2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992) 1986-1992 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections.

Electrical Problem on 88 T2 (Anyone know how to fix this?)

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Old Oct 3, 2004 | 06:05 PM
  #1  
Hi_Im_Rob's Avatar
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From: Florida
Electrical Problem on 88 T2 (Anyone know how to fix this?)

Ok, I originally had a voltage drain that showed up when I let the car sit for a week during all the hurricanes. The battery died, and I let the car sit for about another week. I finally charged up the battery last night, put it in the car, and as soon as I connected the terminals I heard a loud buzzing.

The buzzing is coming from the relays that sit next to the driver's side headlights. As soon as I connect the battery, the headlight bulbs turn on but the headlights stay down. (If I turn the headlight switch to the "on" position the headlights pop up) No matter what I do the headlights won't turn off, and the relay is buzzing really loud. (And vibrating)

I figured its just a stuck relay, but my turn signals also don't work. Is there an easy fix for this? If I replace the relay will that fix the turn signals also? (When I pull the relay the headlights turn off and the buzzing stops)

Also when I would turn the key to accessories they would all turn on, but then when I turned it to start the car they all dimmed and then went out. (All the accessories went out, but the door lights stayed bright and on. It did this with the relay unplugged too)

Finally the car started acting normal after I moved my battery and stuff around looking at some stuff. (Could the car dying and accesories turning off be a bad ground if the rest of the lights stayed on?)

Anyone have any ideas?
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Old Oct 3, 2004 | 06:11 PM
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From: Coldspring TX
Bad light switch...My guess for the day

Take the plug off of the bottom of the headlight relay for now to prevent drain. Should be the second one from the right (looking from the driver's seat), depending on options...
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Old Oct 3, 2004 | 06:18 PM
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From: Coldspring TX
Check the 15A "turn" fuse for the turn signals...

There is also a diode in the headlight relay that may have shorted, just in case it's not the light switch. Pull the 30A "head" fuse from the engine bay fuse box and see if the lights still come on. If they do, you're backfeeding the circuit through the diode, which might still be a bad light switch, or a bad alarm control unit...

Could be a fried headlight switch harness, too...
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Old Oct 3, 2004 | 07:51 PM
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From: Florida
I think its in the headlight relay because whenever its plugged in it buzzes and if I touch the relay I can feel it vibrating.

Any idea why I have the problem with all the accessories shutting off when I turn the ignition to start the car?
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Old Oct 3, 2004 | 07:53 PM
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From: Florida
I did change the plastic trim around the gauge cluster which included a new headlight switch, turn signal switch, etc

Previous owner claims everything worked. The switch does control the lights popping up/down properly.

Maybe the turn signal switch is bad.
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Old Oct 3, 2004 | 09:09 PM
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From: Coldspring TX
I think you got some wiring or connectors crossed with the new trim install, then. I don't think it's the relay, because something else has to be energizing it when it's not supposed to be.

Did you try pulling that headlight fuse yet?
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