Ask the Car People.SM


Electronic Gremlins - Electrical Problems That Are Driving You Crazy

1159 messages,  Last post on May 20, 2013 at 10:01 AM

You are in the Maintenance & Repair Forum.

What is this discussion about? Electrical

    

Messages Page 1 of 116

#1 of 1159 electrical by Kirstie@Edmunds HOST

Nov 05, 2001 (3:32 pm)

Got a short? Headlights flashing? Let's talk about your electrical maintenance and repair issues here.

#2 of 1159 Battery Failures by spokane

Nov 07, 2001 (9:32 pm)

When an auto battery fails, it may weaken over a period of days to provide some warning or it may fail suddenly without warning. It seems to me that "instant failures" are more likely than they were ten years ago. Is this so, or have I just had bad luck? Do others agree that paying to replace a battery that is getting weak, even if it occurs a few months before the warranty ends, is preferable to the inconvenience associated with a sudden failure?

#3 of 1159 RE:BATTERY FAILURES by yrmac

Nov 08, 2001 (6:34 am)

Spokane:
 
I have exactly the same dilemma right now. I have a '95 Camry that has 132,000km and I still have the original battery in it. The battery is ok so far since my car always start properly without any hesitation. The winter here in Toronto is a little bit on the nasty side (temp goes down to -20C sometimes). Now, since my battery is 6.5 years old, I am thinking of replacing it although it seems that there is really nothing wrong with the battery. I am more inclined to replace the battery since it is more than five years old but also at the same time I do not want to throw a good battery.

#4 of 1159 Yrmac by spokane

Nov 08, 2001 (6:49 pm)

I share your dilemma, Yrmac, but think it would be wise to go ahead with replacement. It seems to me that after about 125% of the warranty period, you are on "thin ice". Don't you agree that the cost of the hassle associated with a failed battery is likely to be greater than the ~$65 for a good replacement? Of course, if you have standard shift, and can thus bump-start the car, you are slightly less vulnerable than with an auto transmission.

#5 of 1159 Elec Problem with 97 Explorer XLT by eaglejim

Nov 13, 2001 (8:24 pm)

My Explorer has an intermitant problem. The pwr windows, pwr moonroof, interior lights, & windshield wipers all stop working.Used to occur once a week, now 2-5 times per day. Sometimes, turning motor off & re-starting will fix problem. Sometimes, hitting a pot hole will fix. Dealer just charged me $85.00 to tighten the ground wire on the GEM mudule. Could the GEM module be bad? How about the key swich? I'm lost as to where to go. Not sure dealer knows how to fix.

#6 of 1159 eaglejim, by 0patience

Nov 14, 2001 (5:48 pm)

There is a list of part numbers for this TSB, if you want them, e-mail me. Click on my name and it will show my e-mail.
One of the mentioned relays is likely the problem, whether it be the relay itself or the connector.
 
Intermittent 4x4 System, Power Windows, Rear Wipers
Article No.
98-13-19
07/06/98
^ ELECTRICAL - LOSS OF 4X4 SYSTEM
^ LAMP - 4X4 LAMP ILLUMINATED
^ LAMP - NO INTERIOR LIGHTING
^ MOON ROOF - INTERMITTENT OR LOSS OF POWER
^ REAR WIPER - INTERMITTENT OR LOSS OF POWER
^ WINDOWS - INTERMITTENT OR LOSS OF POWER
LIGHT TRUCK:
1997-98 EXPLORER, MOUNTAINEER
This TSB article is being republished in its entirety to correct the Service Procedure Steps.
ISSUE
A flashing 4X4 lamp and/or a intermittent or loss of:
^ Power windows
^ Interior lights
^ Rear wiper (if equipped)
^ Moon roof (if equipped)
^ 4x4 system (if equipped)
may occur on some vehicles. This may be caused by an intermittent Battery Saver, Accessory Delay or One-Touch-Down Relay operation and possible chafing of vehicle wire harness.
ACTION
Repair the affected circuit, and/or replace the Battery Saver, Accessory Delay, or One-Touch-Down Relay. Refer to the Diagnostic/Service Procedure for details before replacing any components.

#7 of 1159 Thanks Opatience by eaglejim

Nov 14, 2001 (9:34 pm)

I tried to email you for the part numbers for this TSB, but it would not go through. I really appreciate your help. My dealer told me there were no TSB's for this problem. I Have an appointment on Monday with a different dealer. I will show them your response to my problem. Hope they can fix before the snow starts to fly. Thanks Again.

#8 of 1159 eaglejim by 0patience

Nov 16, 2001 (6:37 pm)

Ok, don't know why you couldn't send to my e-mail.
The info is on another page and all you have to do is click here

#9 of 1159 Electrical trouble by mcaldron1

Nov 30, 2001 (8:19 am)

I have a 1986 Honda Accord with 257,000 miles on it. It has started to have intermittent electrical problems like:
* Lights flicker when brakes are applied
* Dashboard door open indicators activate randomly - no doors are open
* Brake light failure indicator light comes on intermittently - all brake lights work fine
 
The car has been very reliable, and I would like to fix this somehow. Any suggestions? Thanks!!

#10 of 1159 Mcaldron1's Honda by spokane

Nov 30, 2001 (8:48 pm)

257,000 miles? Probably cardiovascular problems associated with old age. Seriously, the door-open indicator-lamp is likely to be associated with one of the door switches that's worn or out of adjustment. With the engine running, crack each door open very slightly and see if one door causes the light to come on just as the door begins to open. The flickering when the brakes are applied could possibly be associated with a short in the brake/tail light assemblies. When it is dark, have someone activate the brakes, turn signals, and tail-lights while you watch carefully to see that they work OK and that each bulb has the same light intensity as its counterpart on the other side. If there are any right-to-left differences, a corroded bulb-socket is likely to be the problem. These ideas may not help but they are easy to do and could lead you to the problem source.

Messages Page 1 of 116

To POST a message, please Sign In.

Advertisement

Browse by Category

Browse by Vehicle
   View All Vehicles

Browse by Board
Browse by Topic
View All Topics

Edmunds Community

Advertisement