tlmaster1

This happened once yesterday and this morning coming to work, where the RL shuts off every quickly and turns back on very quickly. Tranny gets locked in 3rd gear!!!, then I have to go and turn off the car and restart it. Then is fine, until it happens again. Very unpredictable! anyone else have the same issue or had it in the past before?
help!

thanks for any input!

beekermartin

I've never heard of that but I have read of very strange electronic gremlins when the battery is on its way out.

tlmaster1

I have a 1 year old optimum red top for that reason.

beekermartin

Ok. Then I very much doubt that is the issue. If you happen to have access to a battery tester I would at least check it to make sure. Maybe the alternator is going causing it to not charge the battery properly???

Hopefully someone else here will chime in soon with better ideas. Sorry I couldn't help more.

RedRyder

iTrader: (1)

Just curious...do the gauge needles drop to 0 and then shoot back up to the correct reading?

rlerman

Sounds ignition related.

justnspace

iTrader: (1)

Optimum batteries are not made like they were used to.
production changed and their battery line suffered.

Optimum is no longer the king of batteries any more.

Look into Johnson Controls battery line....sears die hard and costco batteries are both made by johnson controls.

tlmaster1

yea the needles in the gauges jump up and down!

RedRyder

iTrader: (1)

A recall was issued for a similar problem with my car for the ignition switch. The difference is it didn't cause the car to get stuck in a particular gear. But it sounds like it could be something to look at.

oo7spy

I would guess an alternator issue. Once the car is running, the battery shouldn't matter much.

HEAVY_RL

iTrader: (1)

Are you driving a GM?

I would start with an electrical system check and make sure all cables are tight.