Strange Electrical Problem - Check Engine Light, Exterior Lights

[dwj119]

Something weird starting happening today:

Driving down the wrong and I pressed the brake pedal a few times at a stop sign. Each time the Check Engine Light flashed on for and the radio turned off for a second. Then I'm continuing down the road and I turn on my headlights, same thing, check engine light turns on for about 3 seconds then turns off and the radio turns for about 2 seconds. This continued (turning head lights on and off and with the brakes) for my short drive. I'm thinking the brake thing could be related to the brake lights. What do you think, some kind of elect. short or alternator problem? Please help! I hate diagnosoing elect problems, they can be tough.

1990 Eagle Talon non-turbo
Harrisburg PA
www.jtechonline.com

 

[Project Draven]

check your battery terminals if any look damaged or loose then replace them i had the same problem before and with a system in my car when the radio would turn off around ppl i would feel really stupid but i replaced my negative terminal and everything has been working great so maybe it is a related problemif not that then your alternator could be bad but mine did the same as yours and the terminal solved it for me
hope this helps

 

[dwj119]

I was thinking of this solution too, now I feel more confident. I did notice some corrision around the terminals and the bolts securing the battery wires seemed kind of rusty. I'll head to autozone this weekend, clean the posts and get some new terminal cables. I'll post my results. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[Defiant]

Bolt down the battery so it can't short against the hood when you brake. And, replace the vinyl cover on the positive terminal.

 

[dwj119]

I replaced the battery terminal connections. Everything is working fine now. THanks

Dustin Jones
JTechOnline