SCARY! Engine and electrical quit while driving!

[wingman55]

YIKES!

Tonight on the way home I was making a left turn, shifting into second when suddenly without warning the engine and all lights, dash, radio - EVERYTHING quit for a split second and then came back on.

ALL of the dash lights lit up for a second or so, and then everything was back to normal like nothing happened.

It was almost as if the car did a complete system reboot. The whole episode took less than five seconds.

I did the 'key dance' and there are no codes. I haven't had a chance to check it with my scanner yet

I have snooped around a bit on the forums and so far I don't seem to find any answers yet.

Any ideas?

[ptcruisersteve]

First thing I would suggest is to have a battery load test done. Make sure you don't have any loose battery cable connections. Some members have found the battery cable connector loose or completely corroded through and came off. Check your battery fluid level.

Do you have many keys on your key ring when you use the key to turn the ignition on?

What is the manufactured date on the drivers door of your PT Cruiser? The reason I am asking is to find out if your PT Cruiser has a TIPM.

[wingman55]

Hi ptcruisersteve-

I had a similar thought about the battery cable. I recently had the cruise control repaired by the dealer and I wonder if the negative cable is not on tight.

Nope no extra keys on the key ring at all.

My cruiser was built in Sept of '05. It's an '06 and I believe it does have a TIPM.

[ed9msi]

What's a TIPM?

[LionPT]

Originally Posted by ed9msi

What's a TIPM?

Totally Integrated Power Module

[chuzz]

I agree with Steve, Wingman. Check those battery cables and connections. I think it's a little too "coincidental" that this has happened after having the cruise worked on. I DO NOT believe in coincidences.

[ed9msi]

Originally Posted by LionPT

Totally Integrated Power Module

I see, mine looks different and is from 2003 so I guess I don't have TIMP. What good does the TIMP do compared to the old solution?

[044400]

For the first time ever all exterior and interior lights shut off while driving in the dark a couple months ago. They came back on so fast that I was wondering if I imagined the whole thing. A bit unnerving!!

[chuzz]

ed9msi, there is absolutely NO advantage to having a PT (or anything else) with the TIPM. At least with the 03 model you have, you can trouble shoot various problems that may arise and not have to worry about having to replace a very expensive item. The TIPM controls all of the electrical in those cars equipped with it. Personally, I don't like them. I have a 2013 Chrysler with one and I hope that nothing electrical ever goes wrong with it.

[rob302]

Originally Posted by chuzz

absolutely NO advantage

unless you're a mad scientist
Reprogrammed some vehicle options today - FUN!