Random Electrical Fault...

1. user_30898 Infrequent Poster Joined: Feb 2009 Camberley Posts: 205 Mk II VTR 1.6i 8v

   #1 5th October 2011, 10:49

   Hey all,
   
   For a couple week's now my VTR has been behaving really strange!
   
   I can be driving along, everything working fine, then randomly my speedo dials will all either drop to zero or get stuck where they are and my radio will cut out. If im driving at night the same process happens but also my headlights get brighter. I feel a definate loss of power from the car. Everything can end up coming back just as quick as it went off, though again its completely random.
   
   So far on my way to work this morning it must have done this about 4/5 times.
   
   Im a bit relectant to take it to an electrician without already knowing what it could be. I'd rather not pay someone £300 to not find the problem. My local mechanic had no idea what it could be.
   
   Im getting close to finding a building thats due for demolition and parking this bloody thing underneath it!
   
   If anyone can help me out on this one, I'll buy you a pint!
   
   
2. user_20683 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Jan 2008 Woolwich Barracks Posts: 3921 52 Plate Black 8v R'

   #2 5th October 2011, 11:00

   I would suggest either a bare wire touching something or a bad earth
3. user_30898 Infrequent Poster Joined: Feb 2009 Camberley Posts: 205 Mk II VTR 1.6i 8v

   #3 5th October 2011, 11:16

   Funny you mention the earth as the mechanic did say an electrician would want to find the earth points.
   
   Any idea where the earth points are on a saxo?
   
   I'll be having a good look over all wires later this evening! I have a hunch it could also be a wire related to my sound system, considering my head unit decided to go into safe mode a few months ago for no reason!
4. user_29491 Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Dec 2008 Lancs Posts: 4124 JP4S'd R.

   #4 5th October 2011, 11:34

   Mine did this.. I was pushing my headunit further in.. and my speedo etc dropped to 0.. went into a shop, came back out and it wouldn't start.
   
   There was a wire behind the HU where the electrical tape had come off.. so must of touched the casing making a connection and drained everything.
   
   Worth a try.. Just tidy up the wiring and make sure there's no bare cables .
5. user_20080 Saxperience Hardcore! Joined: Dec 2007 smurfland. Posts: 17346 Ex saxo owner.

   #5 5th October 2011, 11:49

   Also don`t rule out your alternator get it checked for free at either thick fit or halfrauds.
6. user_30898 Infrequent Poster Joined: Feb 2009 Camberley Posts: 205 Mk II VTR 1.6i 8v

   #6 7th October 2011, 13:03

   Alternator is fine. Never had an issue with the car not starting or struggling.
   
   Think i've just get to face facts and fork out yet more cash on this pile of crap. Definatley going Jap next time!
   
   Seriously, saxo owners must be the most skint drivers on the planet with the amount of faults they can have! lol