97 VT Beeping and lights on start up

[olibird]

Hello.

I have a '97 VT Acclaim. When I start the car up I get a series of beeps then all of the lights stay on permanently.
Specifically, the check engine light, abs light, and check oil come on when car is started. Beeps come on. Then airbag, and traction off lights come on.

Best explanation is to watch this video I took. Holden Commodore VT Startup Beeps - YouTube
Similar to this thread, VT SS Beeping on start up :S

Had a mechanic look at it a while ago and they said they couldn't connect to it through their means of connecting to the computer and that they need to get their special guy in who had a cable that could definitely read it. OK, so no idea what that means. Sounds like they just didn't have the right connector.

So tried bridging terminals 5 and 6 (Checking error codes VT/VX) to see if I could get error codes but got no reaction at all. Checked the fuses in the engine and they all appear intact.

This beeping issue started perhaps a 2 or 3 years ago when I jump started a friends car. Ever since we have had this beeping problem. Not sure if this is related but some months/years before the computer started beeping, a couple of the electronics stopped working. Can't move mirrors and can't use cruise control.

Any ideas? Faulty computer? Wiring? Willing to have a play around to fix the issue.

EDIT: Have read through some a bit more on this site and it's pointing towards a faulty ABS module. Going to try this guy, http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/VT-VX-V6-...6#ht_686wt_933.

I also didn't realize there are internal fuses within the steering column. Will check those out to fix the mirror/cruise control issue. When I attempted to bridge the connection, I did so by bridging connectors 5 and 6. According to another guide, I should be bridging connections 6 & 12. Will give that a try.

[olibird]

So connected 12 & 5 based on what I read elsewhere. This produced a spark and now car won't start as well as various electronics not working (e.g. electronic door locks). The beeps still occur and wasn't able to get a read from the computer.

I checked the steering panel fuses as well as the engine bay fuses and they all seem to be intact other than my cruise control and cigarette lighter which weren't working anyway.

I must have shorted something. Going to unplug and plug in the battery to see if that helps. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[HoZy]

Wrong pins, Possibly blew your engine fuse.

Do some more research before you go shorting things you have no idea on, Just a nice tip.

Goodluck with your other issues,

Cheers
Mat

[Cashman_309]

Yep. Your ABS module has had it.
Read the ad though. You have to send him yours. When he gets it, he then send you back a reco.
So you'll be without a car for a few days.
Just bear that in mind.

Now that you've caused sparks your going to have to check all your fuses and relays.

[olibird]

Wrong pins, Possibly blew your engine fuse.

Do some more research before you go shorting things you have no idea on, Just a nice tip.

I think I over-researched . This forum said 5 & 6 which did nothing. A manual I downloaded said 5 & 12. But yeah agree, it was stupid. Fortunately, we only use the car once every couple of weeks.

Can you tell me where this engine fuse is? I've checked through the engine fuses in the engine bay (next to battery) and they are all intact. Is there another set of fuses/arrays elsewhere in the engine?

Where can you get new 10a/15a etc. fuses? Kmart?

[Cashman_309]

Where can you get new 10a/15a etc. fuses? Kmart?

Probably Kmart.

Nearest automotive parts store is you best bet though. Autobarn, Repco, Supercheap Auto etc..

[mr031]

just remove one fuse and check each one, if you don't have a test light.

[olibird]

Just had a look again. All the fuses in both the engine bay and under the steering column appear intact. Not too sure how you check the relays if they working. Switched around the high beam relay (high beams work) with the starter relay so those seem to be working. Blower, main, engine, abs and lighting all visually have their fuses intact. I can't seem to remove the engine f/l fuse. Not sure if that fuse is bolted in? The 8 small fuses on the right hand side are also intact.

So if it's not the fuses where else should I check? Any other fuses around the car? The spark happened in terminal 5, perhaps the cable is damaged?

As for the ABS module, looking through our records we had a similar issues with the lights in '07 and it was replaced with a used module at the Holden dealership. Paid (not me) over $600 to get it replaced! Seems these ABS modules have some design issue. Let's hope this guy on eBay can build something that will last more than 5 years.

[olibird]

Removed every fuse and looked extremely closely for blown fuses. Guess what? The Eng Cont fuse in the engine bay was blown. Replaced the fuse and the car works as it did before...well still with the beeps. Got my fuses from Kmart but you only get 1 of each amperage. So the fuse I just replaced for the cruise control I had to put into the Eng Cont fuse. Going to head to an autopart store to pick up 1 x 10a fuse.

So back to the original problem. I'm going to contact that guy on eBay to see what his turnaround time is then very carefully remove the ABS module and send it to him. I'll post back with more info.