Wierd Electrical Problems - Please Help!
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Wierd Electrical Problems - Please Help!
I have a fully loaded '99 Mountaineer v8 with all wheel drive and I'm having strange electrical problems. At first, the ABS light came on but ABS still worked. Now, a few weeks later, it has snowed and upon coming to the first stop light, I found that the ABS no longer works. :>)
Additionally, the interior lights won't come on and the bell chime (when I open the door with keys in ignition) only chimes twice then sort of dies. The windows will no longer roll down and the windshield wipers will only wipe twice and that only happens if I have the wipers turned on and I hit the door lock button. The wipers will not wipe unless I hit the door lock button.
Is the 'brain' in my car fried? Could there be a massive short somewhere that is going to require a new harness? Is it just a hidden relay problem? Should I sell it now??? How can I figure this out without paying the local dealership a thousand bucks?
Thanks for all your help!!!
Eric
Additionally, the interior lights won't come on and the bell chime (when I open the door with keys in ignition) only chimes twice then sort of dies. The windows will no longer roll down and the windshield wipers will only wipe twice and that only happens if I have the wipers turned on and I hit the door lock button. The wipers will not wipe unless I hit the door lock button.
Is the 'brain' in my car fried? Could there be a massive short somewhere that is going to require a new harness? Is it just a hidden relay problem? Should I sell it now??? How can I figure this out without paying the local dealership a thousand bucks?
Thanks for all your help!!!
Eric
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Joined: Sep 2000
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Weird electrical problems
I know nothing about the computer in your vehicle but one thing you can test is to disconnect various circuits by removing the fuse and see if the problem improves disconnecting any of them.
I would expect though if you had a bad short you would blow fuses before problems like you describe would occur.
Try running all of the accessories without the engine running, that would mean it is far less likely that the charging system has anything to do with the problem.
I would highly doubt the computer would be at fault since it is not likely your windshield wipers would in any way be tied into the computer.
I would expect though if you had a bad short you would blow fuses before problems like you describe would occur.
Try running all of the accessories without the engine running, that would mean it is far less likely that the charging system has anything to do with the problem.
I would highly doubt the computer would be at fault since it is not likely your windshield wipers would in any way be tied into the computer.
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2000
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Possibly the GEM (generic electronic module?). Typically located behind the radio and controls much of the electrical/electronic equipment. I think they are about $300 from the dealer. I'd try a bone yard first, if you determine it is the GEM.
Mason
Mason
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Joined: Aug 2002
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From: Cincinnati
Sounds like problems I've heard when the GEM didn't have a good ground. Would also be concerned with the ground connection from the engine block to the car body. The engine, alternator and batery are electrically isolated from the car body. The only connection if the straps are lost are the bearings. People have even found ground screws that were never tightened. Do you notice any major voltmeter change when the headlights are turned on.
