Electronic Problems

[ChronoGN]

I dunno why but lots of electrical stuff in my car is going wrong. It will be kewl is someone can help me find out whats wrong so I can try fixing it.

First problem is that left brake light don't turn on when I press on the brake pedal. I know its not the light bulb because the tail lights do turn on if I turn the headlights on. It just dont do anything when I press on the brakes. I need to get this fixed before I get pulled over...

Second problem is that I have trouble starting up my car sometimes. Sometimes when I turn the key to the ON position, electronic stuff turns on and off and on and off(Keeps doing that really fast and all the electrical stuff finally tuns on). Then when I twist the key, the engine doesnt crank at all sometimes. so I will pull the key back and try again and again and the engine finally starts running. I'm thinking that ignition thing that you put your key in is going bad but I'm not sure.. Anyway to check this?

The final problem is that the brake and traction light sometimes blinks. And it goes off when I press on the brakes. Also, the ABS INOP light is on all the time.

Any info that would help me with these stuff will be appreciated. Thanks all!

[ November 17, 2002: Message edited by: ChronoGN ]

[ November 17, 2002: Message edited by: ChronoGN ]</p>

[99Camaro99]

battery
alternator

could be one, or the other, or a combo of the two. Have them checked.

[ChronoGN]

I think its the starter. I'm not sure.. Where is the starter located at on Camaros?

[TheFireChicken]

The starter is an electric motor that turns the crank shaft during startup. I doubt its causing the malfunctioning that you are experiencing.

It sounds like maybe you have a short in teh wiring for that brake light. If you use a powered multimeter to perform a "continuity check", it will tell you if the circuit is complete. If its not, you may have a shorted wire somewhere. Also, you might need to replace the holder that grips the bulb. Make sure to check the bulb contacts for corrosion, if they get a bit rusted, they wont conduct electricity.

As for your other problems, it sounds like you have a short somewhere. It may be a wire that is slightly peeled somewhere, or it may be a fuse contact that is corroded, or may be that an entire fuse box needs to be replaced. Could also be a loose alternator wire.

Unfortunately, there are about 900 things that could cause the problem. Your best bet might be a dealership. They will probably only charge you $50-$60 to find out what the problem is, and if they tell you the problem, you can fix it yourself easy. Otherwise, you will be spending a long, long, long, long time trying to figure out whast wrong.

[calvo]

check batt. cable to starter (pos) and the bulb just might be burned if its a double fillament bulb. (2 lights in one) try replacing it. mayba a short in ign to starter somewere. good luck

[ChronoGN]

My car just went dead today. It wont start at all anymore. So, I tried jump starting it but didnt work. So, I guess its not the battery.
I'm going to replace the alternator. Where is a good place to get one?

[ChronoGN]

My battery was bad. Replaced the battery and the car started without hesitation! Thanks to people that helped me.
Now I gotta figure out whats wrong with the left brake light...

[camaro1952]

Mine had the same problem with lights coming on well, I read when the alternator is going bad it can make that happen. I changed the altenator and sure enough no more problems.