What causes a car to have intermittent electrical problems?

What causes a car to have intermittent electrical problems?

Inspect the wiring for loose connectors, unsupported wires, wires rubbing against sharp corners or edges, wire grommets that are missing, etc. Sometimes shaking or rocking the vehicle may create enough movement to duplicate the fault in the shop. Or, you may have to test-drive the vehicle on a rough road to get the fault to act up.

Is it difficult to diagnose intermittent car problems?

An intermittent problem may not occur while operating the system or even during a test drive. This can make it very difficult to diagnose the cause of the problem. Intermittent car problems can be a pain for everyone involved! This post should help you understand why that is and the complexities of diagnosing the cause of car problems.

What causes intermittent electrical problems in a Volvo?

A CEM module (or corroded connections at CEM) trigger intermittent electrical problems. Here are some problems you may notice. Brake, please make a safe stop error on the dashboard. Ignition issues, can’t start the car. Waring Lights Come On / Indicators failure. Wipers turn on randomly. Steering wheel hard to turn.

Where can I find information on intermittent electrical problems?

Another source that can often provide insight and answers for hard-to-diagnose faults like intermittents is the International Automotive Technicians Network (www.iatn.net). Thousands of technicians worldwide belong to this group and share their knowledge and experience in the form of posts and follow-ups.

Inspect the wiring for loose connectors, unsupported wires, wires rubbing against sharp corners or edges, wire grommets that are missing, etc. Sometimes shaking or rocking the vehicle may create enough movement to duplicate the fault in the shop. Or, you may have to test-drive the vehicle on a rough road to get the fault to act up.

Why does my truck run intermittently while driving?

The second guys truck acted like the battery was 100% dead even though it was running perfectly 5 minutes before and then 5 minutes later it would start fine. It was a bad cell in the battery and it was intermittent in both cases.

Another source that can often provide insight and answers for hard-to-diagnose faults like intermittents is the International Automotive Technicians Network (www.iatn.net). Thousands of technicians worldwide belong to this group and share their knowledge and experience in the form of posts and follow-ups.

What to do when your lights are intermittent?

If an intermittent is affecting the operation of several different components (say the interior lights, wipers and horn), you may discover that they all share a common power supply or ground. This can save you the time of trying to disconnect and check each component individually.

Can a bad circuit breaker cause intermittent power outages?

A faulty circuit breaker can also cause intermittent faults. Breakers contain a heat-sensitive bimetal contact arm and contact points to open a circuit if it overloads. After the circuit breaker cools down, the contacts re-close and current is restored. If the breaker is bad, it may be opening prematurely.

What are the issues with the X type?

X-TYPE Issue: This bulletin provides diagnostic information for the vehicle fuel system. The following issues are addressed: Drivability/starting issues: 1. Fuel starvation. Loss of power at high engine demand, stumbling and stuttering during wide open throttle accelerations, preignition (detonation) at high engine speeds/loads. 2.

What are the diagnostic codes for an X-type?

Loss of power at high engine demand, stumbling and stuttering during wide open throttle accelerations, preignition (detonation) at high engine speeds/loads. 2. Engine starting problems. No fuel pump commands, Engine Control Module (ECM) Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P1234, P1236, P1338. 3. Engine stops with fuel still indicated in the fuel tank.

A faulty circuit breaker can also cause intermittent faults. Breakers contain a heat-sensitive bimetal contact arm and contact points to open a circuit if it overloads. After the circuit breaker cools down, the contacts re-close and current is restored. If the breaker is bad, it may be opening prematurely.