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Electrical problem? I am Unsure

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2011 6:47 pm
by nack1991
My "security" light keeps coming on until the car is started. The car was running fine until last night, when I came home it stalled and did not start back up. The car has gas in it, so i knew that wasn't the problem. Now the Interior lights blink when you try to put the windows up or lock/unlock the doors using the door switches. Also the windows will not go up/down at all. Has anyone else ever had this problem? I'm planning on calling the local Pontiac dealer tomarrow morning.

BTW it's an 94 SSEi, don't know what else is needed, but message me and i'll give u my cell number and you can call me and we can talk about the car and the problems. I'm really hoping that it's something cheap and easy to repair.... X.X

Re: Electrical problem? I am Unsure

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 12:35 am
by Mechanical Mike
If the starter isn't turning the engine over then you need to check the battery & battery connections.

If it is turning over then you may have a corroded ground bus. The door locks, power windows & the fuel pump are all grounded through this bus.

Here's a few pics showing the location of the ground bus & the metal bar that can corrode. There's a bus on the driver's & passenger side. Check the Driver's side 1st. Let us know what you find.

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Re: Electrical problem? I am Unsure

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 2:10 am
by nack1991
can you explain how to get to the ground bus step by step? im new at working on cars by myself and im use to the carb. motors not all this electrical stuff.

Re: Electrical problem? I am Unsure

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 11:31 am
by nack1991
Found the driver/passenger ground buses. The passenger side looks good, but the driver has white on it. I don't know if it's corrosion or if it's the residue from the tape they used. Can someone explain how to get the metal part out of the plastic piece? I don't want to break anything. Please somebody help me out.

Re: Electrical problem? I am Unsure

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 2:01 pm
by Mechanical Mike
Just grab onto it with a pair of pliers & pull it straight out. If needed clean both the male & female terminals with some fine sandpaper or a wire brush. Coating the bar with some dielectric grease may help prevent future corrosion.

Re: Electrical problem? I am Unsure

Posted: Tue Jul 26, 2011 2:32 pm
by nack1991
Got the metal out, the driver side had black on it. I have it soaking in GoJo right now because i don't have sandpaper or anything. Waiting a few minutes for the GoJo to do it's job, then going 2 try cleaning it again. I don't have any grease, so i can't do that idea. I will keep everyone posted and let ya's know how I make out...

Re: Electrical problem? I am Unsure

Posted: Wed Jul 27, 2011 3:29 pm
by nack1991
Got it running, if anyone else has this problem, i used GOJO, Nail Polish Remover, and a nail file. It's clean as a whistle. Now i just have a few minor things to fix. Has anyone ever had problems with the High Beam Switch going bad? Mine won't click and the high beams won't come on. I can't go through Inspection until it's fixed... PLEASE HELP!

Re: Electrical problem? I am Unsure

Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 12:10 pm
by willwren
Next time, buy some sandpaper and dielectric grease at your auto parts store. Gojo may contain chemicals that can accelerate future corrosion.

Your high beam switch is actually located down the steering column a ways. Get under there and you'll find it while you play with the stalk/switch.

Re: Electrical problem? I am Unsure

Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 2:24 pm
by locowbl
Does the 2000+ models have the same ground bus?

Re: Electrical problem? I am Unsure

Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 5:45 pm
by nack1991
I took out a black peice out of the steering column. Now i don't know how to put it back in. Any help would be great...

Re: Electrical problem? I am Unsure

Posted: Fri Jul 29, 2011 7:52 pm
by willwren
"A black piece" is a pretty general description. Not much for us to go on.

If it's the square cover on the left side, it just snaps back in.

Re: Electrical problem? I am Unsure

Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2011 9:54 am
by nack1991
It's the "clicker" for the high beams. I'm guessing it makes the high beams work.

Re: Electrical problem? I am Unsure

Posted: Sat Jul 30, 2011 11:28 am
by myfirstbonnie
locowbl wrote:Does the 2000+ models have the same ground bus?
:offtopic:
No, they do have ground points in the cabin. Feel free to start your own thread in the 2000+ section with any issues you are having.

Back on topic.

Re: Electrical problem? I am Unsure

Posted: Sun Dec 09, 2012 10:52 pm
by ichibanjohn
Did you find out how to put the high beam clicker back in? Mine has been in the ashtray for two years. Haven't had high beams for a long time! I will post a picture of it for those who want to identify it.