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Recruiter
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May 2, 2013, 6:43 AM
Post #1 of 9
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Strange electrical issue
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I have a 2001 Olds Aurora, with a 3.5L engine and about 28,000 (original) miles.
Recently, I had a problem with my a/c compressor. My mechanic tried 3 used ones. They were just as bad as mine. They all squeeled. Ultimately, we had to go with a new one. Then we had no cold air. Turns out, one of the leads wasn't all the way on. Now 2 days later, I start to have issues with the control panel on the dash. It is now ringing, saying Right (and/or) Left Rear Door Ajar. As long as I do city driving, it keeps ringing. When I get on the highway, it stops.
Yesterday, I started to notice that the right rear window will suddenly drop, just a little bit, every so often. Then, suddenly, for no reason, it will drop down half way. I am alone in the car. Nothing is leaning on the button in back, and I'm not touching it in front.
My wife suggested a problem with the chip on the key. 2 months ago, I got locked out of the ignition, with wheels locked, due to dirt in the ignition. They removed the ignition, a locksmith cleaned it out and they put it back. Other than that, I've never had a problem with the car.
Any ideas what could be causing my problems?
Thanks
Dave
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 2, 2013, 7:34 AM
Post #2 of 9
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Re: Strange electrical issue
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Used parts,
T
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Recruiter
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May 2, 2013, 7:46 AM
Post #3 of 9
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Re: Strange electrical issue
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Tom
I don't understand.
Even though we tried using the used a/c compressors, we ultimately ended up with a brand new one. Now, other than the fact that a lead wasn't snapped on all the way, the a/c works fine now. Now, both my rear door sensors, and right window control are acting up. How are they all connected?
Thanks
Dave
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 2, 2013, 10:06 AM
Post #4 of 9
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Re: Strange electrical issue
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OK - let's sort this shopping list out. Better for one issue at a time. MAN DID YOU LUCK OUT THE A/C WORKS AND DIDN'T COST YOU A FORTUNE! 28,000 miles what way and how does this have such low miles? Where was it stored but I already think I know?
With A/C you should never go used or just do a compressor without some serious understanding that it is a system not just a compressor to toss in. Oils go acidic when exposed to air if it was empty and and you need to dump out old oil of any component if found plus some. If that oil is all acid now it won't last long - not just a compressor - bad move. Now you may have junk in the system from bad used ones.
Electrical: ?? My guess is moisture went nuts on this car just sitting. The latch (I think) is where "door ajar" sensors are. The switches wouldn't be happy staying wet either - just a guess as said. Maybe as you seemed a bit lucky with having A/C at all for now you could just WD-40 up the items and get lucky.
This is hard as such low miles you would think would be trouble free still but there's more to it. It may have been messed with or too wet for too long.
What's the history on this?
You can switches with a simple test light for the window "acting up" whatever that means.
I don't see the common denominator in A/C issues and pwr window/door ajar issues at all. What is the real condition of this car despite the low miles? Some are troubled by that depending on how and why. Collectible cars get some extensive work to store them in nice dry garaged situation........
T
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Recruiter
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May 2, 2013, 10:59 AM
Post #5 of 9
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Re: Strange electrical issue
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We purchased the car from a relative. They ordered it new, from the dealer. He died, when the car had 2000 miles on it. It had always been stored indoors, in a dry garage. She rarely used the car afterwards. When she died 4 years ago, it had 8000 miles. It was held up in probate a while, in the garage. We finally got the car a bit over 3 years ago. Now there's 28000 miles on it. It is stored in our driveway, not in a garage (don't have one).
As far as the a/c is concerned, since I don't know much about them, I leave it to the mechanic to work on it. I know they made 4 swap outs. Each time he had to evacuate the system, put in the new part, and recharge it. The 3 used compressors had the same squeal as mine did. Unfortunately for me, that part was only made for that year, that model, that engine. The new compressor cost me almost $700 plus labor - not cheap. The only real problem I had afterwards, there was no cold air. When I brought the car back, the mechanic discovered that one of the leads wasn't on all the way, and was only running intermittently when it made contact. Now that he put it on correctly, it is running fine.
The car has been used daily for the last 3 years. Barely had any issues with it, other than normal maintenance, until now.
The mechanic told me, the sensors are, in fact at the door latches. He would have to replace both latches to solve the problem, or simply disconnect the leads to the door sensors and tape them up. He tried to spray some lube and contact cleaner at the switch, but it hasn't helped yet. In fact the window issue started after he sprayed the contacts. That still doesn't explain why the 2 rear door sensors went at the same time, nor does it explain why my window is suddenly starting to open on its own.
It is possible none of the issues are related to the other. The timing just seems strange.
Thanks
Dave
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 2, 2013, 12:45 PM
Post #6 of 9
(1459 views)
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Re: Strange electrical issue
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These windows are computer operated. They have modules inside the door so you are going to need to knowledge and equipment to get to the bottom of this.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Recruiter
New User
May 2, 2013, 12:54 PM
Post #7 of 9
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Re: Strange electrical issue
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Do you think the window and the right/left rear door ajar issue are related?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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May 2, 2013, 12:56 PM
Post #8 of 9
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Re: Strange electrical issue
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Could be. You aren't going to know until someone starts investigating.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 2, 2013, 3:00 PM
Post #9 of 9
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Re: Strange electrical issue
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Recruiter - Let Hammer Time follow up any more questions as I have and funky router throwing me fits. My hunch that this was soaking wet too long is not applicable now at all with that history and having run for a few years now. I'll stay out unless I can trust my connection or just watch so I don't mess anything up with this. You are in good hands with Hammer,
T
(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on May 2, 2013, 3:05 PM)
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