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Electrical Relay Clicking without Key in car
Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 7:04 pm
by cgray
Walking past my pathfinder in the garage today I noticed the lights flashing very fast and dim. The key was not in the ignition and the car was flipping out on its own. I put the key in the start it and the battery was already to drained to start the engine. (it is currently getting charged to see if the car will start).
I took this video of the problems going on inside the car. All lights flashing very fast and the gauges moving around.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmUZg5wc_zs
Has ANYONE ever heard of this happening before? I saw there was a recall on the ECU back in 2010 and have not been able to check if my VIN is one that was affected or not. Dealer is closed now to be able to check anyway so that will have to wait until tomorrow.
PLEASE HELP!
Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:28 pm
by cgray
Update:
I reinstalled the battery after getting an hour or so of charge with a voltage of 12.83V. The relay clicking problem is now gone. Still not convinced that the problem is gone forever. I am glad I got it on video and that it seems to be fixed for now.
All input on what might have caused this would be appreciated.
Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 8:54 pm
by volvite
I'm not 100% sure what the IPDM relay issue involves, but I believe it actually could be either a faulty battery/alternator where the battery was drained so low because the alternator is not charging it, or a light was left on.
The other idea could be the IPDM relay. Again, i'm not sure what all is involved with that issue. Never had it. (knock on wood)
Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 9:03 pm
by cgray
Seeing how the battery was only on the charger for about an hour I don't think it was completely drained. I did not take a voltage reading before putting it on to charge. I do know that relay box was clicking away after the car had been shut off for at least an hour. Lights were in auto mode and all doors were closes, no done lights on. So nothing that should have drained te batt or caused it to flip out on me. Alarm did not go off with the relays, and it would do it with and without the key in the ignition.
Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 9:06 pm
by volvite
Could also have been a loose connection at the battery. I don't have the issue yet, but have heard plenty of problems with the battery clamps not being able to be tightened enough.
Posted: Mon Apr 29, 2013 9:27 pm
by cgray
I replaced the positive battery clamp connector a few months ago. So I am going to guess its not that. I do have the original battery in there still. Might be time to replace it?