2000 SLE w/137K miles. Driven ~ 4 mi/day.
I noticed this suddenly start to happen last week. And the problem is starting to get more severe. There are actually several parts to this problem but I think they're all connected somehow. Here's my best description of the issue:
When I go to start my SLE, I usually turn the key to the first position, and my instrument cluster (IC) lights up just fine. Then when I turn the key again to start the car, the ignition system will engage and immediately drop out for a half-second (during which my (IC) goes out and I hear a rapid clicking from the relay box under the back seat). And then the car starts normally.
For the next 20 seconds or so, (before I put the car into gear) the IC and my daytime lamps flash randomly. Then they settle down. Sometimes I get a Service Security System message on the DIC.
Also, the IC voltmeter wobbles between about 14.5 and a random overcharge measurement. It never drops below 12 and it never pegs.
So I go driving to the Village Center down the street and do my shopping or whatever. The entire way down, the IC voltmeter is doing it's little Latin Merengue dance but the car drives just fine.
Problem is, now that the car is warm, the ignition drop out is WAY more pronounced. Sometimes to the point I fear the car won't start in the parking lot of my local grocery.
I've looked throughout the forum and can't find a darned thing that applies.
