Car is flipping out
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 233
Likes: 0
From: Red Oak Texas
Car is flipping out
I have a 2000 six speed and the other day it started just going crazy. After you start it, about 5 minutes later all the lights come on in the instrument cluster. It says shock sensors not working, decreased engine speed, air bag, etc.... Then the radio shuts off and comes back on. I have no power to my passenger door, no door locks or power windows on the passenger side. I turn the car off and then start it back up and the same thing.
So is this something that has to go to the dealership for them to work on the computer or is it something I can do myself??
So is this something that has to go to the dealership for them to work on the computer or is it something I can do myself??
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 619
Likes: 2
From: Destin FL
Step 1. Take it to AutoZone and have them put their electrical test machine on (they do it for free). It could be either your battery or alternator is going bad. When either one starts going bad, really weird electrical problems happen. I just had to replace my battery when the DIC could not remember what function I was on from one ignition cycle to the next. Cleared the problem up immediately.
Step 2. If that is not the problem, open the passenger door, pull back the rubber boot in the jamb area between the hinges. You should be able to get access to the electrical connector for the passenger door control module. Make sure it is not corroded (common problem).
Step 3. If that is not the problem, you'll need to start checking all the electrical chassis grounds (there are about a dozen - check out the "sticky" at the top of the tech page labeled IMPORTANT ELECTRICAL INFORMATION (Long!).
Step 4. If everything else checks out, your BCM (body control module) in the passenger footwell could be going bad. I don't know of an easy way to check that and you won't like the price if you need to buy a new one. I would try to find a used one in good condition.
Hope this helps.
Step 2. If that is not the problem, open the passenger door, pull back the rubber boot in the jamb area between the hinges. You should be able to get access to the electrical connector for the passenger door control module. Make sure it is not corroded (common problem).
Step 3. If that is not the problem, you'll need to start checking all the electrical chassis grounds (there are about a dozen - check out the "sticky" at the top of the tech page labeled IMPORTANT ELECTRICAL INFORMATION (Long!).
Step 4. If everything else checks out, your BCM (body control module) in the passenger footwell could be going bad. I don't know of an easy way to check that and you won't like the price if you need to buy a new one. I would try to find a used one in good condition.
Hope this helps.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 10,962
Likes: 29
From: Van Buren Arkansas
Wounded Warrior Escort '11
As forum member Bell mentioned already, start with the door jam for a wire that can and will short to ground. Something else to look at too is simply the battery connections and the battery to the starter connection. If somethings gotten loose, it'll also cause problems. Lastly, the ignition switch.
