Sigh.. I've been having weird problems with my car lately. For the last few weeks, every time I locked/unlocked my car with the key fob it would continue to lock/unlock itself a few times (even though I only pressed the button once). I didn't think much of it till now... but when I tried to start it this morning, it wouldn't. When I stuck the key in, all dashboard lights come on as usual, but when I tried to turn it the starter doesn't click and all the electronics shut off. What was weirder is when I tried again the lights (inside and out) started flicking like a strobe light! I tried to start it again with no luck and with the same flickering. It sounds like something electric (battery, fuse, maybe alternator), maybe. I got lucky and found someone with jumper cables to help me out. And I made the hour drive back to Houston with no problems. Anyone ever encounter this?

*i'm not sure if the lock/unlock acting up is related to the problem in anyway, but I figured I should mention it.


any help appreciated

 

I would start having the battery check, possibly one of the cells are bad. Pretty much all electronics starts and ends at the battery. HTH.

 

It seems that every two days someone complains of an electrical problem - but don't seem inclined to check the battery, before posting here - the battery is the only thing which *runs* the entire electrical system.

While the battery may be OK, there is no way of knowing that without actually testing it.

And if the battery is bad, and you continue to run the car, you risk damaging the diodes (voltage regulator) in the alternator, which will require replacing the alternator.

1) if battery is 2-3 years old just get a new one as a starting point
2) or have someone test your existing battery
3) or check the battery yourself - its not difficult but can be tedious

HOW TO CHECK A NEW OR OLD BATTERY
https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?p=14546038#post14546038

 

Like mentioned, get an electrical system check (AutoZone/Advance Auto Parts both do it for free). Make sure battery cables aren't corroded and that you have a good ground (negative battery terminal to body).

 

thanks, i just assumed the battery is okay because it replaced it about a year ago.

got the battery checked and then replaced. car is running fine, but the lock/unlock situation is still occurring. not sure whats up with that..

 

bump. the unlock function is still going crazy..