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Our Hyundai has an alarm that was put into it after it was purchased. We've had the car for 5 years...
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Problem for Chevrolet Cars
Generic problem for all Chevrolet Prizm Cars
I have a 1999 Chevy Prizm (which is rea...
I have a 1999 Chevy Prizm (which is really a Toyota Corolla), which is having significant electrical problems, with no apparent cause.
The problem started with the headlights and auxillary radiator fan running even with the car turned off with no key in the ignition. Additionally, we are unable to start the car any longer. We have ordered the factory service manuals to assist in the repair, and found that if we disconnected the DLR module which is located above the glove compartment, the lights and fan will no turn off, and the car will start. However, with the car running there are no lights, and if I turn on the left/right blinker, in addition to the signal on the dash panel blinking, the brake light blinks and the ABS light blinks. Furthermore, if I turn on the AC, the car immediately dies, and if I turn on the 4 way flashers the car immediately dies. Assuming the problem was with the module, we pulled it out and could identify several of the electrical components that appeared to be burned. We purchased a new one and installed it, but it did not solve the problem.
At this point I took the car to the local Chevy place (1/2 hour away) and after 1.5 hours, the best option they could come up with was that the multi-function switch in the steering column was bad (a $400 switch). The service manager I have known for several years, and he recognizes I can't afford to sink $400 into this switch. He recommended that we find a steering column at a junk yard that we could pull the switch out of. We found it easier to simply replace the entire steering column ($75.00), since it's only 4 bolts and the plugs. Unfortunately, this did not solve the problem. At this point, we are pretty much stuck. The best the dealer can suggest is that it is in the wiring harness someplace, but I can't afford to pay them to hunt for it. I'm hoping someone has seen this problem before and might be able to direct me more quickly to what the solution might be.
Thanks!
The problem started with the headlights and auxillary radiator fan running even with the car turned off with no key in the ignition. Additionally, we are unable to start the car any longer. We have ordered the factory service manuals to assist in the repair, and found that if we disconnected the DLR module which is located above the glove compartment, the lights and fan will no turn off, and the car will start. However, with the car running there are no lights, and if I turn on the left/right blinker, in addition to the signal on the dash panel blinking, the brake light blinks and the ABS light blinks. Furthermore, if I turn on the AC, the car immediately dies, and if I turn on the 4 way flashers the car immediately dies. Assuming the problem was with the module, we pulled it out and could identify several of the electrical components that appeared to be burned. We purchased a new one and installed it, but it did not solve the problem.
At this point I took the car to the local Chevy place (1/2 hour away) and after 1.5 hours, the best option they could come up with was that the multi-function switch in the steering column was bad (a $400 switch). The service manager I have known for several years, and he recognizes I can't afford to sink $400 into this switch. He recommended that we find a steering column at a junk yard that we could pull the switch out of. We found it easier to simply replace the entire steering column ($75.00), since it's only 4 bolts and the plugs. Unfortunately, this did not solve the problem. At this point, we are pretty much stuck. The best the dealer can suggest is that it is in the wiring harness someplace, but I can't afford to pay them to hunt for it. I'm hoping someone has seen this problem before and might be able to direct me more quickly to what the solution might be.
Thanks!
Clarification Request
Posted by emissionwiz on Aug 16, 2009
oh please you will get no answer in the free forum with this issue, it is just to involved, use the live caht option for a faster answer.
Solution #1
posted on Aug 16, 2009
My first thought was the combination switch but two things are telling me you either have a dead short somewhere or the alternator is overcharging or not charging. If the alternator is overcharging, this will, in turn, cause the battery to boil. Now, your battery has no 12 volts in it. Or, in other words, no amperage behind it. This will cause your car lights to die.
Be sure to check the main grounds in the vehicle. If you check your service manual, when the battery light and/or ABS and brake lights come on, usually you are not charging.
Do a hydrometer test on the battery as well as a charging system test.
Be sure to check the main grounds in the vehicle. If you check your service manual, when the battery light and/or ABS and brake lights come on, usually you are not charging.
Do a hydrometer test on the battery as well as a charging system test.
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This Problem Also Relates To:
1996 Chevrolet Cavalier
1998 Chevrolet S-10 Pickup
2005 Chevrolet Equinox
2003 Chevrolet Impala
2006 Chevrolet Cobalt
1999 Chevrolet Cavalier
1991 Chevrolet Camaro
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