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Electronic Gremlins - Electrical Problems That Are Driving You Crazy

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Comments

  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    swap the bulbs left to right. if the problem travels with the bulbs, by two new bulbs per specs.
  • krfunkrfun Member Posts: 5
    Yesterday I shut off the car and the fan continued to run. It will not stop. I removed the fuse so the battery would not drain. Any idea why this is happening and what I should do about it?

    Thanks
  • burnattburnatt Member Posts: 3
    Fuse problem? Looked at fuse scheme but dont know which one.Help.
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    Do you have the electrical schematics as a PDF file that you can send me? I'll try to see if I can help.
    kiawah@carspace.com
  • sporty6sporty6 Member Posts: 3
    have a problem with my car its so annoying

    daewoo lanos 1400cc
    turn key you hear the 2 second pump noise buzzing and it starts 1st time usualy always'

    go to it next time turn key dont hear the pump kicking in and no way will it start, the engine tries to start but wont

    i have changed the pump and pump relay switch but hasnt made any difference

    question.......
    could it be the selonoid , it sounds as though it may be electrical and when i dont hear the noise it doesnt start as if it isnt getting a signal to the pump?

    any ideas please could it be electrical
    thanks
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    on those times where you don't hear the buzz, are you getting other normal dash indications? if not, possibly the ignition switch or immobilizer/security or aftermarket starter interfering?

    if proper dash indication, perhaps a loose fuse or loose connector / broken wires somewhere.

    repeatible? i suppose a VOM checking for voltage at the pump, but you'd have to get access to the pump.
  • sporty6sporty6 Member Posts: 3
    sorted that problem it had an old alarm fitted loads of wires under the steering column carefully took them out they were just joined to the existing wiring there were no electrical wires actually cut so no problems there i just removed the alarm wires that were wrapped round the ignitin wires,
    there was only 1 wire that was cut which was a pink one fairly thick so i have attatched that back together with a block,

    now i dont have the starting problem that seems to have done the trick
    but since i didi that... my indicators and hazard lights wont work i have checked the fuses there ok

    also my airbag light is now staying on which it never did before
    any ideas
    thanks
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    I think perhaps removing the terminal from the battery for a period of time and reconnecting may make all the electronics "reset". seems like you're in a bizzare state right now.

    CTRL-ALT-DEL time. that's what i'd try. :shades:
  • renayersrenayers Member Posts: 1
    My husband got in his 2002 Jeep Wrangler X yesterday, and as soon as he opened the door to get in, the gauges started jumping. When he put the key in, they continued to jump and it would not turn over. I helped him jump it, and it started, the gauges stopped jumping. As soon as the engine is off, the gauges start jumping again. What the heck is going on? Does anyone know? :cry:
  • ray80ray80 Member Posts: 1,655
    My guess would be battery is tired and causing sensitive electronics to be confused.
  • chris1972chris1972 Member Posts: 1
    original post...

    "My left turn signal only seems to want to work when it's cold. Once I turn on the heater or the weather warms up, the left turn signal becomes intermittent, and will only flash once then stay off until I hit the lever again, then flash once. Turning the ignition off/on usually clears the problem but not always. Sometimes, after I've parked and turned off the ignition, I find that both front and rear left turn signal lights stay on and the only way to turn them off is to turn on/off the 4 way flashers.
    Any ideas???"

    .............

    I have the exact same problem in my 2000 grand caravan - any one figure this one out? As an aside, my left rear signal stopperd working, and the front signal light started flashing faster (as its supposed to) and the other problem went away. As soon as I fixed the rear signal light (loose connection), flashing speed returned to normal, but so did the problem. Hazards usually work with no problems, and right signal is never a problem.

    Any suggestion is appreciated

    thanks
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    i'm not an expert, but I'll throw in my 2cents. if there was a flasher speed issue, then i'd say make sure you replace your bulbs with the specified bulbs (see owner's manual) in pairs, not one at a time, as the electrical characteristics of both bulbs could be different causing the flasher ckt not to work properly...

    You say the hazards work, but not the turn signals?

    Well, one suspects either the multi-function switch (on the stalk), a wiring harness, perhaps turn signal relays if they exist or a flasher module.

    Perhaps this will help:
    http://www.dodgeforum.com/archive/threads/96-caravan-turn-signals-295115-1.html
  • denise2320denise2320 Member Posts: 2
    I need to find a way to keep the battery on my 93 Miata charged while it is being kept at a friend's house. No access to electricity. There is no one who I can rely on to start the car. I would prefer not to have to disconnect the battery.

    I was thinking of a solar trickle charger that plugs into the cigarette lighter. However, the cigarette lighter only receives power when the key is in the ignition. Will the charger work in this case? I assume not, but thought I would ask.

    Plan B is to connect the solar charger directly to the battery. Would I have to remove the allegator clips from the car battery before starting the car?

    And recommendations for chargers or chargers to avoid?

    I appreciate any advice you can give.
  • burdawgburdawg Member Posts: 1,524
    A solar trickle charger will work OK as long as the battery is in good condition. If the battery is old and weak however it may not be able to provide enough current to keep it up.
    As far as disconnecting the charger when starting the car, read the manufacturers instructions. Usually there's a diode to keep the current from flowing the wrong way, but it's best to be sure.
    If the lighter doesn't work with the key off, then the charger can't keep the battery up by using it with the key off.
    I would just connect it to the battery with clips, route the wires under the hood in a safe location where they won't get damaged and shut the hood. The solar array needs to be placed in a location where it gets direct sun for most of the day to be effective. You may be able to put it inside in the windshield and route the wires through the door jamb.
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    You don't indicate how long it needs to be in this state. I'd consider taking the battery out of the vehicle, and into their garage and plug it into a normal battery trickle charger.
  • denise2320denise2320 Member Posts: 2
    Thanks! I appreciate the info.
  • sag45sag45 Member Posts: 1
    Hello,

    My Elantra has 94,000 miles, 5-speed. The other day the air bag and gas exhaust lights came on, at the same time the headlights blew. After replacing the headlight bulbs, they blew again. I switched over to high beams and they also blew. Any thoughts?
    Thanks
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    Sounds like your voltage is very high. Suspect a bad alternator, battery, and/or serious corrosion on battery terminals.

    Get it back to the dealer, or if you want to manage resolving this problem yourself.....get the terminals cleaned on the battery, and then take it to an autoparts chain to have your alternator and battery load tested. They'll do that free of charge.

    Let us know what you find.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    I agree with the high voltage probability.

    From a bad alternator (actually, the voltage regulator inside the alternator).

    I would NOT drive this car much at all. If you blew headlights, you are going to quickly fry all kinds of electronics on this car, if you already haven't done this. Voltage high enough to burn out headlights might make this car into a salvage vehicle if enough of the electronic modules are burned up!

    I would actually recommend removing the alternator and taking it in to be tested, if you have the mechanical tools and capability to do this.
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    I'm suspecting you have a lot of corrosion on your battery terminals, creating a high resistance for the alternator to charge the battery, allowing the alternator to raise the voltage up too high. If you had a good connection and no corrosion, with that high of a voltage (which blows bulbs), the battery would have boiled off and probably be shorting out internally. Hence my recommendation to clean off the terminals first.

    Bolivar would be correct, if you really did have that high voltage other damage could be done as well (like the cars main computer), a bunch of relays, really any of the electrical devices. I guess it is conceivable that you really could have that high of a voltage and the battery not yet boiled off.

    Once you clean the terminals, if you put a voltmeter on the battery see what voltage you have. It should be about 2.2 - 2.3 volts per cell, and there are 6 cells in the battery. If you are sitting right around 14 volts, you should be okay to drive.
  • pkrachtpkracht Member Posts: 2
    I have a 2000 740IL. Just recently the outside tempature is having problems. teh tempature is in teh mid 30's but the tempature reading continues to rise until it finally stops at 121 degrees. Where is the sensor located? What should I do to repair it?
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    Scroll down to Ambient Temperature Sensor. Looks like it may be in or near the glovebox.

    http://www.volvoclub.org.uk/faq/HeatingAirConditioning.html#ACCTemperatureSensor- NotOperating
  • burdawgburdawg Member Posts: 1,524
    I think that's referring to the interior ambient sensor for the climate control. The outside temp sensor is usually upfront around the grill somewhere.
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    Remember, we are talking Volvo. Actually, I thought that was the ambient temp transducer location. If I read the postings correctly, the Interior Temp sensor is located in...

    ...

    ... the overhead cabin light assembly.

    I'm not making this up! :blush:
  • pkrachtpkracht Member Posts: 2
    Actually I was referring to my BMW 740IL.
  • alacey007alacey007 Member Posts: 4
    I have HSE7 Land Rover Discovery. It broke down for the first time every in 4 yrs. The car would not start. It was acting up a little. At one point for a quick sec the two lights Manual mode and Sport Mode were lighting up, and than went off. After looking it up under waning lights in the manual, it relates to the automatic gearbox failure. Does anyone know what that could be a result of? We just had a tune up, and we only service the car with Land Rover. We spend approx. $3,000 annually, alone just in upkeep of the car. WE have a full warranty car, but these are expenses outside of the warranty. Please advise
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    oh, thanks for the clarification. in that case, you can google and probably find what you seek easily enough. good luck.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    Put a new battery in it.

    $3,000 a year maintenance.

    For this amount, no break downs in 4 years does not give you any bragging rights.
  • alacey007alacey007 Member Posts: 4
    Thanks for the suggestion. I do not think its the battery. I lights, radio, and car opener all work, which would not if it was the battery. As well, by no means was I bragging. I was just giving information. What I was trying to get across was that I do everything that the dealership suggest in the upkeep of maintaining the car.

    Thanks
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    You said "The car would not start. It was acting up a little. At one point for a quick sec the two lights Manual mode and Sport Mode were lighting up, and than went off. "

    The reason I recommended a new battery (and this is just a long distance guess) is because you said the car would not start.

    And, if a battery has low voltage, the dash read-outs start to do strange things in many cars because the component being monitored does not work correctly when it has low voltage. Especially if it has a digital dash display.

    For this kind of maintenance expense, I still would have the battery 'load tested'. Or at least put a voltage meter across the battery with the car off and see that you have at least 12 volts. It actually should be 12.6 volts on a fully charged battery. If you see down into the low 11 volts, the battery is questionable. 10 volts and you have a dead cell and definitely need a new battery.
  • burdawgburdawg Member Posts: 1,524
    Just because those things work doesn't mean the battery is good enough to start the car. The lights, radio, etc don't need much current to work, but the starter does.
  • rcordeiro12rcordeiro12 Member Posts: 2
    98 Camry- Turn Signals+Hazard dont work off all a sudden!

    When I was driving one morning to church, I noticed my turn signals dont work at all! I dont know where this came from????? The hazard signals dont work either....
    I checked all the fuses, and they seem to be working just fine. No shortages.

    If some could instruct me in this field, that would be greatly appreciated!

    I work on my Camry all the time and keep her tuned up. Im finally stumped and admitting I need help!

    Thanks for your time!
  • corrie62177corrie62177 Member Posts: 1
    my 1997 dodge stratus is having serious issues! My Odometer (digital) & Tachometer (not digital) come on & off at any given time simutaniously? Now Starting yesterday the speedometer (not digital) doesn't work at all! Ive had ignition switch replaced,but that didn't help either? what do i do?
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    you probably have
    a 7.5A fuse labeled "Turn" in the J/B located under dash near the steering wheel,

    a 10A fuse labeled "Haz" in the J/B located in the engine compt near the driver
    front wheelwell,

    a turn signal flasher module in the left (driver's side) kickpanel (possibly with the numbers 1,2,3 on it)

    check the fuses and modules there, and also wire harnesses found for full insertion.

    it's also possible the HAZ switch is broken.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Yes, I agree, you have to check the turn/hazard relay module. This seems the likely suspect, if all the fuses are good. This should be a simple plug in and not cost too much $$$. Checking it isn't all that easy, but if it's cheap, say at Kragen's or Autozone, it's worth a shot to put a new one in and see what happens.
  • rsowersrsowers Member Posts: 1
    My dash lights and driving lights flash for several seconds; stops and starts up again. The only way I've been able to stop the flashing is by disconnecting the battery cable.
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Sounds like a bad relay. Get a wiring diagram and find out which relay controls both of those items.
  • moose210moose210 Member Posts: 1
    For the past week the warning lights on the dash turn on then off. Sometimes the low fuel light and chime and the check engine light come on for 2-3 seconds then go off. sometimes the ABs and low trac lights flash on then off. The air bag light sometimes comes on for 1-2 minutes then goes off. At other times, none of the lights come on and go off. All lights come on and then go off when the ignition is turned on. Car seems to be running ok. The low blower on my HVAC controls don't work, I assume it is a fuse. Anyone have any thoughts???
  • kiawahkiawah Member Posts: 3,666
    I would check for corrosion on your battery terminals, and whether your battery and alternator are okay. Many autoparts chains (Autozone, pepboys, etc) will do a free battery and alternator check under load.

    If you have corrosion, clean it first. If you have a battery that is approximately 4+ years old, it's most likely on it's last legs.
  • bolivarbolivar Member Posts: 2,316
    I agree with kiawah.

    A weak battery or problems with the battery cables, which means low voltage to everything, causes strange things to happen to the dash and warning/indicator lights. The problem actually is low voltaage to the 'computers' and various sensors, but this shows up as strange readouts on the dash.

    If the battery is old, put a new one in it.
  • user777user777 Member Posts: 3,341
    in addition to the other recommendations you've received (yes check for corrosion around the batt terminals and remove the terminals and with a steel brush get them clean and re-attach, THEN go for a free test at the local auto parts store of the battery and alternator...

    i'd specifically look for a loose ground connection at the point the negative (-) cable from the battery attaches to the frame of the vehicle.

    also, i would specifically check that any large / main fuse (that might be present at the (+) terminal perhaps or in your fuse box) is seated very firmly.
  • khoilmankhoilman Member Posts: 2
    I have a 1990 d 250 diesel .The 5 amp fuse for gauges keeps blowing. Some times is goes for aweek or more with out going out .It is different every time. One time you shut hood it blows. next time honk horn it blowes. and so on. I have disconnected every thing I can find. no results. Stumped Thank for any Ideas
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Is anything else run off the same circuit as the gauges?

    If not, I'd check the fuse box itself, even remove it and looks behind it for signs of shorting in adjacent circuits to the gauge circuit.

    Another prime suspect in fuse blowing is the dome light.
  • khoilmankhoilman Member Posts: 2
    Only other thing on circut is wait to start light and abs light on dash. I have unhooked all these at one time or the other. Will unhook dome light tomorrow and see, Thanks Kirk
  • chevyboy5chevyboy5 Member Posts: 2
    I have a weird problem. I recently lost all lights at the back of the car. stop lights, parking lights and plate light. Also my third stop light is out too. Seems there is no power at the back at all. Also signals are out completely, however have been out before this problem, so figuring they are a different problem. I was told that "possibly" it could be a short in wiring, however, I am no expert by far when it comes to wiring. I mean, I can do it, but what wire to start with among the millions under the hood? Has anyone had a problem with this before in a car such as mine? My car also matches a 88 Corsica, motor wise. I can spend hundreds on a garage, but unfortunately, I do not have that kinda funds. Any help with wiring or electrical advice would be a great help.. please help... going crazy.... :confuse:
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Okay first you have to check all the fuses, and that means pulling them out and really checking them (do you have an ohm meter? They're cheap and easy).

    After that, if I were in your shoes, I'd locate the wires that go, say from one of the tailights and start peeling back panels or carpets in the trunk and following that wire lead to some sort of coupler or junction box. Then with a test light, test the coupler there. If that doesn't work, it gets hairier. You might need to get a test light with a needle probe and start peeling up carpeting and sill plates in the rear and poking those wires with the test light. You almost for certain need a wiring diagram, which you can sometimes purchase for car audio shops. You have to know the colors and where they go. Since you lost ALL the rear lighting I'm thinking it is a disconnected or bad coupler at some junction box. But by all means check all the fuses for starters, and look for corrosion in, or behind, the fuse box.
  • hstandehstande Member Posts: 5
    I have a 2003 Buick Regal. Started out when you turn on the turn signal the engine would die. But now it is also sometimes when you start it all the dash lights flicker and go total crazy and the engine lunge's. Any one have any idea's where to start.
  • marty39marty39 Member Posts: 2
    Hi...anyone out there know why my parking lights on my 91 Chrysler NY won't go off? Have to disconnect battery so it won't drain. Lights are off. Thanks. Marty
  • Mr_ShiftrightMr_Shiftright Member Posts: 64,481
    Sounds like defective light switch to me. Or you have an unintentional ground in the wiring harness---let's hope not.
  • marty39marty39 Member Posts: 2
    Hey there...thanks for the fast answer. It's the strangest thing. I think it may have something to do with the alarm system. Is there a way to dis-engage the alarm system completely? When you get out of the car...the warning bell is dinging because of the running lights, but the switch is turned off inside the car. Also, the headlights are not on; just the lower white lamps and the side amber ones. Thanks again for your help. Marty
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