RichFromSK
Probationary Member
- 23
- 0
- Apr 20, 2010
-
Saskatoon,
SK, Canada
So my girl's had this weird issue since getting her back from the mechanic a couple weeks ago. I should mention that it was stored all winter, and I had the battery charged just before driving this spring.
When the engine's warm, it starts immediately...hell, catches faster than my '07 CRV. If the car's been sitting for more than a day or two, however, it cranks over pretty slow, and takes 3-4 of cranking before catching. Almost gives the impression that it WON'T start (but it always does).
Now, here's the really odd thing it does. Whenever I start it, the radio has reset itself. All of my presets are gone, the default factory sound settings are
restored. It does this EVERY time I start the car.
Also, when I insert or remove the key from the ignition, my instrument panel warning lights will dim down to nothing, and I'll hear a soft wailing coming from my Alpine alarm. After a few seconds the lights will brighten again in the dash, and the siren will stop. It's starting to do this almost every time I drive the car now. Also, there's a small switch next to my gear shift with a little red light. This starts to blink when the lights are killed.
Does it sounds like all this is tied in with my alarm somehow? Unfortunately, the original owner had all this installed, and no longer had the manual anymore. Would low battery voltage be tripping the alarm, and the radio reset? It seems like there's a parasitic draw on the battery.
Funny thing, I never had any of these issues before I brought it back from the mechanic (they resealed the engine).
When the engine's warm, it starts immediately...hell, catches faster than my '07 CRV. If the car's been sitting for more than a day or two, however, it cranks over pretty slow, and takes 3-4 of cranking before catching. Almost gives the impression that it WON'T start (but it always does).
Now, here's the really odd thing it does. Whenever I start it, the radio has reset itself. All of my presets are gone, the default factory sound settings are
restored. It does this EVERY time I start the car.
Also, when I insert or remove the key from the ignition, my instrument panel warning lights will dim down to nothing, and I'll hear a soft wailing coming from my Alpine alarm. After a few seconds the lights will brighten again in the dash, and the siren will stop. It's starting to do this almost every time I drive the car now. Also, there's a small switch next to my gear shift with a little red light. This starts to blink when the lights are killed.
Does it sounds like all this is tied in with my alarm somehow? Unfortunately, the original owner had all this installed, and no longer had the manual anymore. Would low battery voltage be tripping the alarm, and the radio reset? It seems like there's a parasitic draw on the battery.
Funny thing, I never had any of these issues before I brought it back from the mechanic (they resealed the engine).
All the belts were done when the engine was out a few weeks ago. The shop that did the work can check it out on their dime. Hope the alt isn't on the way out...
At least that seems to rule out the alternator. I'm still pretty sure I have a parasitic draw somewhere though. I'll see how the new battery goes.
