96 850, something cycling eletrically

454cid · Post by **454cid** » 30 Nov 2024, 16:35

So I've been noticing some weirdness with my 850. I'm getting 1 (maybe 2) dings of the chime when I've turned off the car, and am getting out. Secondly, earlier tonight, I noticed the lights dimming and blower motor slowing down cyclically every few seconds. It happened while cruising though my neighborhood, until I got to the main roads, then it was fine. I had the defroster, on so I turned that off, thinking it might be the AC cycling, but it still happened a few more times.

The battery is only a few years old, and the car starts fine.

It's dark out, right now, so I didn't even open the hood.

Any ideas?

Post by **scot850** » 30 Nov 2024, 19:39

Could be your electrical part of the ignition barrel that is failing.

Is your car a turbo or NA, sorry I can't recall.

How cold is it where you are just now?

Neil.

454cid · Post by **454cid** » 30 Nov 2024, 21:45

scot850 wrote: ↑30 Nov 2024, 19:39 Could be your electrical part of the ignition barrel that is failing.

If I try shooting contact cleaner through the keyhole will it get to the electrical, or is it isolated?

Is your car a turbo or NA, sorry I can't recall.

It's NA.

How cold is it where you are just now?

23F/-5C

Post by **abscate** » 01 Dec 2024, 03:56

No on that contact cleaner question. The electrical part of the switch sits to the left and is isolated from the tumblers

454cid · Post by **454cid** » 01 Dec 2024, 21:26

Another observation tonight. I set my alarm off. I unlocked the car, shut the door, and as I think just before putting the key in, the alarm went off. I had to cycle the outside lock with the key before I could precede.

Gingerood · Post by **Gingerood** » 02 Dec 2024, 19:28

454cid wrote: ↑30 Nov 2024, 16:35 So I've been noticing some weirdness with my 850. I'm getting 1 (maybe 2) dings of the chime when I've turned off the car, and am getting out. Secondly, earlier tonight, I noticed the lights dimming and blower motor slowing down cyclically every few seconds. It happened while cruising though my neighborhood, until I got to the main roads, then it was fine. I had the defroster, on so I turned that off, thinking it might be the AC cycling, but it still happened a few more times.

The battery is only a few years old, and the car starts fine.

It's dark out, right now, so I didn't even open the hood.

Any ideas?

Chime sound when turning off the engine and dimming of lights and fans can be caused by unstable voltage or a problem with the alternator system. Even if your battery is new, if the alternator is not working properly, it can cause insufficient voltage to be supplied to the vehicle's systems, leading to this phenomenon.

Post by **Clemens** » 03 Dec 2024, 09:12

+1 on the alternator/battery combo.
Corroded wires in the engine bay (especially the thick + wire running to the starter and alternator) are causes of weird gremlins.