Electrical Problem WJ

[CQGems]

Hi all. I think I have a beauty here. Sorry that it is long winded.

2000 model GC Laredo. I have purchased this car about 6 months ago, and my problem wasn't evident until about 3 months ago when I had to get in the car during a bad storm. To the best of my knowledge, the only thing that got wet was the door interior.

Since then, I have had a really weird thing happening when the vehicle is cold.

Firstly, if I turn the ignition on without starting, everything that should be working, does.

When the vewhicle is running, however, I lose all window functions, the lock function, and the passenger mirror not getting power. The drivers mirror retains power. Also, on the instrument panel, all lights are on, as if it is in just ignition mode, and none of the guages work.

This situation remains for anything between 20 minutes and an hour, with the hour being the most common, after which all these functions return as if nothing happened.

During the time when it is in its' weird mode, all driving functions, cruise control, transmission, flashers, lights, brakes all work fine.

Quite often, I can override the weird stuff for a few seconds by pressing the remote key, either locking or unlocking.

It tends to come back gradually, first the overhead console, the windows, then all the rest. Once going again, it doesn't fault until it gets fully cold again.

I have removed the door card, thoroughly cleaned out the switch assembly and all electrical connections, checked all wiring, etc.

I don't think it is the BCM, as all the driving functions are ok.

Any ideas on where to look please.

Many thanks.

[Classic Boy]

It is likely the BCM it does control all those systems you mention, also it’s failure doesn’t stop the engine or TCM.

[indiedog]

Check the ground wire that goes from the body to the driver's door by removing the rubber boot cover. Over time it gets weak and breaks. I had mine go and it caused all sorts of issues including airconditioning on full heat, windows not functioning, and so on. I had to patch in a new section of wire but it did the trick.

[CQGems]

Thanks guys. I was thinking earth problem also, but it all looked ok. Will be checking again. With it coming good after an hour has me really bushed though.

[nudibranches]

As indiedog said, check the harness in the driver's door. It's a known weakness. I had similar problems on and off for a while. No windows or AC. Rewired it and it's been fine for several years now.

[CQGems]

Thanks mate. That is where I am heading next. It does seem to be drilling down to that area. Don't think that it is an earth problem as the drivers side mirror operates but not the passenger side. Which also points toward the wiring harness as well I think.

[CQGems]

Ok. I reckon that the door wiring is getting to the problem.

Was looking a bit sus between the door and pillar but when I took the kick plate off I found that someone has done a really rough job of a repair.

Looks like a bit of soldering and insulating ahead of me.

3 questions.

1. What are those units with the white ends inside the kick panel?

2. How the hell does the junction at the door come apart. Have flipped the red tab, lifted the black tab but it will not come. What am I missing.

3. Where does the wiring junction again after it goes through the pillar.

Cheers.

A sunrise shot from this morning for a bit of karma.