mapdog

I have a 2002 LX.

I spray washed inside the engine compartment a while ago and afterwords the SRS light would come on intermittently.

There are no codes. Both times I tried to read codes the light wasn't on.

More recently the radio started joining in on the fun by turning off and on.

Lately the radio and SRS light are acting like the car is being turned on and off by the ignition.

The radio is loosing power but does not loose presets or time.

I often see the SRS light and radio come on at the same time like the car just got started. After a few seconds the SRS light will go out like a normal start up.

I removed the in hood fuse block and made sure there were no problems or shorts. This didn't help.

I'd say the problem is in the ignition switch but the spray wash thing has me thinking the problem is under hood.

The car is running normally.

mikey1

start by disconnecting the battery, short both battery connectors together.....then wait for 30 mins and reconnect

mapdog

Interesting. I've never heard of anything like that before but I'll give it a try.

ezone

Get a volt meter and connect to the battery.
When the SRS light comes on, see what the voltage reads.

mapdog

If the battery disconnected and ground together was to clear the computer. I think that it is a no go. It seems to still be doing it.

I do have a Fluke voltmeter but it's going to be difficult to catch it in the act of coming on and going off.

I feel sure there is a short somewhere. I just can't figure out where being that it is only the SRS and the Radio systems.

The radio is getting continuous power, however, the ignition power is shorting somewhere.

ezone

SRS light will come on and leave no codes if the charging voltage is extremely high.
The radio might cut out under the same condition, IDK I've never witnessed this.



Connect meter, place inside and drive around. You could connect to the data link connector, you might connect to the cig lighter socket if it has one. Connect to something with battery positive so you can monitor system voltage while sitting inside the car.

If you see the SRS light come on and also find the vehicle voltage is 16v or above, you probably need an alternator.

mapdog

Thanks ezone. Awesome information and now that I know how, it'll be easy. I never even considered alternator but I'll know soon.

Reverb2005

Worst thing you can do for your car.... Unless you have taken hours to properly prep it for such a cleaning. Just get in there next time with a rag and some engine de-greaser if you feel so inclined. A little dirt never hurt anything btw.... Your problem is almost absolutely related to your washing... Probably shorted something out by getting water where it shouldn't have gotten, especially around the alternator..... Get a little water between the magnets and you will short it out! Can you put water into an electric motor and expect it to work? No... you can't...

mapdog

I couldn't disagree with you more. The engine compartment can be cleaned and modern cars are absolutely designed for water intrusion.

The problem was 100% the alternator as another forum member correctly pointed out. The car and the alternator has 263000 miles on it. However, the engine is sparkling clean.

mapdog

Thanks so much, Ezone. The alternator was popping volts in the high 16 and 17v range. A new alternator fixed my problem. I appreciate you pointing me in the right direction.