1998 Suzuki Sidekick

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mudmantim - 06 Dec 2005 18:08 GMT

Hello everyone-

This is my first post here, I have googled for 3 hours with no luck and
this seems like the best place for my question.

We have a 1998 Suzuki Sidekick 4 door.

Most of the time, when you shut off the car and remove the key the
heater fan blower continues to run, the defroster will stay on, power
windows work, I think that's it.

The only reminder is if the fan is turned up high, so that it is loud,
then you remember to check everything.

This happens most of the time, but sometimes (for days) everything
shuts off with the key, like they are suppose to.

It runs the battery down fast if stuff is left on and you run into the
store for a while. We have had to get a jump start a couple times.
Other times just waiting long enough will allow it to slowly start with
the key.

Any suggestions on how to fix this?

Thanks.
-Tim

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HLS@nospam.nix - 06 Dec 2005 18:34 GMT

> It runs the battery down fast if stuff is left on and you run into the
> store for a while. We have had to get a jump start a couple times.
> Other times just waiting long enough will allow it to slowly start with
> the key.
>
> Any suggestions on how to fix this?

I tried to pull up an online wiring diagram for this, but it was pretty
poor.
You could have a sticking relay, an intermittently bad ignition switch, or
suchlike.

You dont want to start throwing parts at a problem like this.

Locate your fuse box, and when this happens, start removing fuses one by
one.
If you find a fuse that kills the other systems, either get back with us
here, or
buy yourself a Chiltons manual or a subscription to Alldata, and
troubleshooting
may be a little easier.

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mudmantim - 06 Dec 2005 19:31 GMT

I will try the fuse thing and let you know.

Thanks.
-Tim

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Spud Demon - 06 Dec 2005 21:07 GMT

"mudmantim" <mudmantim@gmail.com> writes in article <1133892500.949058.325290@g49g2000cwa.googlegroups.com> dated 6 Dec 2005 10:08:20 -0800:

>This is my first post here, I have googled for 3 hours with no luck and
>this seems like the best place for my question.
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
>Any suggestions on how to fix this?

I had this happen on an old car with a very worn key. In fact, I could take
the key out of the ignition lock cylinder while the car was running. If
you have the same problem, the solution is to use a better key. You can
always order one from a dealer if all the originals are worn.

If it's not the key, it's probably the ignition switch or lock cylinder, or
possibly a relay (if there's an accessory relay on that car). I'd start by
lubricating the lock with WD-40, as well as any part of the underlying
switch that you can get to.

-- spud_demon -at- thundermaker.net
The above may not (yet) represent the opinions of my employer.

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spamTHISbrp@yahoo.com - 06 Dec 2005 23:32 GMT

To help debug it, are the tings that run on things that normally work
with the key in the ACC position, or things that only work with the key
in the ON position?

Does the key turn backwards for ACC and then forwards for RUN and
START, or is it all forwards (ACC-RUN-START)?

For example, on our caravan, ACC runs radio, wipers, window but not the
heater fan.

Dave

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mudmantim - 13 Dec 2005 12:07 GMT

Ok, finally got a chance to check it out a bit.

The key turns one way, forward, ACC-RUN-START.

When it's in the ACC spot the radio also comes on, I think the
cigerette lighter also, along with the blower, windows, rear defroster.

The only thing that stays on when everything is shut off is the blower,
power windows and rear defroster.

I didn't get a chance to pull out fuses yet, I don't get to mess with
this vehicle that much.

Thanks.
-Tim

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