S Y S...what does it mean
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 75
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My 96 did something strange today. As I was driving the volt meter (digital) would go out about every 30 seconds and then flash SYS 3 times and then go back to volts. It did this until I stopped. Then the car wouldnt start and the voltage read 9.5 volts. I let it sit and tried a couple times but it still didn't start. After the thied attempt it started and the voltage read 14.3 - 14.5 volts. Anyone have any ideas or knowledge to pass on?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,153
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From: Yuma AZ
Cruise-In I Veteran
The most common problem with the system flash is a failure of one or more cells of your battery. Your problem could be anything from a short that dragged the voltage down to the level that caused the error, or even a battery plate shorting out. Can a shorted battery plate become unwrapped and then function - yes - but unlikely. If you can read the error codes with a code reader this will help. If you find that several shorts are listed in the error codes your problem still could be anywhere in the electrical system. I sorry that I have only had the system light come on when I started my car and it was due to a failing battery.
I hope your problem is that easy!
I hope your problem is that easy!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 75
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Whats the difference between the check engine light and the SYS light. I'm not getting any error codes, just the flashing SYS light near the fuel gauge. The battery is original so I'm hoping that is all it is.
[This message has been edited by RED90SIXLT1 (edited 07-22-2001).]
[This message has been edited by RED90SIXLT1 (edited 07-22-2001).]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,153
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From: Yuma AZ
Cruise-In I Veteran
The check engine light usually is something wrong with the pollution control system. The SYS light is usually something with the electrical system. With the OBDII system, that all 96's have, the smallest failure will throw a code. You will need a code reader that plugs into a connector that is located just above your right knee to read all of your codes. These codes will be stored in the car's computer until you reset them.
Good luck
Good luck
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
The SYS light will also flash if an aftermarket stereo has been put in. The computer sees that the stock radio isn't in or isn't working and will put up that message. There is an easy fix for this in the tech tips section.
