electrical issue: hit brakes, CD player turns off wtf
04-19-09, 12:22 PM
#1
electrical issue: hit brakes, CD player turns off wtf
It started as an intermittent issue then the car just gave out.
Condition:
-slow, low speed crawling driving only
-when i put load on the electric, the battery light comes on
-it was initially when i tap the brakes, the CD player would turn off. Then it got progressively worse...tap on brakes and check battery light turned on --> tap on brakes CD player died --> tap on brakes+CD+climate --> tap on brakes+CD+climate+car almost shutting off --> CD+climate+car completely shut off in the middle of effing Chicago.
What the hell could be the issue here?
I have stock Nakamichi audio with the plagued front driver side speaker cutting out symptom. The only electrical mod I have is DIY iPod input thing thats been working great for two years. I don't even have LED taillights.
I'm probably going to take it to the dealership for diagnosis (pray for me guys...tracing electrical problems....sigh), but just wanted to know if anyone had any similar case. Searched but not previous threads btw.
Condition:
-slow, low speed crawling driving only
-when i put load on the electric, the battery light comes on
-it was initially when i tap the brakes, the CD player would turn off. Then it got progressively worse...tap on brakes and check battery light turned on --> tap on brakes CD player died --> tap on brakes+CD+climate --> tap on brakes+CD+climate+car almost shutting off --> CD+climate+car completely shut off in the middle of effing Chicago.
What the hell could be the issue here?
I have stock Nakamichi audio with the plagued front driver side speaker cutting out symptom. The only electrical mod I have is DIY iPod input thing thats been working great for two years. I don't even have LED taillights.
I'm probably going to take it to the dealership for diagnosis (pray for me guys...tracing electrical problems....sigh), but just wanted to know if anyone had any similar case. Searched but not previous threads btw.
04-19-09, 12:30 PM
#2
Sounds like a grounding issue, similar to the "pop" sound you get sometimes with a aftermarket radio when you hit the brakes (those yours seems like a much stronger one than just the draw from the actual lights).
Check for any wires around the brake pedal area that may have been damaged/worn, for instance, anything that could be contacting a moving part of the pedal. Do you have an aftermarket alarm/remote start? These are basically just places to start.
One other thing, try pulling the fuse out of the tail light slot and then see if the problem goes away, that should cut power to the circuit and possibly stop the issue, that would help you narrow it down.
Sorry I can't be of more help on this one.
Check for any wires around the brake pedal area that may have been damaged/worn, for instance, anything that could be contacting a moving part of the pedal. Do you have an aftermarket alarm/remote start? These are basically just places to start.
One other thing, try pulling the fuse out of the tail light slot and then see if the problem goes away, that should cut power to the circuit and possibly stop the issue, that would help you narrow it down.
Sorry I can't be of more help on this one.
.
04-19-09, 02:38 PM
#4
If it's not a problem you can replicate I wouldn't take it to the dealer. Most likely they won't be able to replicate it and you will just be stuck with a bill and being without a car for a day. Try to find the exact series of events that will cause it to happen or wait until it happens consistently before you take it in.
. I'll try to fix or replicate it...ugh.
04-21-09, 10:25 AM
#6
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Hey ive had the same exact problem with my gs300. I was at a duckin donuts at what do you know right when i exit towards the street, my car dies as soon as im on the little slope on the street. I try and jump it but it dies as soon as i hit the brakes to change gear to drive. So i unplugged the radio shut off wipers and a/c. waited 5 mins and it worked again. Since then ( 2 days ago) ive replaced the battery and havent went to see if it starts up i will try after school though. If it doesnt start what do you think could be the problem....thanks a bunch
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04-21-09, 08:39 PM
#9
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had this same problem changed battery checked grounds and still had the same problem, come to find out the power terminal for the car on the battery terminal was loose. no problems since
04-21-09, 09:39 PM
#10
Interesting you say this b/c I got a new battery few months ago. The new battery had smaller terminals and it wasn't charging and I got new terminals....but like $5 Autozone brand ones. I'll go there and see if they can check my alternator (can they?) and try new terminals.
04-21-09, 11:31 PM
#11
Do this, just for a temp fix. Just get a small screw, 1/2" or something and loosen your terminal enough that you can fit it on the inside of the terminal between the battery post and the terminal. Once you get it in there tighten the terminal back up, it will make sure it's nice and tight, drive it around for a few days like that and see if it gets rid of the problem, if it does then you know you have a terminal issue. You can use that on both terminals if you like.
04-22-09, 08:23 AM
#13
Do this, just for a temp fix. Just get a small screw, 1/2" or something and loosen your terminal enough that you can fit it on the inside of the terminal between the battery post and the terminal. Once you get it in there tighten the terminal back up, it will make sure it's nice and tight, drive it around for a few days like that and see if it gets rid of the problem, if it does then you know you have a terminal issue. You can use that on both terminals if you like.
and it hasn't been doing it since that one time. It's creeping me out.