My car has suddenly developed a strange problem.

This is how it all started -
While driving, for no reason at all everything would shut off for a fraction of a second and then it will come back on right away. The dash lights would go off, the tach and speedometer will drop to zero, I also hear a relay click, and then almost instantly everything comes back on like normal and the car keeps running as if nothing ever happened. All this is so fast you'd barely notice it.

In addition to the above, now I have also started to experience this -
Sometimes When I start the car, it starts and dies right away. Then I start it again and everything is just fine. Exact same symptoms as mentioned above. Suddenly all dead and then alive right away.
It almost "feels" like the shake or vibration of the motor starting is causing something to short(or break) and the electrical system dies out.

There are no other issues or problems with the car. Runs great otherwise! I checked and there are no obvious signs of any electrical problem like loose/broken wires or connectors.
Battery is very good.
No CEL or MIL yet.

Anybody have any idea what could be going on ? or what I could check ?!

 

I would suspect the ignition switch [electrical portion] is going bad.
By any chance do you have a long or heavy keychain that swings around as you are driving?
There is a saftey recall for your car TSB # 02-031
The symptom is "car stalls"
Your local dealership can run a VIN status inquiry to see if the recall has been done.

 

good call...didn't think about that one. But -
the ign switch recalls have been done - actually there were two and both have been done. Is it possible that it could be a problem even after the recall ?

 

just wanted to update and say thanks - it was the ign sw. took it to another dealer and they "replaced the electrical portion of the ign sw" and it hasnt happened again.