Jump to content

electrical? problem with '93 Grand Prix


moto_ty

Recommended Posts

I have a 1993 Pontiac grand prix with a 3.4 DOHC, started out about 3 weeks ago, I was changing my serpentine belt (requires removing coolant tank, Exposing computer beneath) and while looking around I notice the nut on the computer was loose so I tightened it down, about hand tight. A week later im messing around, I went in reverse really fast and spun my car around, no big deal as I’ve done many times before, and it dies...... it would not start back up. After about 5 minutes of screwing around, looking for what might be wrong with it, it finally starts.... BUT NOW THE STRANGE PART... my service engine soon light and brake light are just going crazy randomly blinking, in no pattern that I could tell, all the while the motor is struggling to stay alive. so I push the petal to the floor and let it bounce against the 3000rpm limiter for a second or so, and bam! back to normal... every once in a while (2 or 3 times a week) does the weird thing with the lights, but don't die but dose struggle to stay alive. just yesterday it happened again, except it took about twice as long to get it started, and once I got it started, it didn't go back to normal, it kept wanting to die, so I hot ridded it for about 5 min, then it went back to normal...

oh yeah, and when I go over what seems to be large bumps, my abs light comes on and I loose quite a bit of power then it goes off (it only is on for a few seconds). and its really random, it don't go off from every large bump

 

I think I may have a short? or computer problem? Any ideas?

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Near your driver's side strut tower is a fusebox. On the fusebox you'll find a battery cable bolted to it. This is refered to as the "Auxillary Positive Terminal." Grab up a 15mm deepwell socket and tighten the nut down on the terminal. Be careful not to touch the ratchet against any metal on the car!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

That terminals really coroded. Can this cause stalling?

Yep. Happened to me a couple of years ago. I was cruising down the highway and my dash lights started flickering and everything (save for the headlights) went dead, including the motor. After I pulled over, I could see the plastic cover over the Aux terminal was melted and the cable was quite warm to the touch. As soon as I tightened down the nut on the Aux terminal, the car fired right up and everything was back to normal. Since that little mishap, every time I gas up the Regal, I snug down that nut...
Link to comment
Share on other sites

To have a final fix on this, get a lockwasher and a steel nut, not the copper ones that most came with. Use plently of di-electric compound, and to go town with your 15mm deep socket.

 

 

I did that two years ago, and its still pretty darn tight.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...