About the main electric systems of the car. Consider a different tag for radios and other such systems.
3
votes
2answers
208 views
What is the correct/factory wiring for a Suburban 1998 battery/alternator?
I have included a picture showing what I have now on this Suburban. Note that there is wiring not shown in the picture which is a second electrical connection to the positive side of the battery ...
3
votes
1answer
394 views
Will a BCM prevent a car from starting?
I've been dealing with an issue for over a year wherein my 2005 Pontiac Grand Prix starts sometimes and does not start at other times. I had the issue diagnosed last year by the GM dealership.
They ...
3
votes
1answer
43 views
2007 S40 - Accessory Delay (5 secs) when turning the Key to Position II
My son's 2007 S40 has an accessory delay of 5 (secs). The lights and indicators ultimately come on. The car has no problem starting and runs nice. The dealer says it needs a new ignition. An ...
3
votes
1answer
705 views
Replacing Vauxhall Corsa C (2002) rear fog light
I need to replace the right rear fog light in a 2002 Vauxhall Corsa C; not just the bulb but the whole unit. I'm looking for instructions on how to replace the lamp preferably without removing the ...
3
votes
2answers
99 views
headlights arent working
The vehicle is a 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer. The low beams aren't working. High beams are. The fuse is perfectly fine (tested and swapped out). The bulbs are fine too.
A mechanic told me it could be ...
3
votes
3answers
746 views
Alternative reverse light switch
I am about to take me ute to get a "safety" certificate so that I can get it registered (QLD, Australia) and I have one issue left that is still a possible problem.
The switch that operates the ...
3
votes
1answer
248 views
2007 Nissan Maxima Windows and Sunroof are Unresponsive
All the windows will not go up or down including the sunroof. Everything else is working. The fuse under the hood looks ok. There no sign of it being bad. Can it still be the fuse and if not what else ...
3
votes
1answer
1k views
Aux Audio Input for 2006 Honda Accord
I'd like to add an auxiliary audio input to my 2006 Honda Accord LX-SE:
What parts do I need to purchase?
Can someone with a rudimentary understanding of electronics perform the installation?
What's ...
3
votes
1answer
142 views
Can I decrease the sensitivity of my seat belt “person detector”?
Any time I put something - as light as 10 pounds in my passenger seat, my seat belt alarm goes off in my 2007 Pontiac Vibe. To avoid the VERY annoying beeping, I usually end up buckling up my ...
3
votes
1answer
134 views
Vauxhall Vectra C Blower Motor Sqealing / Clunking
I have just replaced my Blower Motor Resistor as my fan wouldn't work on any setting other than 4 (in line with a previous post: How to troubleshoot a fan that won't work unless it's on ...
3
votes
1answer
73 views
Honda Prelude: digital fuel and temp gauges dimming and brightening repeatedly
I have noticed an annoying issue on my '94 (4th gen) Honda prelude. The digital petrol and temperature gauges appear very faint when starting the car. After about 5 mins they brighten again, only to ...
3
votes
1answer
86 views
Windshield wipers worked intermittently then quit altogether
The wipers on my 2000 Mazda Protege recently quit working. It wasn't an all-of-a-sudden thing, though. Every so often over the last few weeks they would stop for a few seconds, then start again. ...
3
votes
1answer
72 views
2000 Dodge Intrepid electrical problem
I accidently let the battery power cable touch the frame of the car and it sparked. Now my car does not light up dashboard or anything type of power. I tried jumping the car and still no sin of life. ...
2
votes
3answers
81 views
What are some typical maintenance things that every owner should do regularily?
Right now I just get a car wash every month, and my oil changed and whatever is included in that. Usually just a quick "inspection". Is there anything else I should be doing for my car?
Or also, is ...
2
votes
2answers
145 views
Lost electricity to cab and Engine won't turn over
My '94 mazda b4000 recently lost electricity to the cab and the engine won't turn over.
I will get in, the seatbelt beeping will start, then that will stop. I will put the key in the ignition and ...
2
votes
2answers
45 views
Turn Signal Malfunctioning
My left turn signal started malfunctioning the other day, here are the symptoms.
left turn signal (on dashboard) clicks at roughly twice the rate as the right turn signal.
rear turning light flashes ...
2
votes
2answers
77 views
Turn lights are blinking at a different rate
I am rewriring my car with new harness and I noticed something strange. My left turn lights blink faster than my right turn lights. They are both routed through the same relay and I don't think they ...
2
votes
3answers
2k views
Can I charge a Car Battery with a Motorcycle charger?
Car battery to be charged is a DIN66 which I think is about 65ah. I have a Motorcycle charger which says it can be used on cars; it suits batteries from 4 ah to 40 ah.
Does this mean that it can ...
2
votes
2answers
362 views
Noise in stereo that changes pitch with engine RPM
This is a question of curiosity. I have a '98 Acura Integra, a cheap car stereo with a 3.5mm aux in, a cheap inverter and a smart phone. If I have the smart phone audio hooked up to the car stereo and ...
2
votes
3answers
233 views
Is my mechanic ripping me off?
My 2002 ford focus (built after may 23) died and the AAA and tow guy both said that it needs a new fuel pump.
Anyway I went to the mechanic and he said it'll be 350 for the pump and 200 for labor. I ...
2
votes
2answers
2k views
Radio Wiring diagrams and/or color codes?
I've got an older Nissan truck (1994) that did NOT come with a factory radio.
A previous owner had an aftermarket style radio installed, and the installers used one of these universal radio ...
2
votes
3answers
374 views
Charger doesn't stay put in cigarette lighter outlet
The cigarette lighter outlet was never designed to be an electrical outlet the way it's commonly used today. Even so, I've yet to find a plug for charging USB devices that fits and doesn't fall out.
...
2
votes
2answers
76 views
How to run a 50 amps short term load off the car electrical circuit?
I window-shopped for a car air compressor and there's a variety of them with different performance levels.
Low performance compressors (like 30 liters per minute) have a cigarette lighter connector, ...
2
votes
2answers
242 views
What system should I inspect first for the following issues on a 2004 Chevy Aveo?
A 2004 Chevy aveo with around 78,000 miles has the following issues:
The Daytime Running Light indicator (as well as the lights themselves) randomly turn on and off. This is a slow thing and has ...
2
votes
1answer
179 views
Power Inverters as Emergency Generators?
After being hit by Hurricane Irene last week, I happened to loose power for literally one week so rather than rely completely on batteries and being a nomad, I used my Cobra 400 watt power inverter ...
2
votes
2answers
37 views
If I were to convert a gas powered automobile to an electric car, would a difference in specs possibly damage the car?
I would like to convert a Mazda Miata into an electric car, I plan to remove the engine and the gearbox, and have the car be a direct drive. The motor I intend to use has twice the torque of a ...
2
votes
1answer
105 views
2000 Grand AM GT engine and electric cut out randomly while driving
My Grand Am is cutting off randomly while driving. I have not been able to purposely reproduce the problem, which makes diagnosis difficult. I am looking for any advice in diagnostics, or parts to ...
2
votes
1answer
229 views
Headlights turning off randomly
I have a 95 Chevy S10.
When I drive my truck around at night I notice that occasionally my headlights turn off for about 3 seconds and then come back on by themselves. There doesn't seem to be any ...
2
votes
1answer
437 views
How can I elegantly secure a USB charging cable to the dashboard?
In extension of this Q about the power outlet I have a related question about how to secure the USB charging cable that runs from the power plug in the cigarette lighter socket to the corner of the ...
2
votes
2answers
466 views
Aftermarket start-stop system
I am looking for an aftermarket device that turn off the engine when the car is in rest and turn on the engine when the throttle is pushed. Which are the producer? Where i can find it on internet?
2
votes
1answer
131 views
2004 Toyota Corolla breaker breaks when I use a power outlet
I have an 04 Corolla. If I plug anything into either of the 2 power outlets it destroys a breaker. I thought about replacing the power outlet, but since it happens to both outlets I think there's ...
2
votes
1answer
231 views
2002 Ford Focus CEL blinked for a minute and then turned off
I have a 2002 Ford Focus with around 100k miles on it. I just brought it back from the mechanic for a fuel pump replacement. As this question shows.
Anyway I was driving around going uphill when I ...
2
votes
2answers
955 views
2006 Kia Sedona intermittently not starting
What could be causing my (non-)starting issues? Occasionally (once every two weeks or so) when the keys are inserted and turned to the start position, nothing happens. No noise, no dome lights dimming ...
2
votes
3answers
60 views
What is the Magic ON temperature for Electric Fans?
I want to wire up my old truck to turn an electric fan ON to keep the radiator cool.
The ECM has an engine coolant temperature sensor mounted in the engine that alters the resistance to determine ...
2
votes
1answer
16 views
Number plate lights not working
Hi I have a one year old Motorhome, the number plate lights have corroded beyond repair. I am waiting for the to be repaired under warranty. Does this mean technically my Motorhome off the road as I ...
2
votes
1answer
49 views
Brake lights on '94 Honda Prelude stuck on
All 3 brake lights on my Prelude seem to be permanently stuck on. This occurs all of the time - the lights stay on even if there is no key in the ignition. I've had to disconnect the battery.
Would ...
2
votes
1answer
483 views
What might cause inconsistant ignition, an extemely loud bang but no visible damage?
I have an old 1993 Triton ute. It has a 4G54 carby engine. It's run as well as can be expected of an engine like that with nearly 400k on the clock.
Just recently one day I jumped in to go for a ...
2
votes
1answer
81 views
Bounds and solution to electrical failure in a 2004 Grand Marquis
What follows is a simple problem with hopefully a simple solution. While mechanically-oriented, vehicle repair is not my specialty, so forgive me for any lapses in problem description and terminology.
...
2
votes
2answers
182 views
Shorted electrical, lots of things not working
I was installing a boost gauge, and must've shorted something out because now my turn signals, fog lights, ac blower, and wipers don't work. I checked the fuses but they weren't blown. How can I ...
2
votes
1answer
89 views
What are the resistance values for a 1970s GM fuel level sender?
I'm looking for a chart that will tell me the resistance values for each fuel level. There are a few such charts like that for resistance readings on coolant temperature senders. Does anyone know of ...
2
votes
1answer
24 views
My 2009 Vauxhall Corsa D Won't Start
I measured the voltage of the battery without the key in the ignition and it's 12.6.
When I insert my key and turn on the ignition the electrics work fine, the headlights come on etc.
When I turn ...
2
votes
1answer
82 views
2008 Pontiac Grand Prix Fails to Start and Electronics Go Awry
My mother-in-law drove over this morning to pick up my wife, and when they tried to leave the car wouldn't start. Not only that; the horn honked, the wipers started, the trunk popped open, and the ...
2
votes
1answer
396 views
How to track down an intermittent battery drain?
I know there are several questions on here about finding the source of a battery drain (like Battery drains by itself when vehicle is parked (parasitic draw) ). However I don't think the answers ...
2
votes
1answer
203 views
Jetta turns off immediately after starting
So I parked my Jetta ('06 2.5) 2 nights ago, when I went to start it yesterday morning, the starter seems to work fine- turns over, then instead of idling down, it turns off. Must have tried it 5 ...
2
votes
1answer
153 views
i have 1998 jeep cherokee 4x4 4.0 liter battery not charging
I have 1998 jeep cherokee 4x4 4.0L. I've tested the alternater, battery, starter, (they all tested good) and replaced the pick up coil, but the battery is still not charging. It's backfiring, the dash ...
2
votes
1answer
66 views
Thieves tore out my ignition switch
I have a 2002 ford econoline van. They tore out the ignition switch and tried to steal it. I replaced the ignition switch but now it is like there is no power. I checked the regular fuses in the panel ...
2
votes
2answers
155 views
What functions & features should I look for when buying a multimeter?
Going to be used for car maintenance/restoration work and around the house repairs.
2
votes
2answers
210 views
2003 Nissan 350 Z won't accelerate
We own a Nissan 350 Z and this morning it would not start. It would turn over but it wouldn't fire. After pulsing the gas a little bit it would start but then letting off the gas would cause it to ...
2
votes
2answers
197 views
Can I replace the glass mirror in my (wing) mirror?
A neighbour of mine hit my (wing) mirror with a sliotar and it's cracked/smashed.
Can I replace just the glass (the actual mirror itself)?
Preferably doing it myself.
As oppposed to having to buy a ...
2
votes
1answer
229 views
Daewoo Lanos SX from 2002 soemtimes does not detect coded key.
I have a 2002 Daewoo Lanos SX which uses coded key. From time to time the car will stop detecting the key and I get into a situation where I'm unable to start the vehicle. The problem usually lasts ...
