Problem, only when it rains....
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,593
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From: TEXAS
Problem, only when it rains.... My car has been having a problem about starting lately, but only when it rains. When I turn the key, all the dash lights come on for a second, then nothing, total electrical blackout. I can not roll windows down, turn on radio, lights, power seats, nothing. But if I disconnect the battery and reset the ECU, I get a 50/50 shot of the car turning on at the next key turn. It only does this sometimes when it rains or the day after it rains. I donot have any aftermarket alarms or stereos, the only electrical mod is a shift light that has been working for years. Thanks for any help or ideas....
Thread Starter
TECH Addict
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,593
Likes: 0
From: TEXAS
Re: Problem, only when it rains.... I've thought about that, but when I check it its dry. I've also tried to recreate the situation with a high pressure car wash. I don't think thats the problem. Even if the ECU got wet would I not be able to roll windows up or turn on dome lights?
Teching In
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Westminster, MD
Re: Problem, only when it rains.... Check your battery terminals. I do believe they need to be tightened. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Smile]" src="gr_stretch.gif" /> I had the same problem before and did some thinking about it.
Heres why you get accesories until you try to turn the engine over, or at least with my problem: One of the two battery terminals is loose and not making a complete connection to the battery. The connection is large enough to flow low current items like radio, interior lights, etc. However, when the starter is engaged, the current that it uses cannot be supplied by the weak connection and the contact on the battery and terminal melts off. Just like trying to run mega amperage through a wire that is just too small. The wire melts!!
Heres why you get accesories until you try to turn the engine over, or at least with my problem: One of the two battery terminals is loose and not making a complete connection to the battery. The connection is large enough to flow low current items like radio, interior lights, etc. However, when the starter is engaged, the current that it uses cannot be supplied by the weak connection and the contact on the battery and terminal melts off. Just like trying to run mega amperage through a wire that is just too small. The wire melts!!
