Hello all!

My husband and I have a 99 Bonneville SE and with 101K miles on it. Last night, it was acting bizarre. The computer acted like it was reset because the doors automatically locked when the car was put into gear (It does this when the battery is taken out or changed...but we haven't changed it in a couple years) but it drove fine. Tonight when trying to start the car all the lights flickered on and off...and the car wouldn't turn over. My husband waited and tried again...same thing. Then finally it flickered, struggled a bit and started. It seems to have power fine when it drives, but when you start it cold or let it sit for a while it does the same thing. The lights flicker and then it won't start. Any ideas? It doesn't seem to be the Vats issue as the security light isn't acting funny. Thank you!

have you checked your battery cables? I would check and see if they are loose, or if they are correded. I was just having weird issues with starting, buzzers staying on, and other stuff all becuase of dirty battery cables. Hope this helps.

Welcome to the club. It sure sounds like the battery cables could be your problem. Two of the cables come together under one rubber boot. That boot has to come off so any corrosion between those two cables can be removed with sandpaper or a wire brush. Apply some dielectric grease to help prevent future corrosion. Let us know whether that helps or not.

and


We get a good dozen cars a month with symptoms related to this. I'd like to stress that you MUST remove the boots to expose the problem. With the boots installed, you will not be able to see it.

Another good thing to go after at the same time, which could also be a contributing factor is this:

http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...=article&k=102

I was about to say ground buss ...Guess I'm

My husband took off the boots and there was a decent amount (not a ton) of corrosion around the MaxiFuse area. He cleaned it and now the car works like a charm! Thanks for helping guys!

EDIT: *It was corrosion on the cable leading to the Maxi Fuse box. He also added the dielectric grease*