maybe a bad dash cluster or the body control module.

 

Thanks for the info. I had a ex chevy serivce manager tell me that there are 3 relays up under the dash. He stated it might be one of them going bad. If it is a bad BCM or dash cluster it might just be time to get rid of this thing. It is starting to get expensive just trying to keep it running. In the last year and a half it has gotten new hubs, head gaskets, cat. The gremlins are definetly coming out at 107,000 miles.

Thanks

 

Got the problem isolated down to the retained accessory power breaker. The car would consistentaly have the problem last night. After contorting to get under dash I was able to elimate things one by one. Finally found that the RAP breaker was what was clicking behind the fuse panel. I need to pick up a new one tonight and replace it. Hopefully the gremlins will disappear for a few months.

 

Please come back with a reply on end result of replacing that.

 

Seemed to be a multiple electrical part problem. Replace the 30 amp Retained accessory power breaker which is on the back up the fuse panel. Real fun to get to. You basically have to undue the panel and rotate it enough to get one finger on breaker from the top and one from the bottom. I replaced the breaker and things were better but not completely resolved. On hot days when the car was parked outside I could hear a relay kicking in and out and the radio lights going on and off. I went back to the dealer and got the retained accessory power relay which is on the front of the panel and the headlamp relay which is on the back. Replaced both of them and now I have not had any problems for serveral days. My wife asked me if the radio lights were brighter and I said I think so.

Any way my suggestion would be to replace all three relays at the same time. That way you only have to tear the panel loose once. The two relays and breaker were about $36.

Here is a picture of the retained accessory power relay. I took it apart and you can see the carbon and pitting. Does not make for a very good connection. Hope this helps somebody else out in the future.

 

Nice find and good job.
Tony got his picture.

 

It was time to get rid of her. Another day of 100+ degree heat and the relays were acting up even the new ones I put in. Must have been the BCM dying. I changed the oil and found metal shavings on the magnetic drain plug not good. I am guessing something bad had started to happen when the intake manifold and headgaskets went out a year and a half ago. The transmission having a dead spot in it at times when taking off like a fraction of a second and then it would go.

Anyway I traded her off and she can be somebody elses problem.

Thanks for all your help and suggestions.