QuestionI have a 99 Hyundai Accent, 100K miles. Reverse lights do not work (I changed the bulbs), the dashboard lights come on when the brakes are applied, and sometimes the radio turns off when the brakes are applied as well. Occasionally, the car will not turn over, so I have to jiggle the positive terminal on the battery and it works. Once in a while, I receive a shock when I get out of the car and touch the outside. I am assuming this is some wiring/battery problem, but am wondering if there is anyplace I should look myself first before submitting to an inevitably expensive repair.
AnswerPossible causes for reverse lamps out, other lighting issues:
Faulty range switch (reverse lamps -- A/T only)
Faulty reverse lamp switch (reverse lamps -- M/T only)
Incorrect or defective bulb(s) in tail lamps
Lack of tail lamp ground
No crank issue:
It sounds like you have a loose or corroded positive battery cable terminal. If you can move it around, it's too loose. Take your terminals off, clean them well, and reinstall so they're tight enough that you cannot move them by hand.
Static shock:
This does not have anything to do with the electrical system of the car, but rather is a function of climate, your clothes, and the material used on the floor and seats of the car. If this is a persistent problem, you could try spraying static-guard or similar product on you car's seats and carpet.
