QuestionQUESTION: hey, i have two concerns. first my name is brian, i am an expert in this same website in ford repair. hello :)
i have a 98 pontiac sunfire 2.2. auto. intermittently driving down the road the instrument cluster will do a gage sweep drop to -0- while driving and never miss a beat. 2nd prob. abs light proves out when started, back up to 5-10 mph you here the module click and abs motor self test but light comes on and code is for low voltage. any known concerns for either ??? if you have any ford questions, i'm at this site under brianfor ford repair.. peace out -b-
ANSWER: Hey Brian:
Doe these happen at the same time? If so it's either a power/ground issue or a data line going down between the modules. have you done a code scna on this and "U" comminication codes? I would start there. The really one known wiring concern on these are ground issues. there is a body gound on the battery tray and under the battery tray. If the battery leaks the acid leakis right on to those grounds and well you know the rest of the story. there is a ground neat the base of the steering column that could be an issue. Lastly the ignition switches on these when they get a lot of miles on them start to screw up. But you'll never catch it quick enough If the fault stays constant you can use a DVOM on the fuses and see if you have less then battery volatge on some of the fuses due to a volatge drop across the switch contacts. good luck :)
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QUESTION: hey, thanks for talking tech terms. i did replace the cable grounded to the battery tray. there is another underneath ??? i heard through the grape vine there was a recall on these cars for ignition switch concerns ?? keep in mind this is my own personal vehicle..
no, it doesn't happen at the same tine, the abs is every day, start it up nolight back it up. motor cycles and then the light comes on, scan it and low voltage code comes up. the cluster sweep happens about once every two to 3weeks. receive a code for comunication loss to ecm/pcm
Answeryes under the battery tray there are 1 or 2 grounds on the front fram rail under the tray. ther is a recall for the ignition switch per say it's for a "termal event" there is a relay kit for the starter it doesn't have much to do with the rest just an issue for (cranking) the car but a switch is part of the recall if needed. That is a judgement call part for the tech working on it. I have seen some ABS power enable relays go bad on these but not the newer ones 95/96 yes I guess there can be an issue. One last thing to looks at If these cars have a water leak in them the SDM (air bad module) under the r/f seat gets all corrded up and causes communication issues. Worth at least stucking you hand under the carpet to see if it;s wet under there. Do it with the key off! I have seen the air bag modules on these get water logged and the bags deply! Communication issues are the first thing that happnes to these when they get water intrusion...
