Lots O' Minor Electrical Problems
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
Lots O' Minor Electrical Problems
Ok. I just bought my 91 and love the way it drives. It has low miles and everything seems to purr just nicely. However, there are a number of electrical problems that I just don't know how to fix or even where to start. They are listed as follows:
My first Vette, and I really love it. Everything is still so clean and it runs so smoothly. These problems, and some weather stripping are the only ones. I just don't want these electrical problems to turn into something bigger later.
Any ideas on what's going on or at least where to start are greatly appreciated.
- Sometimes, when I turn to the right, all the interior lights will come on. They don't stay on, but flash or light for a few seconds. It's not a certain point in turning that causes this, so it's difficult to recreate.
- I can set the stations in my radio; and when I turn the car off for more than a minute I lose all those settings.
- When I get into the car, before I start it, I press the brake. This now starts the "ding ding" you would hear as if you left the lights on and opened the door. This has started happening since I took it to someone to "fix" the failing driver side brake (which only fixed one of the 2 driver side brake lights). Taking it back here is not an option due to a long story that isn't really appropriate in this thread.
My first Vette, and I really love it. Everything is still so clean and it runs so smoothly. These problems, and some weather stripping are the only ones. I just don't want these electrical problems to turn into something bigger later.
Any ideas on what's going on or at least where to start are greatly appreciated.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
you are in desparate need of the Helm Factory Service Manual - www.helminc.com
That will, within seconds, help fix this.
As an aside, check the door switches.
That will, within seconds, help fix this.
As an aside, check the door switches.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 17,298
Likes: 33
From: The Top of Utah
It sounds as though your electrical system has been severely hacked. For one, whomever installed that radio got the power from the wrong source. Unless you are a GM wiring genius, you are going to be lost without the GM Factory Service Manual (FSM).
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,270
Likes: 26
From: Winchester VA
Cruise-In V Veteran
It sounds as though your electrical system has been severely hacked. For one, whomever installed that radio got the power from the wrong source. Unless you are a GM wiring genius, you are going to be lost without the GM Factory Service Manual (FSM).
RACE ON!!!
RACE ON!!!
I recently posted a thread with a couple pics of my my Helms FSM. The index for the wiring diagrams is page "Y - Car 101". It is indeed a class and you will need to buy the textbook to pass.
While you are waiting for the book to arrive purchase the following:
- Digital Volt Ohm Meter - A simple Craftsmen will work for you
- Test Light
- Some wire and a few small alligator clips - to make jumper wires for testing.
- Wire cutter / stripper / crimper
- An assortment of connectors - the ones with heat shrink surround are best for a quality lasting seal inside/outside the car.
This can all be had for less than 1 hr diagnostic labor cost.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,141
Likes: 2
From: Pittsburgh Pa
i would look at all of your fuses.. i think that whatever fuse maintains the memory is blown
Last edited by pr0zac; Jul 1, 2007 at 08:36 PM.
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Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
you are in desparate need of the Helm Factory Service Manual - www.helminc.com
Do you mean that the force of a turn may be letting the switches loose? If so, then that can not be the cause. Sometimes turning the wheel without even moving will engage the interior lights.
Though I consider myself somewhat intelligent, the area of auto-electronics eludes me. Should I attempt to tackle this myself, or would I be better taking the care in for professional diagnosis and treatment?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
A cheap meter will do it, but I suggest investing in a good Fluke. Sears sells a nice one for about $110.00 or so.