Strange electrical issues

[Jonib907]

Hi, I’m not sure if anyone still gets in here or not but I am having some strange electrical issues and I’m at a loss. My key fob does not unlock the car or do anything unless the key is in the ignition and the gauges are working. Inside the car, if I put my key into the ignition, the gauges stay off for a few seconds and then it starts beeping and dash lights and gauges come on, if I’m lucky. If I’m not, I have to keep inserting the key until the gauges are on and the anti theft left is off. I’ve tried reprogramming with the 30 min procedure. I’ve changed grounds, power wires, fuse box, Bcm, ignition switch, stereo, tested the airbag control module, removed the steering wheel controls from the stereo, nothing has helped. The only thing that has been of any assistance in starting is wiggling the wires that connect to the bottom of the steering wheel area and if I move it right, she’ll start right up. Has anyone seen anything like this before?! And can someone tell me exactly what this connection is.

 

[Jonib907]

Hi, I’m not sure if anyone still gets in here or not but I am having some strange electrical issues and I’m at a loss. My key fob does not unlock the car or do anything unless the key is in the ignition and the gauges are working. Inside the car, if I put my key into the ignition, the gauges stay off for a few seconds and then it starts beeping and dash lights and gauges come on, if I’m lucky. If I’m not, I have to keep inserting the key until the gauges are on and the anti theft left is off. I’ve tried reprogramming with the 30 min procedure. I’ve changed grounds, power wires, fuse box, Bcm, ignition switch, stereo, tested the airbag control module, removed the steering wheel controls from the stereo, nothing has helped. The only thing that has been of any assistance in starting is wiggling the wires that connect to the bottom of the steering wheel area and if I move it right, she’ll start right up. Has anyone seen anything like this before?! And can someone tell me exactly what this connection is.

I also forgot to mention, when the gauges are off and all warning lights are on, the windows will not roll up or down, the stereo turns off, and the doors will not lock or unlock.

 

[swathdiver]

Seems like you are over the target, you have a wiring issue that needs to be fixed. If yours were mine, I'd put a scan tool on it and pull the internal BCM codes to try and narrow it down.

 

[Doubeleive]

no offense but it appears you have already located and determined the problem. "loose or broken wire in the harness"
so either trace each wire individually to find the broken one or replace that harness.
usually the wire that breaks under the steering column is the tow/haul wire which would not cause any starting issue.
do you move the steering wheel up/down often?
the gm upfitter guide may show the harness under the steering wheel and what each wire goes to or does.

 

[Joseph Garcia]

Is it possible that your issue has been caused by a wiring fault within the steering column? I believe that some folks on this Forum have experience wiring degradation within the steering column.

As @swathdiver suggested, using a scan tool will most likely narrow down the potential sources of your issue, and get you to a quicker resolution.

 

[Jonib907]

Unfortunately it’s not throwing any codes. I don’t have a check engine light on when it’s cooperating.

 

[Jonib907]

I had it scanned by the dealer. I’ll post that when I find it.

 

[Jonib907]

no offense but it appears you have already located and determined the problem. "loose or broken wire in the harness"
so either trace each wire individually to find the broken one or replace that harness.
usually the wire that breaks under the steering column is the tow/haul wire which would not cause any starting issue.
do you move the steering wheel up/down often?
the gm upfitter guide may show the harness under the steering wheel and what each wire goes to or does.

I have looked at the Gm upfitter manual and I can’t seem to figure out just which harness this is.

 

[Jonib907]

I also forgot to mention, when the gauges are off and all warning lights are on, the windows will not roll up or down, the stereo turns off, and the doors will not lock or unlock.

 

[Doubeleive]

I have looked at the Gm upfitter manual and I can’t seem to figure out just which harness this is.

Unless you want to just have dealer or a shop fit it, then you need a meter with continuity testing and check each wire as you wiggle the harness until you find the broken wire then replace it. I would recommend soldering the replacement in.