QuestionWe have a 1997 850 wagon, AWD, 5-speed. Electrical issues abound it seems in colder weather. Today, we had 9 dash lights come on during our 10 minute drive to lunch. The lights came ON about 15 seconds after start-up, including for example, ENGINE, BATTERY, PARK BRAKE, LAMDA SENSOR, COOLANT, etc. The car starts well amd engine runs well - good power and signals OK left/right. Today HVAC blower motor went OFF as well. Also,radio went OFF then ON 2 times. These are 2 new twists to the mystery. Any ideas?
AnswerThere are only 2 things i can think of that cause that:
1) there is a loose power wire to your dash accessories which causes them to stay on, go off, etc. whenever it moves.
2) There is a missing ground connection. When you have missing grounds the current has a tendency to run through circuits backwards and find grounds where they shouldn't. It causes some things to work, others not to work. Alot of times everything will work but not anywhere near the way they're supposed to. This is the most likely cause BUT it is the most difficult to find. Check the ground connections just inside the door frame, just below the hinge on both the driver and passenger side. Since its outside sometimes it can get water on it and then rust up while the doors are closed. Plus they're right near the kick panel so they take alot of abuse. It will be hard but not immpossible. Good luck. Hope this helps.
James
