Electrical Issue - power disconnecting
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 297
Likes: 6
From: Phoenix AZ
Electrical Issue - power disconnecting
Yesterday the radio got an Err message in its console, so I took the CDs out, and let them reload. Then next time I got in the radio had a LOC message. I unlocked it, and disabled the anti-theft thing.
It appeared that the car was losing power when I turned it off - meaning the battery power wasn't flowing into the car. The FOBs wouldn't work. But it was intermittent. Sometimes when I would stop the car they would, but other times not. When it didn't work it would take putting the key in about three or four times before the power wwould come back and I could start it.
The battery is reading 12.5 volts when it is just standing and driving it gives between 13.9 - 15.0. Though when I touch the brake the LEDs in the radio and heater dip and the volts drop to 9.5 or 10.0. I cleaned the grounds in the engine bay last night hoping that would be it. I tested the FOBS etc and it seemed alright.
When I got in the car this morning it had reset itself. Whether it is the computer or the power I don't know. The clock showed 1.00. The bad is ... it decided to reset itself while I was driving. That was ugly, fortunately it was at 15mph. So I could quickly pull over.
I will dump it at the dealers now.
cam
It appeared that the car was losing power when I turned it off - meaning the battery power wasn't flowing into the car. The FOBs wouldn't work. But it was intermittent. Sometimes when I would stop the car they would, but other times not. When it didn't work it would take putting the key in about three or four times before the power wwould come back and I could start it.
The battery is reading 12.5 volts when it is just standing and driving it gives between 13.9 - 15.0. Though when I touch the brake the LEDs in the radio and heater dip and the volts drop to 9.5 or 10.0. I cleaned the grounds in the engine bay last night hoping that would be it. I tested the FOBS etc and it seemed alright.
When I got in the car this morning it had reset itself. Whether it is the computer or the power I don't know. The clock showed 1.00. The bad is ... it decided to reset itself while I was driving. That was ugly, fortunately it was at 15mph. So I could quickly pull over.
I will dump it at the dealers now.
cam
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,650
Likes: 2
From: Bakersfield Ca
Sounds like you have a short some where. Your voltage should never drop below 13 volts while driving no matter how many break lights you have on unless your voltage regulator is going out. Get your battery load tested. Many auto parts stores will do that for free. Once you are sure your battery is good, try to observe your volt meter and see what circuits makes the voltage drop. That may give you a clue where to look. Good luck with that. 
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 297
Likes: 6
From: Phoenix AZ
