Gradual Electrical System Failure
09-06-2009, 11:32 PM
#1
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Gradual Electrical System Failure
So the horn on trinity (my RX8 of course) about two weeks ago went from sounding like a fog horn, to sounding like it is a miata. Then this morning, it had a SLIGHTLY longer start time than normal. Come this evening, i started it up, and it took slightly longer even still. I didnt let it warm up enough, and not enough gas, so it stalled. Tried starting it again, and nothing. Just a click from the starter.
I took out the key, and tried again. The computer started resyncing all the gauges on the dash (they all went to max, then back down to min(fuel, tach, temp etc)), the status lights for the security system, airbags, seatbelt lights all flickered a little. The interior lights dimmed and returned to normal quite rapidly. and the list goes on. The power NEVER went out completely once.
So me and a few guys rolled it to the top of the hill, and got it started by dropping the clutch, and i made it home. (a 60 mile drive, with the radio, ac, and headlights on, so i know its not the battery/alternator). At this point i still thought it was the starter motor.
I went to lock/arm the car when i got home, and it caught me out of the corner of my eye, and i rechecked what i thought i saw. The interior lights turned on and off when locked and unlocked, but the hazards don't flash anymore. Its just absolutely bizarre.
This has to be more than just the starter. Its like a cascading electrical system malfunction. PLEASE any ideas would be great. Just somewhere to start the search.
I took out the key, and tried again. The computer started resyncing all the gauges on the dash (they all went to max, then back down to min(fuel, tach, temp etc)), the status lights for the security system, airbags, seatbelt lights all flickered a little. The interior lights dimmed and returned to normal quite rapidly. and the list goes on. The power NEVER went out completely once.
So me and a few guys rolled it to the top of the hill, and got it started by dropping the clutch, and i made it home. (a 60 mile drive, with the radio, ac, and headlights on, so i know its not the battery/alternator). At this point i still thought it was the starter motor.
I went to lock/arm the car when i got home, and it caught me out of the corner of my eye, and i rechecked what i thought i saw. The interior lights turned on and off when locked and unlocked, but the hazards don't flash anymore. Its just absolutely bizarre.
This has to be more than just the starter. Its like a cascading electrical system malfunction. PLEASE any ideas would be great. Just somewhere to start the search.
09-06-2009, 11:38 PM
#2
So the horn on trinity (my RX8 of course) about two weeks ago went from sounding like a fog horn, to sounding like it is a miata. Then this morning, it had a SLIGHTLY longer start time than normal. Come this evening, i started it up, and it took slightly longer even still. I didnt let it warm up enough, and not enough gas, so it stalled. Tried starting it again, and nothing. Just a click from the starter.
I took out the key, and tried again. The computer started resyncing all the gauges on the dash (they all went to max, then back down to min(fuel, tach, temp etc)), the status lights for the security system, airbags, seatbelt lights all flickered a little. The interior lights dimmed and returned to normal quite rapidly. and the list goes on. The power NEVER went out completely once.
So me and a few guys rolled it to the top of the hill, and got it started by dropping the clutch, and i made it home. (a 60 mile drive, with the radio, ac, and headlights on, so i know its not the battery/alternator). At this point i still thought it was the starter motor.
I went to lock/arm the car when i got home, and it caught me out of the corner of my eye, and i rechecked what i thought i saw. The interior lights turned on and off when locked and unlocked, but the hazards don't flash anymore. Its just absolutely bizarre.
This has to be more than just the starter. Its like a cascading electrical system malfunction. PLEASE any ideas would be great. Just somewhere to start the search.
I took out the key, and tried again. The computer started resyncing all the gauges on the dash (they all went to max, then back down to min(fuel, tach, temp etc)), the status lights for the security system, airbags, seatbelt lights all flickered a little. The interior lights dimmed and returned to normal quite rapidly. and the list goes on. The power NEVER went out completely once.
So me and a few guys rolled it to the top of the hill, and got it started by dropping the clutch, and i made it home. (a 60 mile drive, with the radio, ac, and headlights on, so i know its not the battery/alternator). At this point i still thought it was the starter motor.
I went to lock/arm the car when i got home, and it caught me out of the corner of my eye, and i rechecked what i thought i saw. The interior lights turned on and off when locked and unlocked, but the hazards don't flash anymore. Its just absolutely bizarre.
This has to be more than just the starter. Its like a cascading electrical system malfunction. PLEASE any ideas would be great. Just somewhere to start the search.
09-07-2009, 09:18 AM
#5
Registered
Exactly. The "Battery" light is mislabled. It should really be labeled "Alternator."
Where are the Federal Trade Commission and Ralph Nader when you need them?
Get your battery checked. Could also be dirty battery cable connections.
Ken
Where are the Federal Trade Commission and Ralph Nader when you need them?
Get your battery checked. Could also be dirty battery cable connections.
Ken
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