I have a 98 Sable (24V) with 120k miles that would randomly;

1.) ABS light would come on in instrument panel
2.) Air-bag light would come on
3.) Power to radio and AC would be cut out
4.) Power steering would cut out

My mechanic couldn't duplicate the problems and couldn't pull any codes. I'd appreciate any suggestions. Thank you.

-Paul

 

if there were no codes on 1-3 than there is either a short or your cpu is on the fritz. maybe #4 too if it has electronic assist on your rack & pinion. there should be codes galour for all of those. loosing your power steering is only intermitent if you have to keep putting fluid in because of a leak.

 

Thank you for responding.

It's happened two times. Both times in stop-n-go traffic after 10 to 30 miles with no problems (starting from parked/cold engine).

Up until it starts acting up, everything was fine. The battery was a little run down the next morning, but the alternator was fine. I was able to drive it with no problems on the freeway for 15 miles to my mechanic, who then drove it for 20 or 30 miles with no problems.

Oh one more symtom to throw in and it should be between #3 and #4,

3.5.) Tach would go to zero

To sum everything up,

1.) ABS light would come on in instrument panel
<a few seconds pass, less than a minute>
2.) Air-bag light would come on
<a few seconds pass, less than a minute>
3.) Power to radio and AC would be cut out (takes place right before or right after #2)
3.5.) Tach would go to zero
<a few minutes pass>
4.) Power steering would cut out

I suspected the

1.) alternator (ruled out by multimeter reading and by mechanic)
2.) serpentine belt tensioner (ruled out by mechanic)

 

It's definatly a major electrical issue. I would call your local junkyard and see if they have computer in stock. But replacing the cpu is tricky due to the fact that the #'s need to match exactly. Sable's that are loaded will have a different cpu # then a base model. Good luck.

 

Anyone think to check battery cable connections??