420A More electrical weirdness...

[Dalton63841]

I have a 1995 Talon 420A. Keeping it short, the problem seems intermittent, but becoming more frequent. It will decide not to start at all. When that happens, the CEL light is not doing its self test when you switch the key on. Most of the time this happens, but not always, the tach will jump around when the key is in the ON position.

Also of note, when this happens, the PCM is VERY hot to the touch. Having auto zone do a charging system test revealed that the battery is also oddly hot. The voltage regulator also failed that test, although the car charges the battery and runs just fine, when it starts.

1. Would the voltage regulator cause the problems I'm describing?
2. I read that the voltage regulator on my car is in the PCM instead of in the alternator. PLEASE tell me that info is incorrect. I just replaced this PCM last year.

 

[WREKLESSRACR]

Might you have some poor connections somewhere?
Yes, i found the Voltage regulator is in the PCM.

I feel you probably have poor connections. check for corrosion on battery contacts as well as pcm.

Some electronic cleaner may help you.

This thread below may help you. It also refers to a few other threads.
good luck.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/where-is-the-voltage-regulator.391464/

 

[Dalton63841]

Might you have some poor connections somewhere?
Yes, i found the Voltage regulator is in the PCM.

I feel you probably have poor connections. check for corrosion on battery contacts as well as pcm.

Some electronic cleaner may help you.

This thread below may help you. It also refers to a few other threads.
good luck.

http://www.dsmtuners.com/threads/where-is-the-voltage-regulator.391464/

Thanks. Tomorrow I am going to trace every wire I can feasably get to. Hopefully that will lead me to something. Off the top of my head I know of 2 things I need to do something about, but they have never caused a problem before, and they are so unimportant I'd find it hard to believe they are the cause.
1. The wire that goes to the power steering sensor is broken. Doubtful it's a problem, but perhaps it is shorting.
2. The pigtail to the washer fluid reservoir is also messed up. Same thoughts as before.

EDIT: This may be another clue. Today, when it failed on me(with no CEL self test), it was after the car was well up to operating temp. Once the car cooled down, the CEL came on when the key did, and I was able to start and drive it again.

 

[WREKLESSRACR]

post up some pictures. i like to see whats going on. This could also generate more response from the forum.