View Full Version : Electrical Gremlin?


d-ray
02-26-06, 09:56 PM
Hi everyone ~
I'm looking for good advice. I have a 1987 DeVille, 4.1 liter, fwd, 87k miles. In great shape, except one problem. Here's the prob:

Car seemed to have a bad battery. Went to PEP Boys (where I bought the original) They said the batt had a "bad cell". they replaced it (on warraty). They also checked alternater. It's in good shape. But, it won't start sometimes. Not enuff charge. If I get a jump start from someone, or use my handy little (Husky brand) emergency jumpstart thingie, it starts up just fine. I have found that if I rev the engine up high & turn it off while revved, I has a better chance of starting ok. It seems to be a problem more if I've been making several starts & stops during driving, or if I've been driving at night. Okay, that seems logiical. But, the tale gets more complicated. I find that if the car is shut off for about ten minutes or more, the clock and radio turner act like the battery has been disconnected! (the same length of time as the car keeps power to some features.) .... Plus, at the same time of all of this, my drivers' side turn-signal only works by clicking the signal, once every 4 seconds. (passenger-side works just fine! And, the four-way flasher works fine on both sides!)
I have made sure the serpentine belt is good, and tight. I have checked all fuses, and checked the bulbs in all four corners. They are all fine & dandy. Help!!! Do I need an excorcism? A prayer? A grenade?

Ranger
02-26-06, 10:03 PM
Are the battery cable contacts good and clean? Also check for corrosion under the insulation. Reinstall grenade pin first.

d-ray
02-26-06, 10:12 PM
Are the battery cable contacts good and clean? Also check for corrosion under the insulation. Reinstall grenade pin first.
Yeppers. Cables all clean & good. Looking for grenade pin. Y'know, it makes it difficult to type with one hand.

Ranger
02-26-06, 11:26 PM
Check the engine grounds. Pull 'em and clean 'em. That would be a good place to start after you find the pin.

Caddy-chris
02-27-06, 08:41 AM
What brand of battery? - I had two Delcos that went south last year, both new, same symptoms as you.

Chris

d-ray
02-27-06, 05:12 PM
What brand of battery? - I had two Delcos that went south last year, both new, same symptoms as you.

Chris
Energizer batt. Thanks, I'll take it and have the batt checked again. After that I'll come back here & keep this thread updated.

d-ray
02-27-06, 05:14 PM
Check the engine grounds. Pull 'em and clean 'em. That would be a good place to start after you find the pin.
Sounds like good advice, I'll try to check all of the grounds. I know there is one from the neg side of the battery .,...... but anywhere else? I sure appreciate any help. I'll keep you posted.

Oh, yeah .... can anyone tell me where I'll find the Flasher(s)?

thankers,
D-RAYnged