97 GrAm - electrical issue or what???

[gram-ock]

97 GT model, 4 cyl auto

Problems:
1)Under normal conditions, starting the car causes daytime running lights to engage. In my case, the bright/low-beam-indicator flashes, which means there is a problem somewhere. (especially because the lights aren’t actually functioning, and I know this because I pull into a dark parking garage and no lights are visible.) However, if I use the turn-signal switch to manually turn headlights on, the flashing stops and headlights are operational.
2)Unless the lights are turned on as described above, the rear-defog lamp indicator is always lit, even though the rear-defogger button was never engaged. (In other words, button stays lit constantly, sometimes turning on the headlights the defogger lamp will go dark.)
3)The fan selector switch can be on full blast, yet no air movement. Sometimes when the lights are turned on as stated above, air emits from the vents for a minute or two and then air quits blowing. It does not matter if the selector switch is on air, heat, or defroster. No air blows. Sometimes 15 minutes later, the air starts blowing again. Very intermittent and absolutely no consistency.

Other interesting tidbits: with all the above, the radio works fine, including the steering wheel controls. Turn signals are all functional as are the windshield wipers. Cigarette lighter also functions normally and the traction control lamp works as normal. No problems with power windows.

My mechanic thought the multi-function switch might have a short in it, especially since the lights work when manually turned on so we installed a new multi-function switch. Unfortunately, replacing the MFS did NOT correct any of the issues and mechanic is no closer to figuring out the problem.

I am hoping those of you here can give some ideas on what to check. I have had electrical issues with a vehicle before and spent a lot of money on diagnostics before it was figured out. I hope to avoid that same problem by listening to your thoughts and experience. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!!

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF.

1) your DRLs are supposed to turn on during the day.
Check the grounds for the head lamps and replace the fuses/relays.

2) Probly a short in the defog wires(not necessarilythe grid) or the switch is bad/malfunctioning.

3) Could also be a fuse or short, though it also could your HVAC resistor going out.

Originally Posted by gram-ock

I am hoping those of you here can give some ideas on what to check. I have had electrical issues with a vehicle before and spent a lot of money on diagnostics before it was figured out. I hope to avoid that same problem by listening to your thoughts and experience. Thanks in advance for any suggestions!!

What exactly were your prevous electrical gremlins ???

[gram-ock]

I knew the daytime lights should automatically operate during the day - - that's how I knew there was a problem what with the high/low beam indicator flashing constantly and having no DRL reflecting inside the parking garage. My DRL worked fine until the flashing indicator started, which was the same time the defogger lamp started staying lit, so I assumed (yeah, I know...) the two were connected. Initially I thought I would just live with the indicator flashing and the defogger lamp remaining lit, and operate the lights by just turning on the headlights because the headlights were on, and the defogger light went off. Then when the blower konked I got more concerned. What made it more confusing was everything worked if I turned the lights on via the turn-signal. (Also made me think all three issues were connected.) Now that the blower does not work with any regularity, even with the lights-on-via-the-turn-signal, makes me question whether there's enough 'juice' to operate everything. I am absolutely no mechanic, but would a weak alternator cause all of these issues?

The previous electrical gremlins were not associated with this vehicle, so I don't want to confuse any issue and I'll not bore with the sordid details. Thanks for any help!

[xeroinfinity]

Ok I kinda miss read what you were saying.

Have you checked that all your headlights are burning and not one of the high or low beams burnt out ?
That too could cause your beam indicator light to flash.

[gram-ock]

re: headlights - - yes,high and low beams both okay

[xeroinfinity]

ok, check into the headlight ground straps , should be close to the lamps, inside fender or front frame.
Should be 2-3 black wires connected together and a bolt/screw holding it.
They can get loose & corroded causing these type of shorts.