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10/23/2005 09:58:16 PM · #1 |
While I'm searching on the net for this I wanted ask DPCers since they know EVERYTHING.
My car started acting weird lately.
First, my HOT-COLD slider stopped working. It seems to be on cold no matter where I move it. Not very good for the winter ahead.
Second, few days later almost all the lights on heating/cooling pannel went out. Those are the lights under the pannel that provide light so you know which button to press at night. One light is still on. It is the one that lights up fan speed. Individual button lights are OK too.
Third, my gas gage started acting weird few days after that. If I drive, it shows I have more gas. If I stop at red light it shows I have less gas. If I idle gas gage floats around. It goes from 1/4 to 1/2 a tank and back. I know gage move up and down depend if you going up or down hill and this is not it.
This is not funny anymore. I'm frustrated. I'll talk to dealer tomorrow but all they will say is bring the car in. But first you need an appointment. The next avaliable date is in a month or so. That's NYC.
My car is Buick LeSabre year 2000
Any ideas would be great.
Thanks
Nick
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10/23/2005 09:59:18 PM · #2 |
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10/23/2005 10:07:32 PM · #3 |
Originally posted by faidoi:
BradP |
Yeah, but Brad's in Sandy Eggo, a REALLY long drive from NYC.
Have you checked the fuses?
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10/23/2005 10:08:27 PM · #4 |
Hmmm...gotta love these multiple problems!
Having any other weird electrical issues? Check your battery and clean teh terminals really well. A bad ground can cuse very weird things to happen - the batt will be grounded toe he engine block and the body, and ususlly teh engine to the body as well (the engine is rubber mounted). If one of these ground wires has corroded or broken then things can get funky.
The heat issue: could be a number of things - check your antifreeze level first. Fill it. DO you have a temp guage on the car? does it reach normal operating temp? If not, your thermostat may be stuck open.
Next thought is the heater control valve under the dash, it opens and closes a door (usually via vacuum) that changes teh air flow form vent, to heat to A/C. These do get stuck or the vacuum hose may have popped off or broken (rotted,but your car is fairly new for that). Somtimes rodents get in there and build nests and that blocks the door. One of these is most likely your problem.
As to the heater control lights...odd. Dash lights in cars last a very long time these days. I am not familiar with your model car, so I cannot help much in how to change or check the bulb(s) or how many their might be.
Hope that helps some. |
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10/23/2005 10:18:30 PM · #5 |
Originally posted by Prof_Fate:
Hmmm...gotta love these multiple problems!
Having any other weird electrical issues? Check your battery and clean teh terminals really well. A bad ground can cuse very weird things to happen - the batt will be grounded toe he engine block and the body, and ususlly teh engine to the body as well (the engine is rubber mounted). If one of these ground wires has corroded or broken then things can get funky.
The heat issue: could be a number of things - check your antifreeze level first. Fill it. DO you have a temp guage on the car? does it reach normal operating temp? If not, your thermostat may be stuck open.
Next thought is the heater control valve under the dash, it opens and closes a door (usually via vacuum) that changes teh air flow form vent, to heat to A/C. These do get stuck or the vacuum hose may have popped off or broken (rotted,but your car is fairly new for that). Somtimes rodents get in there and build nests and that blocks the door. One of these is most likely your problem.
As to the heater control lights...odd. Dash lights in cars last a very long time these days. I am not familiar with your model car, so I cannot help much in how to change or check the bulb(s) or how many their might be.
Hope that helps some. |
Battery is under back seat so it should be dry but I'll check it anyway. Antifreeze is full and engine is as hot as it should be.
I wanted to check the thing that directs the airflow but could not reach it. (or to figure out what it actually is) I think it is inside the car in the middle close to the pasenger side. I can't remove air ducts for some reason. Don't know how they are connected.
Now the vacuum hose is a very good idea. Where is it? How is it connected or what does it look like? I want to find that.
That still does not explain gas gage.
Thanks for your input.
Nick
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10/23/2005 10:26:03 PM · #6 |
Hi Nikolai,
With this myriad of problems as you note, and had this car been brought to my shop, the very first thing I would be checking is the charging system, which includes battery and it's connections. Intermittent and seemingly impossibly-related electrical problems can usually be associated with a ground problem, or a circuit trying to operate and searching for a ground through other components.
Checking a charging system is not as simple as seeing if an alternator is charging, or it's voltage. It is about checking it's electrical signature with a live scope to check for signs of A/C voltage leaking into the DC system. The alternator makes alternating current, and half of it's sine wave is "flipped" in the rectifier, converting into DC. If the diodes (electrical check valves) are not functioning properly, and A/C current is aallowed into the DC system, all kinds of oddities can happen.
The connections at the battery are crucial. The battery also needs to be in great shape, as it IS the heart of the vehicle's electrical system, NOT the alternator.
A lowest common denominator theory is another approach, in that what to all teh items in question have in common. Several systems don't "suddenly" have problems all at the same time. They can usually be traced back to a single, common denominator, such as a loose ground, hairline break in a fuse, etc..
Being that all my technical info, service bulletins, wiring diagrams, etc are at work, I'm kind of working in the dark. I also search technical/manufacturer's databases for known same/similar reported fixes. I don't need to know everything about every car, but do know how to find it.
I can look tomorrow if you want for same/similar occurances/fixes or if you want, have access to a database of shops/technicians in the area I can refer you to.
Let me know what I can do to help.
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10/23/2005 10:55:12 PM · #7 |
Nikolai, when I turn the key to start my vehicle (but just before I engage the starter) I can watch the battery gauge needle skip to somewhere between 12 and 14. When I need the change the battery due to age, the needle will not got to the "normal" spot, but instead floats much lower (8 to 10). I'm no mechanic like Brad P, but have personally experienced problems like yours and it was a failing battery. Your battery is 5 years old...
Have you seen this forum thread? |
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10/23/2005 11:11:45 PM · #8 |
Nikolai,
You live in Brooklyn. Leave the keys in the ignition tonite. Tale the bus or subway to work for a few days. When you get the check for the theft, buy a Toyota. You'll never have that problem again. |
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10/24/2005 10:33:11 AM · #9 |
Speaking to some friends and gathering input from DPC it appears to be an electrical problem and it is probably a short. I'm going to check and clean all the connections I can find. If all that fails I'll schedule an appointment with dealer. If there are any more ideas please speak up.
Thank you all for your input.
Nick
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