Vehicle Vibration

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Infiniti QX4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

The incident may occur or become worse while driving on a rough road or when engine is vibrating (idle with A/C on). In such a case, you will want to check for a vibration related condition. Refer to the illustration below.

Connectors & Harness

Determine which connectors and wiring harness would affect the electrical system you are inspecting. Gently shake each connector and harness while monitoring the system for the incident you are trying to duplicate. This test may indicate a loose or poor electrical connection.

Hint

Connectors can be exposed to moisture. It is possible to get a thin film of corrosion on the connector terminals. A visual inspection may not reveal this without disconnecting the connector. If the problem occurs intermittently, perhaps the incident is caused by corrosion. It is a good idea to disconnect, inspect and clean the terminals on related connectors in the system.

Sensors & Relays

Gently apply a slight vibration to sensors and relays in the system you are inspecting.

This test may indicate a loose or poorly mounted sensor or relay.

Fig 1: Displaying Connectors & Harness, Sensor & Relays Vibration Test

Courtesy of NISSAN MOTOR CO., U.S.A.

Engine Compartment

There are several reasons a vehicle or engine vibration could cause an electrical complaint. Some of the things to check for are:

Connectors not fully seated.
Wiring harness not long enough and is being stressed due to engine vibrations or rocking.
Wires laying across brackets or moving components.
Loose, dirty or corroded ground wires.
Wires routed too close to hot components.

To inspect components under the hood, start by verifying the integrity of ground connections. (Refer to GROUND INSPECTION described later.) First make sure that the system is properly ground. Then check for loose connection by gently shaking the wiring or components as previously explained. Using the Circuit Diagrams inspect the wiring for continuity.

Behind The Instrument Panel

An improperly routed or improperly clamped harness can become pinched during accessory installation. Vehicle vibration can aggravate a harness which is routed along a bracket or near a screw.

Under Seating Areas

An unclamped or loose harness can cause wiring to be pinched by seat components (such as slide guides) during vehicle vibration. If the wiring runs under seating areas, inspect wire routing for possible damage or pinching.