Driver Information Center

[simplytru2002]

My DIC just flashes 0 and the little guy on the AC/Heater digital panel also flashes. And now my battery keeps going dead and it's a new battery. Help?

[yzstud]

sounds to me like a charging issue probably with the alternator. Is the battery light lit up on the dash?

[simplytru2002]

No, the battery light isn't on.

[doctorhrdware]

With the battery going dead, sounds like there is a drain on the battery. Like you left something on. On the DIC and the digital AC control, it sounds like you are not getting communications to them. Check your fuses to see if you have one that is blown.

[simplytru2002]

This all started when the ABS and the TRAC OFF came on. In the beginning the light would come on and then sometimes go off. I could tell immediately without looking because the steering wheel would tighten just a little. Sure enough, I'd look down and those two lights had come on. I had a seal leaking under the supercharger and it was causing it the motor to suck in coolant from there.

I had it tuned up right beforehand and they had put platinum plugs in it. My other mechanic said that was a NO NO on GM motors. He always had issues with misfiring and one of the cylinders was misfiring. He changed them out with regular autolite plugs and the misfire stopped. He also got a used EBTC sensor module and swapped to see if that was the reason the ABS & TRAC OFF light was on. It wasn't it so it has to be in the wiring. I don't have anti lock brakes or traction control but that's not really a big deal right now. Since the seals were put in and the EBTC module was checked the DIC lights have been flashing the 0.

Because of putting my foot in it, I have now had a used motor put in it. I have asked if I need to do any computer resets and was told no because it's another stock motor. But it's not from installing the new used motor because it was doing it after putting the seals in the old motor.

I don't know if that will shed some light or not?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by simplytru2002

I had it tuned up right beforehand and they had put platinum plugs in it. My other mechanic said that was a NO NO on GM motors. He always had issues with misfiring and one of the cylinders was misfiring.

What year is this assuming it is a GTP. The other mechanic is incorrect. All '97 - '03 Grand Prixs with the L67 or L36 SII 3800 engines came from the factory with AC Delco double platinum spark plugs. Some GTPs came with the NGK equivalent and they were also double platinum. I've never had any issues running platinum sparks plugs in a stock engine. That includes AC Delco or Autolite platinums.

[richtazz]

When a problem arises after work is performed, there is a good chance they are related (not always, but most often). It could be as simple as a loose connection at the EBCM, to a bent prong, cut wire, etc... If the same mechanic did the ECBM swap that told you using factory style plugs is a no-no on GM cars (BTW, all GM cars have used double platinum/Iridium tipped plugs since the introduction of OBD-II diagnostics in 1996), I'd bet he monkeyed something up.

[00GTP4ME]

Originally Posted by BNaylor

What year is this assuming it is a GTP. The other mechanic is incorrect. All '97 - '03 Grand Prixs with the L67 or L36 SII 3800 engines came from the factory with AC Delco double platinum spark plugs. Some GTPs came with the NGK equivalent and they were also double platinum. I've never had any issues running platinum sparks plugs in a stock engine. That includes AC Delco or Autolite platinums.

I run Autolite platinums in mine and have never had an issue with them.

[simplytru2002]

I guess I'm just gonna order the ChiltonsDIY and trace wires??

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by simplytru2002

I guess I'm just gonna order the ChiltonsDIY and trace wires??

Have fun and I doubt that will help. If the battery is still draining you need to find the cause of the parasitic drain on the battery. You can check the current draw which will be in milliamperes with a digital multimeter. It should not exceed 40-50 mA worse case. We should have old posts on the issue and how to go about troubleshooting, if not let me know and I'll post what I have. It could even be a component like a PCM or BCM module. By monitoring the meter you start disconnecting components/wiring harnesses until the drain gets back to normal in the area of no more than 25-30 mA.

[simplytru2002]

That would be great if you can! That's why I was going to order the ChiltonsDIY just to get all the diagrams.

[doctorhrdware]

Actually the gm service manuals have much better wiring diagrams then any of Chilton's type manuals, IMHO. I would check your local library and take a look at the Chilton's manual before you buy one. That is the best way to make a informed decision whether to buy or not.

[simplytru2002]

Originally Posted by doctorhrdware

Actually the gm service manuals have much better wiring diagrams then any of Chilton's type manuals, IMHO. I would check your local library and take a look at the Chilton's manual before you buy one. That is the best way to make a informed decision whether to buy or not.

Where would I order a GM manual for it?

[BNaylor]

New GM factory service manual is offered at:

Click here

You may find a used one with reasonable cost at EBay Motors Manuals & Literature.

[doctorhrdware]

That is the name that I could not remember, Helm. It is hell when you get old, the brain farts happen more often.