I had my 2000 Malibu to the shop (Chevy Dealer) on Monday for Inspection, Oil Change, New Plugs Wires.  They had to replace a taillight bulb to pass for inspection.

Yesterday as I was driving around, I noticed occasionally when I stepped on the brake, the sound coming from the radio would stop for a split second.  One time, my XM radio turned off.  I also noticed that when I step on the brake, the lights on the dash and radio dim.  It seems the longer amount of time between steps on the brake, the longer the dimming and the more likely the radio sound will stop.

Then, when I turned off the car and opened the door, the entire electrical system died.  I put the key back in the ignition, turned it, and after a few seconds, the electircal system came back on and the car started.

The same exact stuff happened today on my way to work, and when I shut it off, got the same full system dying problem.  But once again, I turned the key and after a couple of seconds it came back to life.

What the hell is going on?

Adam38679.2531712963

Sounds like you have some kind of short in your break circuit. Take the light bulb out you replaced & see if the problems still there. If it still happens . Remove the break light fuse & check each hot wire to the break bulbs and make sure the circuit is open. You might have a pinched wire. Anyway this is what I would look for first...especially if it just started happening.

Good luck

Alan

I'd be taking it back to the dealer and making them accountable for the problem. 

Took my bride's Legacy in for a 30,000 mile maintenance check and when we got it back the windshield washers didn't work.  Took it back and they fixed it for no charge (turned out they pinched the hoses putting things back together!).

[QUOTE=Norsky]

I'd be taking it back to the dealer and making them accountable for the problem. 

Took my bride's Legacy in for a 30,000 mile maintenance check and when we got it back the windshield washers didn't work.  Took it back and they fixed it for no charge (turned out they pinched the hoses putting things back together!).

[/QUOTE]

I called them. I'm taking it back to them on Monday.  Didn't say if it'll cost me anything or not.  I sure hope it doesn't!

Sounds like a loose/corroded batt. connection?
Let us know what they find at the dealer.

Battery cable or ground is my guess. Similar issue with my 2000 GMC Jimmy. Truck suddenly wouldn't start. When I moved the cables around, lights got brighter abd the truck started. Loose negative cable.

Luke

I agree with the other sharks here. My guess is they moved the battery cable around when the were under the hood. It shouldn't take them but a few minutes to test this out. If they charge you for that your dealership really bites!
I had to take my truck to mine to replace the power window tape feed. They took care of this and washed the truck to boot at no labor charge.
They treat me really good there. They have the 1st vette I ever drove sittin inside. (70 vert) I keep after them to sell me the thing. Its had a pretty sheltered life. To date it has never been licensed. The youngest daughter runs the dealership with her brother now. She keeps tellin me if she could change her bro's mind she would sell me the car. Maybe Someday...

I pulled the negative battery cable from the battery. It was a little corroded.  I cleaned it up and put it back.  Seems to be fine now.

So strange that it would cause such odd behavior just from a little corrosion. I would expect a complete breakdown, not random issues.

Thanks for the help guys!!

Stranger things have happened on these late model, 'lectronic laden vehicles! Glad that was all it was!!


I had a similar ordeal on my '74 a few weeks back. We were at the State Fair(display), and at the end of the day, my car wouldn't start. No clicks, no lights, NADA! I wound up taking the quick disconnect off, and hooking the batt. cable to the batt. direct. Worked fine. When I got the disconnect to the shop the next Monday, I took it apart, and saw only the slightest bit of green corrosion on it. Cleaned it up, put it back on, and its worked fine since. Go figure!!