Yikes, guys I have a big problem
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Ohio University, Athens OH
Yikes, guys I have a big problem
When I'm driving, my instrument lights and my clock and radio lights will flash from dim to bright, the instrument needles go haywire and act like you just start the car up (where they go all the way over then back). Sometimes the car sounds like it's cutting out, and one time it stalled. I'm sure this is an electrical problem of some sort.
Battery?
Alternator?
Electrical Gremlin that's going to cost 1k to diagnose? :cry
Any thoughts?
Battery?
Alternator?
Electrical Gremlin that's going to cost 1k to diagnose? :cry
Any thoughts?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 21,398
Likes: 1,011
From: Various places in Southern California.
Re: Yikes, guys I have a big problem (Camarocks)
There are a lot of possibilities. I'd first check the PCM under the battery for evidence of acid damage (2000 and earlier cars have a tendency for the battery to leak onto the PCM). I'd also check the BCM under the passenger floor for dampness, as the AC drain tube can back up and dump water on the computer.
If those are fine, I'd be looking for an intermittant short or fault ground. Both can be tough to find, though. Good luck.
If those are fine, I'd be looking for an intermittant short or fault ground. Both can be tough to find, though. Good luck.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,613
Likes: 0
From: Spring Tx
Re: Yikes, guys I have a big problem (Duck916)
I had similar problems, turned out to be a loose corroded battery cable.....more corroded than loose..... Cleaned cable end, added corrosion inhibitor, reinstalled cable.Cost 0, problem gone...
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 20,166
Likes: 2
From: Spacecoast Florida
Re: Yikes, guys I have a big problem (Camarocks)
I had similar. Turned out to be loose terminal post on distribution box next to battery. I thought it was the Active Handling 'cause every time I slung the "Vette around gages would go crazy and damn thing would cut off.
Check all wiring post connections you can see.....
P.S. Dealer found it - cost $70
Check all wiring post connections you can see.....
P.S. Dealer found it - cost $70
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 106
Likes: 0
From: Ohio University, Athens OH
Re: Yikes, guys I have a big problem (keith5)
Thanks guys, I will certainly check out the battery and the terminal post. I know it's a new battery, but that doesn't mean the connections can't be bad.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 915
Likes: 1
From: UK
Re: Yikes, guys I have a big problem (Camarocks)
Although I have no C5-specific knowledge to contribute in this area, these weird electrical problems are frequently caused by bad earths. I would check any earth straps (don't know where they are on the C5... anyone else wanna chime-in?) and check for corrosion around the connection to the chassis.
:cheers:
:cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,918
Likes: 1,879
From: Hot Springs AR
Re: Yikes, guys I have a big problem (Carsnob)
The elegant British term for "ground." Hence the need for grounding (or earthing) straps, since there's so much plastic in the car.
Have a good one,
Mike
Have a good one,
Mike
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