Dash and radio looses power. 2003 GrandamGT

[markymark30309]

Until recently when I drive around in the city going over bumps, rr tracks, etc my dash lights (the orange ones for nighttime) and the radio just cuts off and back on. Obviously something has come loose. Where do I even start to check a connection? Does something pwr everything on the dash including the radio?

[3100]

When your dash and radio looses illumination for sec or two, does your radio continues to play? I assume you have original radio, so illumination for the radio and the dash is controlled with your dome light switch. If radio continues to play check connection around that dome light switch. If I can remember it is a two wore connector with orange and black wire but do not take my word for that just make sure it is tight. Also open your fuse box and press on every fuse make sure they are not loose.

[3100]

Before you do anything, wait until it gets dark. Then turn your car and lights on hit lightly around your dome light switch with your hand trying to simulate road vibrations and see if this happens again. The dome light switch is a potentiometer type switch with some transistors involved if I can remember so it could also be the switch if you were playing with it too much but I think that is very rare. If you end up needing one, junk yard usually do not charge small switches.

[markymark30309]

Actually the radio turns OFF for a split second and back on. Same factory radio. So something is actually turning off everything on the dash and back on including the radio.

[3100]

Then forget the switch, OK. what happens to your headlights in that moment?
Is your battery secured by the bracket and 13mm bolt and are your battery connections tight. Did you do any recent work around your dashboard or anything at all?

[markymark30309]

I havent done modifications to anything. I will check the battery connection later and see. Have not driven at night so cant tell if the headlights flicker or not but will try these things tonight and see what happens.

[3100]

GM did have problems with ignition switches, but I am sure they have solved that problem by 2003, and if you did not smell anything burning or melting or notice starting problems then I think your switch is ok. However, I would still check around there for tight connections and signs of melting. This is only an idea, hopefully somebody has wiring diagram for your year and will be able to lead you in a better direction. Good luck

[xeroinfinity]

Originally Posted by markymark30309

Until recently when I drive around in the city going over bumps, rr tracks, etc my dash lights (the orange ones for nighttime) and the radio just cuts off and back on. Obviously something has come loose. Where do I even start to check a connection? Does something pwr everything on the dash including the radio?

Sounds like a bad battery connetion.
Or at the main under hood fuse box. Thier's a power wire under the rounded cover(marked with an "+", if thats loose or corroded you'll get intermitant cut off of power.

Wouldnt hurt to check the fuses/relays for these components(dash[cluster], radio) remember thier are 3 fuse boxes.

[doctorhrdware]

If it was the B+ battery connection on the fuse box under the hood. Wouldn't the car loose power also. Is it possible that their is a ground issue?

[xeroinfinity]

The way he described the cars reaction to the bumps its definitly a short. Whether its the B + connection or a ground, thier and several grounds.

I am kinda surprised the newer 03 would hav as many issues as earlier models. But I have heard of the 99-01s getting shorts in the clusters and radios causing problems.

If the gintion swicth was the case it would have no start issues too.

[markymark30309]

Hi Fellas!
Just wanted to give an update. I fixed the shorting out issue! I installed a tower brace about a year ago, anyways the top of the brace had rubbed a hole into the rubber boot that goes over the alternator. therefore shorting out everything. Readjusted the brace and now ok My 03 otherwise has been a good car. Havent had anything else go wrong and STILL have the same brakes and rotors. The thing has always stopped on a dime unlike the other models with all kinds of other issues.

[xeroinfinity]

Yeah grounding th ealternator out will short things out. You were lucky it didnt burn out the alternator or other components.

[doctorhrdware]

I had a Dodge Lancer that the engine compartment wire harness melted took out the alternator and the starter and a bunch of other stuff under the hood. Fortunately it was covered under warranty. One of the few times that the extended warranty paid for it self.

[xeroinfinity]

Yeah most GA strut tower braces are good about hitting things or super close to something. The last one I had on my SE always hit my brake master cylinder and the cap.

Good Catch markymark30309