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Electrical gremlins

Old 08-18-2011, 11:09 AM
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Electrical gremlins

I was driving down a smooth street this morning, in my'96 Formula. The radio shuts off and the antenna goes down. The power windows also stop working. About 30 seconds later, everything starts working again. This is not the first time this has happened. Where do I start looking? The BCM or somewhere else?
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Old 08-18-2011, 03:42 PM
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Re: Electrical gremlins

Check to make sure your battery connections are tight?

Also, whatever you do, don't wash your car. They'll multiply.
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Old 08-18-2011, 04:47 PM
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Re: Electrical gremlins

The windows and radio are controlled by the retained accessory power (RAP) feature, and in 1996 that module was combined into the BCM, which was only added starting in 96. I'd say you have a BCM problem. I've seen reports that the BCM PC board has a couple weak spots, and they result in the solder joints coming loose that affect the RAP feature. I've even seen a photo showing the points that can be resoldered, with some care. I'll see if I can find that photo.

Shoebox has the BCM wiring diagram:

http://shbox.com/1/bcm_1996.jpg
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Old 08-18-2011, 04:52 PM
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Re: Electrical gremlins

Try this post, from another site:

http://www.firebirdnation.com/forums...ost__p__665551
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Old 08-18-2011, 06:25 PM
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Re: Electrical gremlins

Thanks Fred. I'll have to look into that.
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Old 08-18-2011, 09:18 PM
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Re: Electrical gremlins

Sounds like the RAP to me...
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