1997 850 - Intermittent Major Electrical Fault

[dcaplan]

A couple times while driving my speedometer, tach and mileage indicator stopped functioning. This came along with a flashing trans light, CEL, brake light and ABS light.
The first time this happened, I heard a buzzing from what i think was my fuel pump relay and the engine stopped getting gas.

I had the electrical portion of my ignition switch replaced but the problem came back. This second time the problem went away after a few minutes of driving and the fuel pump didn't stop working.
I've read that other than the electrical portion of the ignition, it could be due to a faulty ground. I took the car apart today looking to clean up the grounds but I didn't really know where to look and couldn't figure out the wiring diagram.

I'm wondering if anyone has had a similar problem. Also does anyone have a picture of where the electrical grounds are located in this car?

Thank you!
Deron

[jreed]

I haven't experienced this type of problem yet. I don't have pictures to offer up but I know that there is a ground connection on the front driver's corner of the engine compartment right below and just in front of the battery tray. There are also braided metal grounding straps that connect the engine to the firewall, near the exhaust manifold area.
Have you experienced any problems starting the car? That's usually the moment of highest electrical stress on the wires and connections.

[rspi]

My guess would be a bad ABS module. Or bad cluster.

[dcaplan]

Thanks for the Advice! The problem does occur when I start the car, I'm guess by what you have said that this means it is likely a problem with an electrical connection.
RSPI, I do get ABS/TRACS lights that flash on when i start the car and sometimes come on while driving. Could this cause both these problems?

[misha]

I had the electrical portion of my ignition switch replaced but the problem came back.

Like you said....the problem came back.Could be that replacement ignition switch failed.