3rd Generation Specific (1993-2002) 1993-2002 Discussion including performance modifications and Technical Support Sections.
Sponsored by:

Odd Electrical Issue

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 08-08-12, 11:33 AM
  #1  
Full Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
180SXslider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Georgia
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
FL Odd Electrical Issue

Tried searching and didn't really find anything online. Fuses look decent. Traced most of the wiring but wondering if this is a common issue..

At night, turn headlights on and sometimes the dash lights and brake lights cut out completely. It seems as if SOMETIMES I can fix it by jiggling the headlight switch on the steering wheel. Also, at times the headlights will start randomly popping up and down. I jumped the security relay under the dash. Not sure if this could be a security issue. Any help or ideas will be appreciated. I'm wondering if a relay is going bad..
Old 08-08-12, 04:30 PM
  #2  
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary

iTrader: (14)
 
moconnor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 4,660
Received 82 Likes on 49 Posts
CPU #2 (the box in the driver footwell, which controls the alarm system, among other things) has been known to go a little funky when the battery is on its last legs. I would have the battery tested. Or you could simply attach a voltmeter to it.
Old 08-08-12, 05:11 PM
  #3  
Full Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
180SXslider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Georgia
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Originally Posted by moconnor
CPU #2 (the box in the driver footwell, which controls the alarm system, among other things) has been known to go a little funky when the battery is on its last legs. I would have the battery tested. Or you could simply attach a voltmeter to it.
Hmmm.. Well I just started the car up for the first time in seven years AFTER a huge overhaul. Battery is a yellow top Optima and I always check Bar Voltage with the Power FC commander and my laptop/datalogit. Battery has been around 13.9 V for a while now. The battery was weak 2 months ago because it was most likely on a shelf somewhere and then most of my initial tuning was in the driveway for only a few min at a time. Now that I drive her everyday, with an IRP 140 amp alternator, she seems to be fine.

I wonder how often CPU #2 goes bad...
Old 08-08-12, 08:21 PM
  #4  
Eats, Sleeps, Dreams Rotary

iTrader: (14)
 
moconnor's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 4,660
Received 82 Likes on 49 Posts
13.9V from the battery seems high, particularly if it has been sitting for years. Is that with the engine off? With the engine on you are measuring alternator voltage.
Old 08-09-12, 08:36 AM
  #5  
Full Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
180SXslider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Georgia
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
Originally Posted by moconnor
13.9V from the battery seems high, particularly if it has been sitting for years. Is that with the engine off? With the engine on you are measuring alternator voltage.
No, I purchased the battery within a year. That's with the engine on, alternator output, correct. With it off, it is in the high 11.x V to 12V
Old 09-05-12, 09:00 AM
  #6  
Full Member

Thread Starter
iTrader: (4)
 
180SXslider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Georgia
Posts: 201
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 1 Post
I have KINDA narrowed it down. Other forums say that it could be the TNS relay by the hood latch or it could be the headlight switch on the steering column. Hopefully not ECU 2... Which is $260.
Old 09-05-12, 09:24 AM
  #7  
All out Track Freak!

iTrader: (263)
 
Fritz Flynn's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Charlottesville VA 22901
Posts: 10,672
Received 412 Likes on 250 Posts
I have some good CPU #2 units so send me a PM if you need one.
Old 09-05-12, 03:43 PM
  #8  
It wasn't me!!

iTrader: (1)
 
Indian's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Cayman Islands
Posts: 1,189
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
get the grounds on the front behind the bumper, beside the horns. There are two tabs which are central grounding points. If these are "shady" the lights will go dim, and they will flicker up and down.
Old 09-05-12, 10:29 PM
  #9  
Lives on the Forum

iTrader: (8)
 
thewird's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 6,591
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes on 11 Posts
Check your main car harness in the drives side fender well on the front side.

thewird
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
firzen
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
9
09-15-15 12:04 PM
SakeBomb Garage
Vendor Classifieds
1
09-07-15 03:44 PM
SakeBomb Garage
SakeBomb Garage
1
09-07-15 03:32 PM
rotor_veux
2nd Generation Specific (1986-1992)
5
09-03-15 07:10 PM



Quick Reply: Odd Electrical Issue



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:42 PM.