2003 Electrical Problems
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 208
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From: Baltimore MD
2003 Electrical Problems
I am having electrical problems with my 2003 coupe. At random, the car will not start. It is completely dead. No lights, won't crank, nothing. It can be jump started to get it going. It is not the battery. Had 2 different batteries in it and they tested okay. Alternator is charging when driving. I hooked up an ammeter to the battery and there seems to be a drain of 0.50-0.60 amps which I understand is high. Pulled fuses and relays but could not find problem. Anyone have any ideas or experince this problem??
Thanks.
Also the other day when this happened and I jump started to get going, the headalights, radio, and climate conrtol would flicker on and off at random.
Thanks.
Also the other day when this happened and I jump started to get going, the headalights, radio, and climate conrtol would flicker on and off at random.
Last edited by woodvette03; Dec 23, 2009 at 08:14 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,596
Likes: 67
From: Bahama North Carolina
I am having electrical problems with my 2003 coupe. At random, the car will not start. It is completely dead. No lights, won't crank, nothing. It can be jump started to get it going. It is not the battery. Had 2 different batteries in it and they tested okay. Alternator is charging when driving. I hooked up an ammeter to the battery and there seems to be a drain of 0.50-0.60 amps which I understand is high. Pulled fuses and relays but could not find problem. Anyone have any ideas or experince this problem??
Thanks.
Also the other day when this happened and I jump started to get going, the headalights, radio, and climate conrtol would flicker on and off at random.
Thanks.
Also the other day when this happened and I jump started to get going, the headalights, radio, and climate conrtol would flicker on and off at random.
Tech Contributor
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From: Dyer, IN
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2006
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From: Kannapolis NC
Start with checking your connections at the battery and starter. Make sure they are clean, tight and the cables themselves are in good condition. Be careful around the starter...that wire is hot. Might be a good idea to disconnect the battery before wrenching around down there. Don't over look the grounds.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 208
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From: Baltimore MD
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From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
You need to do a real close inspection of EACH battery cable terminal end. There fairly complex and have a lot of unseen connections and joints. The rubber protective boot hides a lot. Under the boot is a crimp connection. Roll the boot back and make sure that it not, loose, corroded or burnt.
Look for corrosion where the bolt goes thru the battery terminal end. I flush out mine with brake parts cleaner. You will be amazed at the crap that comes out if its corroded..
The rubber boot can also get pinched between the battery terminal and the terminal connector that connects to the battery.
The battery terminal bolt needs to be tightened to 11 ft/lbs. If you can move the battery cable terminal on the battery when its tightened,,something is wrong and most likely your issue.
Once the battery terminals are good, go right to the starter and look at the solenoid:
Also check the battery ground wire on the engine block near the starter. It must be clean and tight.
BC
Look for corrosion where the bolt goes thru the battery terminal end. I flush out mine with brake parts cleaner. You will be amazed at the crap that comes out if its corroded..
The rubber boot can also get pinched between the battery terminal and the terminal connector that connects to the battery.
The battery terminal bolt needs to be tightened to 11 ft/lbs. If you can move the battery cable terminal on the battery when its tightened,,something is wrong and most likely your issue.
Once the battery terminals are good, go right to the starter and look at the solenoid:
Also check the battery ground wire on the engine block near the starter. It must be clean and tight.
BC
