'88 Trofeo electrical problems!

[Guest]

My 20 yr old just picked up a 1988 Toronado Trofeo in great shape this past week. Runs and drives really well. Three days on the road and at 60 mph he says the dash flashes "electrical problem", the doorlocks go up and down two or three times, and the car dies. Can't restart. Thought he saw something flash about gear selector.

Anyone have any thoughts or similar problem?

I know how these electrical problems can be real PIA's to trace so I figure I'll start here.

Thanks for the look.

[rocketraider]

There is really no telling what electrical demon has got loose in there, but with the automatic door locks, I think they are supposed to lock when the gear selector hits D and unlock in P. It's probably an electronic control module has [@!#!$] the bed, and my bet is GM no longer services it. Also check the gear selector switch in the console, as well as to see if the ECM has set a code.

There's a guy advertising on the Forums who repairs electronic dashes. One of the administrators stuck it down in Rants and Raves, so you have to be logged in to find it under "Advertisements for Commercial Services".

And we just thought early cars with a lot of electrical gadgets were a pain. I'm scared to death of this stupid Bravada, becuse if the electrics start acting up, I won't have a clue where to turn. I'll bet there's five miles of wire in that truck! <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

[86 2dr.ltd]

Right on Glenn - "Do we really need this stuff" give me 5 analog gauges and a few cables so I can get on with the rest of my life Our LSS started with a gas gauge problem this summer. when it gets low it goes to full. When you fill it up it goes to empty for the fist 50 miles. "Do we really need this stuff" Im scared to death of that car when it gets older too.

Relay this and relay that.

Anyhow the Riviera and Toronado were known to be electrical nightmares. Im not trying to be negitive either I love them 86+ R & T's.It was the demise of most of them. Ive seen some awful clean ones sitting in the junk yards. Sounds like Glen is on to something with the doorlock relays or what not. If its like my 86 Riv which I believe it is what your son may have seen was a relay or fuse blowing down under there. There is a cover that comes off on the passenger side of the console.

[Guest]

Thanks for the input guys. I played with it for about six hours and narrowed it to the gear shift relay or gear selector switch on the trans.

Got the switch from Olds ($145) and changed it out. It's held for a few hours now. We'll see!

This is why I love my pre 73's!!!!