Brian Merriam

i have a 96 cavalier with a 2.2 and it is having some major electrical malfunctions. at start up it is fine but once i hit the brake, trun on the windshield wipers, turn up the radio or do anything electircal, all power is either cut or severly reduced to the interior of the car. all idiot lights blink, and the radio turns off completly. the temp guage bounces back and fourth unless at a complete stop. the battery is fine, the alternator is brand new and there is a solid ground. also only one high beam, and flasher work. but both blinkers and head lights work, and the dome light wont turn off. the engine still runs fine. also when you first get into the car if you dont put the seatbelt on the car chimes to indicate such, it does this momentarily then stops (normal right?) then if you come to a complete stop it chimes again as if you had just turned on the car and got in, its like it re-set itself. the onlything i think this could possibly be is the cpu. please help.

Phazer

One thing to check. The negative cable has a ground lug at the battery tray. This "HAS" to be there. It will cause all kinds of problems if it's loose/missing. If it's rusted off, you might be able to run a jumper from the lug on the cable, to the body.

Brian Merriam

thanks for the reply. that has fixed the entire problem and now the car runs fine.

Phazer

WOO HOO ! ! ! Even a blind squirrel gets a nut now and then...