Weird Electrical Issue

[dsmornothing]

Ok so i just bought my first DSM it started out great no problems or anything...then one day out of no where my speakers start to crackle then the cd player cuts out next thing you know my horn is going off steady not pulsing like an alarm....i next notice that i cannot turn my headlights off but my dash lights do shut off when i try.. nothing on climate control works besides the lighting power windows and sunroof still works, but power locks do not....i am completely lost on this one! i need some major help!

 

[jstgon]

Well an electrical issue would be my first guess ... But maybe check your grounds, make sure all are still good. Then I would check for crossed wires or exposed wires.

 

[luv2rallye]

Bad alt and weak battery can also do that. With engine off measure battery voltage with headlights on and then off. Do same thing again with engine running.

 

[LiquidX]

Do you know if the previous owner had done any electrical work on the interior (gauges, lighting, electronics) and took them out? If anything is done, does it look like a rats nest of wires? Possible short from grounding wires. Test alternator and battery first then go deeper.

 

[dsmornothing]

ok well i decided to dig deeper in the firstplace...whoever owned the car before me had no right even driving it with the way it was wired as far as gauges and stereo....but yet i still have the same problem.....BUTTTT now my power windows and seat DO NOT work unless i am driving down the road so im starting to think alternator....ALSO i was told to disconnect my BATT with the car running i did so it ran for about 30 seconds and shut off so im now leaning towards my alternator kicking out because i did notice a slight whine from under the engine bay...one im framiliar with the alt....what are you thoughts?

 

[LiquidX]

I'd say it's going out. You can goto auto zone or advanced auto and I think they can check them in the car, if not, just pull it. You should technically be able to run the car without the battery after it's started since the batter is just for the accessories and the start up while the alt. charges it.