bizzarre electrical problem

[johnnybronco]

So my turn signals and wipers don't work when it's really cold- like in the 20's and 30s - when the engine is running. I turn off the engine, turn only the accessories back on and then they work. Start the engine back up and they don't work. The outside temperature warms up and it all works fine. The outside temperature stays cold and the problem remains.

 

[6.2]

Wow that is odd...
An that's not cold, which makes even weirder. If it was actual cold temps I could maybe think it wasn't as weird.

Maybe somethin when the engine is running is pulling to much juice from the battery? I have no idea lol.

 

[rtg143]

Maybe the accessory position in the ignition switch is getting bad. After the switch goes from start back to run, there may be a poor connection to the accessory position.

 

[johnnybronco]

That sounds lke a good place to start - I'll try jacking around with the switch next time it does it.

 

[adsm08]

Try this: If you cycle the key from run to off to run again you can do it fast enough that the engine stumbles but keeps running. Try that and see if your stuff starts working again.

If that works, get a new switch.

 

[johnnybronco]

OK- hopefully it will get cold enough tonight to try it out.
thanks guys!

 

[doorgunner]

NOT the key switch......but the ignition SWITCH (the thang down the column with all the heavyduty wires going to it) has been acting up. The electric windows act up/the radio acts up/the A/C blower acts up...

I finally related it ALL to the Ig. switch...I can do the key wiggle thing like adsm said--and the problems stop for a couple days...

Then the engine quit for no reason yesterday...figured it was time to change the switch--checked the electrical connector & also found two of the push-in terminals were working their way out of the connector too...

So...for a grand total of $16 U.S.----I bought the complete assy from autozone

will install it this weekend.

 

[johnnybronco]

Problem Solved (sorta)-

The ignition/keyhole cylinder, when I start the engine- sticks a little. Not far enough to keep the starter engaged but far enough to keep the accessories from working. I can pull it back to the "on" position or sometimes it slowly creeps back to that position by itsself. But when it's cold outside it stays stuck halfway between "on" and "start" and no wipers or turn signals.
Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

 

[doorgunner]

tha nks for the update.......sorta