Saturn Relay electrical problem.

[mspalmer]

not being very mechanically adept, I thought I would ask a quick question from those much more knowledgeable than myself. My wife and I bought a Saturn Relay in the fall for our expanding family. We have enjoyed it for the most part but there is one lingering problem that is occasionally happening. When we first start it on some mornings (especially cold mornings), none of the gauges or idiot lights on the dashboard work. If we use the turn signal, it is working outside but not showing up on the dash. The fuel guage, temperature gauge, and speedometer will twitch but not go to where they are supposed to. We took it to Saturn and they could not duplicate the problem (of course). If we would turn the van off after driving for a couple miles and then restart, everything works as it should. Anybody have any ideas?This will teach me from buying a car in the first model year Thanks for any input.Mike

[millster]

Just a wild guess here, but have you tried pushing all of the fuses into their sockets? Perhaps you have one that is loose and is having difficulty making a connection when cold?I say it's a wild guess because in general they would tend to creep out when warm, but it's worth a shot.

[Kari]

I think some of the first-model-year Trailblazers had a similar problem and it was resolved by replacing the gauge cluster. It wasn't really related to temperature though...but it may be worth checking out.

[mspalmer]

thanks for the input, I'll check the fuses tomorrow morning and take the other suggestion to the dealership next week.Mike

[mspalmer]

I finally got into the dealership yesterday and they found some corroded switch/relay behind the glove box. They said it was the only common area that supplied the entire dash and that it should fix my problem. So far, no problems, but we'll see in the future. Thanks for everybody's input.Mike

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by mspalmer » My wife and I bought a Saturn Relay in the fall for our expanding family. Quote, originally posted by mspalmer »I finally got into the dealership yesterday and they found some corroded switch/relay behind the glove box. Was this a vehicle you bought new in the fall and it already has corrosion of electrical components inside the passenger compartment?

[mspalmer]

brand new, right off the lot. maybe it was a defective part and not due to exposure to the elements (I can only hope). I pray this is the end of it.We've been happy with the van otherwise.