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1997 Chevy Malibu "electrical trouble".


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thugnificent
New User

Aug 15, 2013, 7:52 AM

Post #1 of 2 (1416 views)
1997 Chevy Malibu "electrical trouble". Sign In

 It started when i had to change out upper radiator hose, I disconnected the battery and took it out in order to replace hose and when I replaced the battery and hooked it up, the car starts up and all but there is a ticking noise coming from below the dash board. The battery is a little over 6 months old, everything works fine, lights, radio, blinkers etc. But what i did notice was the needle on gas gauge spun all the way around so it now shows it below where it normally rests when shut off. Also, at times everything starts blinking, radio, tail lights "with out the emergency flashers being on", dash board, etc.

I've tried reconnecting battery, hooking up positive first then negative, still does it, tried it in reverse order, same result. Basically all i did was unhook battery, changed hose, replaced battery and for what ever reason it started doing this. I'm stumped, low on cash and patience. Any advice would sure be a big help!! 1997 Chevy Malibu 6cyl 3100, auto, a/c, power windows/locks, everything factory, no after market additions.
Thanks much in advance!


(This post was edited by thugnificent on Aug 15, 2013, 7:57 AM)


Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Aug 15, 2013, 10:26 AM

Post #2 of 2 (1391 views)
Re: 1997 Chevy Malibu "electrical trouble". Sign In

Maybe, maybe you'll get lucky and find a bad battery or block to ground connection. Side post batteries are a trouble spot too. They have to be good, wire brushed up and solid metal without corrosion.

1. When you must remove a battery cable for any reason it's neg off first and back on last. If nothing else tools to fasten the pos doesn't short to metal if you touch something grounded which messing with it.

2. Imperative on some but didn't think this one is to always use a memory saver when disconnecting a battery, remove any hood light, don't open doors or anything till back in and it won't forget things stored in memory, mess up pre-sets or BCM and ECM and avoid going thru a re-learn of some engine functions or worse some anti-theft something especially aftermarket but you said it didn't have extras.

For the moment seems you already didn't do that so look for the grounds and recheck condition of battery terminals and hope it ends there,

T







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