems

[RoundGraf]

Hey guys,

I have a 2002 Olds Intrigue and just wondering if anyone has had similar issues with their car.

About 2 months ago, I had my security light come on and then had problems with the car not starting. It wouldn't even engage the starter. After about 2 weeks, the problem disappeared, but now my trunk switch doesn't work.

I took the car into my mechanic and he tried to fix the problem, but after several days of trying to trace the problem, he gave up. He didn't charge me for the labour he put in (Great Guy!).

The only thing I have installed in my car that may have contributed to this issue is my alarm starter combo (Autostart, model AS-6600).

Does anybody have any input as to what these problems may be or any suggestions?

My mechanic is going to take the car next week to a friend at a GM dealership to diagnose. I just don't want to incur an outrageous amount of money trying to track the problem down.

Any information is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance guys.

[LittleHoov]

Definitely sounds like your alarm might be a contributing factor. Did it start doing after you installed the alarm? Or did you have no issues for a while, then now you have issues?

A common culprit for the starter not engaging, especially with the security light, is the ignition switch. Many members have had success simply removing them and cleaning them externally, but the components pertaining to the security system are inside the ignition switch.

As for your trunk switch, if you open your trunk with the key, I believe theres an on/off switch located somewhere back there, its easy to bump into, and disables the interior button...but I cant remember if the Intrigue has one or not, Ive just seen them on many other GM vehicles.

[RoundGraf]

Thanks for your response.
I had the alarm installed in September of 2007. I started having problems just last year in October/07. The starting issue has went away it's just the other problems that are going now with the trunk switch and so forth. My mechanic tried pretty much everything including unplugging the alarm and nothing. He also checked the trunk lever like you were describing, but that wasnt' an issue. The other day my headlights wouldn't come on so I turned the headlight switch on and off a couple of times and they started to work ok.
Just too many flakey things are going on.

[dtownfb]

It sounds like the ignittion switch is the next place to check.

[RoundGraf]

If it's the ignitions switch, is it a good idea to replace it or clean it like LittleHoov was saying? Also, If I were to clean the unit myself, is there an instruction sheet on how to do this?

[LittleHoov]

I just used a pocketknife and some spray electrical cleaner to clean the outside.

Some use some sandpaper or a small file to clean things up well.

As for the inside, a member posted in that thread I was talking about that he took his apart, and described it.

[RoundGraf]

I will have to find that thread and give that cleaning suggestion a try. Have you had any problems with your Intrigue LittleHoov? I have been tempted to sell the car if more problems presist. It sucks having these problems with the car only having 73000 KM's.

[LittleHoov]

Ive had very few problems aside from routine maintenance and what I would call simpler things like wheel bearings, or a master cylinder, Ive had no troubles at all.

Like many, I chased an ignition switch issue for quite a while, I thought it was fuel related forever, did a filter change, then a FPR change, started thinking my pressure was too low and was looking for a pump.
Then I decided to clean the ignition switch and everything was fine.

http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbul...gnition+switch

Theres the post youre looking for.

[RoundGraf]

LittleHoov, thanks alot for all the help you've given me, I really appreciate it.
I will keep you informed if the cleaning procedure repairs the problem.

[RoundGraf]

Just wanted to update you guy's on the ignition switch. I took the car to my mechanics and he checked out the switch and cleaned it, but it didn't do anything, still have the same problems. I am taking the car in this upcoming Wednesday to the stereo shop where I had my starter/alarm installed and go from there. Let you know what happens.

[LittleHoov]

There is the possibility that the switch is bad to the point cleaning it doesnt do any good, lets hope the shop can figure something out.

[Hoppy2]

Any luck RoundGraf?

My father inlaw's intrigue is now doing this bad starting thing.

[RoundGraf]

Sorry about the delay.
The alarm starter combo ended up being the main culprit regarding the "remote start" not working. The trunk problem was due to a break in the wire leading to the relay.
After a hair pulling several months dealing with the mechanic and the stereo shop, everything is finally repaird.
I think the new hair should start growing back fairly soon....
Thanks for all your replies guy's.