Check Engine Light - Electrical Cut??? Any Ideas?!

[ClassicalBor]

So today during my commute to work, which was stop and go traffic no more than 20mph... my Battery or electrical or something seemed to "Click" off and right back on.

My radar detector restarted, my radio turned off and on, but it didnt do anything to the engine as far as I could tell at coasting speeds, it did not stall.

When it happened I could also hear a click from under my center dash/gear shift, almost possibly near my ECU? It sounded like a fuse but theres no fuse box there and maybe my ears were just playing tricks...

Also when this happened my Check Engine light would come on for about 5 seconds and then go back off.

Any ideas what this strange little issue was?



ALSO: about a month ago, my car did turn off and stall from me simply turning on the headlights at 30 mph.

My battery is only 2 years old, Optima Red Top, so its pretty good...


I have a hole in my downpipe im planing to get welded this weekend , I know thats close to my O2 sensor... but that wouldn't do anything would it?

Any ideas guys? Thanks

 

[warranty]

Have you had the battery tested? Don't assume it's okay--get it tested. Most auto parts stores can help you test your battery (some have it as self-service kiosk) very easily and free of charge.

All the symptoms you reported indicate a dead (or borderline dead) battery. Turning on the headlight creates a voltage drop in the entire electrical system (which a healthy battery, acting as a big capacitor, buffers out) that causes all these symptoms.

Another way to confirm all this is to go to Radio Shack (or Harbor Freight Tools) and get a cheap multi-meter. Then check your car's system voltage. It should be well above 12.4V. If not, then you should suspect the battery or possibly the alternator.

Warren
95 GST

So today during my commute to work, which was stop and go traffic no more than 20mph... my Battery or electrical or something seemed to "Click" off and right back on.

My radar detector restarted, my radio turned off and on, but it didnt do anything to the engine as far as I could tell at coasting speeds, it did not stall.

When it happened I could also hear a click from under my center dash/gear shift, almost possibly near my ECU? It sounded like a fuse but theres no fuse box there and maybe my ears were just playing tricks...

Also when this happened my Check Engine light would come on for about 5 seconds and then go back off.

Any ideas what this strange little issue was?



ALSO: about a month ago, my car did turn off and stall from me simply turning on the headlights at 30 mph.

My battery is only 2 years old, Optima Red Top, so its pretty good...


I have a hole in my downpipe im planing to get welded this weekend , I know thats close to my O2 sensor... but that wouldn't do anything would it?

Any ideas guys? Thanks