Gauges Going Crazy

[00PearlGT]

I recently purchased an 00 GT from a local guy. Earlier today I noticed the check engine light came on only days before my smog. WOOHOO!! Anyways I went to lunch today from work and during startup the gauges went stright to redline, back down to zero, and then a second later the rpm's read normal. I turned the car off and started it 2 more times and it did the same thing. Then leaving the togos it started up with no problem. The car has 53k miles and idles perfectly with no sign of misfire. Any ideas?

 

[mustang90]

sounds like the computer was resetting itself. typically our cars do that after you disconnect the battery to reset the gauges. don't know what caused this. check your battery connections first.

 

[Jinx]

I agree that it sounds like your PCM (computer) is resetting itself. My guages did this every time I disconnected the battery for maintenance or addition of mods. Check your battery terminals and cables first for corrosion and/or breakage.

 

[00PearlGT]

It seems to be a pretty old battery but the connections look good. Alos when I turn my headlights on my left headlight tends to flicker or shut off when I'm driving. I'll come to a stop and it'll shut off then when I drive it comes back on. Only the left headlight does it. I do have a check engine light so could there be some kind of code for electrical issues like this?

 

[blubullett]

Mine used to do that (except throwing codes) and it was just the battery terminals were a little bit loose. Check where the ground connects to the car also.

 

[LaserRed01GT]

That is a classic symptom of a bad battery, loose connection/bad ground, or a bad battery cable.

 

[topless98gt]

Start with the cheap stuff: get your alternator checked (AutoZone, free), get your battery checked (AutoZone, free), inspect your battery, and you might even want to service the battery while you're at it.

It's good to service the battery every 6 months.

 

[Jinx]

another possibility is a dead cell within the battery. Get it tested, if the battery checks out then I would suspect loose wireing or a bad ground.

 

[fast97gt]

i agree somethin wrong in the charging system but have the alt checked and make sure its not over charging before you buy a new battery if you dont youll ruin the new battery and we all no its not fun waisten 75 to 100 bucks on stuff

 

[Tripoli]

I recently had the same thing happen. Turns out a week later my batter was toast. Replaced. No problem since.