electrical problems
Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
electrical problems
My 99 is having electrical issues the Chevy mechanic can't figure out. Any ideas/help would be appreciated. Car goes back to mechanic tomorrow: Car isn't run a couple of days. New battery is 2 months old. I try to start, but it won't turn over first 2-3 tries. All electrical (seat, radio, lights) is working. Finally it turns, but DIC gives voltage warnings--low and high. Voltage meter varies widely (11-16) at idle for no apparent reason. Lights dim and brighten. I turn off all peripheral electric and run engine/drive awhile. Several hours later, no problem starting. Next morning, same thing happens. Then, next 2 days, no problem except now the left turn signal blinks 2x faster than left and gas tank door button won't pop the door. Are these things related? Is my car possessed? 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 2,096
Likes: 0
From: Size Does Matter CA
Did you start having trouble when you put in the new battery? Check the battery terminals to make sure it is clean and not loose. If the voltage is jumping around there is something loose. Check the fuses.
Also if you can get a spare battery switch it out and see what it does. I have seen new battery's be the problem.
Let us know how it turns out.
Cheers!!
Also if you can get a spare battery switch it out and see what it does. I have seen new battery's be the problem.
Let us know how it turns out.
Cheers!!
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 96
Likes: 0
I agree, it sounds like it might be ground problem. I had a problem where mine would start and then stall after a few seconds, the instrument panel lighting would flash off and on with the turn signals, and there were a few other electrical issues. I traced it all to one little ground connection at the back of the frame, near the left rear wheel. Hopefully your problem turns out to be as simple.
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Thread Starter
5th Gear
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5
Likes: 0
costly answer
Team leader called to say they traced electrical problems to starter cable. Said car stalled on them multiple times. They think cable is corroded, and not at the connection. So, I give go ahead to replace. They pull cable and call back to say there is arcing at starter and starter post is melted. So, now they're going to replace the starter too. I want to see the parts they take out--too weird and EXPENSIVE! 
I'll keep ya'll posted tomorrow.
I'll keep ya'll posted tomorrow.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,752
Likes: 3
From: Bethlehem PA
Originally Posted by KYVetteGirl
Team leader called to say they traced electrical problems to starter cable. Said car stalled on them multiple times. They think cable is corroded, and not at the connection. So, I give go ahead to replace. They pull cable and call back to say there is arcing at starter and starter post is melted. So, now they're going to replace the starter too. I want to see the parts they take out--too weird and EXPENSIVE! I'll keep ya'll posted tomorrow.
I'll keep ya'll posted tomorrow.When sparks fly underhood, especially ones post coil that have a lot of juice, they can cause a lot of damage.
But I agree with one premise, most Chevy dealers suck in terms of Corvette knowledge.
Keep us posted.
Scott
