This is a second-hand vehicle that works fine other than that it has a
tendency to shut down electrically at times. Having said this, the
ignition will start, the radio/CD player will work, the van will run, but
all the other intruments on the dash will be out. This stays that way for
a day or two and then suddenly, (and for no apparent reason) everything
comes back to life again. The shutdown usually occurs after driving
somewhere, parking, turning off the engine and then at the moment of
re-starting the engine, the dash is dead again. Does anyone know what
causes this and how it may be fixed?
Sincerely,
JRC
MK - 25 May 2005 14:16 GMT
Sounds like exactly the same problem I had. I brought it to the dealer and
they said they replaced the 'clock spring'. I don't know exactly what that
is but I've never had the problem since it was replaced. Also, it was a
"no charge" repair (even though I was out of warranty) since there was a
TSB out about it - apparently it was a safety issue because it affected the
air bag as well.
MK
> ignition will start, the radio/CD player will work, the van will run, but
> all the other intruments on the dash will be out. This stays that way for
> a day or two and then suddenly, (and for no apparent reason) everything
> comes back to life again.
snookums@bat.mlb - 26 May 2005 02:23 GMT
>Sounds like exactly the same problem I had. I brought it to the dealer and
>they said they replaced the 'clock spring'. I don't know exactly what that
[quoted text clipped - 9 lines]
>> a day or two and then suddenly, (and for no apparent reason) everything
>> comes back to life again.
The clock spring is in the steering wheel hub, and does indeed have
something to do with the air bag deployment system, and may also cause
problems with the rest of the electrical system since the airbag is
supposed to turn on all interior lights and release the door locks
when it deploys (I think this is outlined in the owner's manual).