2005 Cadillac Deville dies when any light is turned on

40

Asked by Lee May 21, 2022 at 09:41 PM about the 2005 Cadillac DeVille Sedan FWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Engine stalls when you turn any light on including
blinkers and hazzards. I know it's got to be a ground
issue, just hoping someone has dealt with this and has
a solution for me. I read somewhere that the ignition
switch could be the issue. So I replaced it since it was
very loose. That did not fix it. Any help would be
appreciated, thanks

13 Answers

40,225

Look for good motor to chassis ground or obvious wiring problems ,

2 people found this helpful.
158,455

Sounds like a bad ignition system ground. Do you have any lights, that aren't turned on, glowing dimly? Anything on the vehicle that's not working or not working correctly? Check those circuits first. If you have a bad ground electricity will "hunt" for a ground and cause lights to glow dimly, etc. Also, if you have an aftermarket stereo, check the wiring for that too. They're often the source of electrical problems. Hope that helps! Jim

311,185

Check the battery cables and the power distribution box. It is a long run from under the rear seat cushion to the engine compartment so you could have a problem almost anywhere.

1 people found this helpful.
40

When the ignition is on, the mirror turn signals are lit up. Other than that, all lights seem to be normal. When I pull the park lamp relay, I can turn the lights on, but blinkers will still stall the engine

1 people found this helpful.
40

Another fun fact. Disconnected head lights, and when I turn the headlights on and use the blinker with key off, instrument cluster lights up like the key was switched on

311,185

All this still sounds like grounding or distribution issues.

1 people found this helpful.
Best Answer Mark helpful
311,185

It really doesn’t sound like a BCM problem, it won’t cause the engine to die out. Besides I doubt you can find one right now, I’ve been waiting for over 12 weeks for a BCM and it still shows on national back order. If you really think it’s a BCM problem you might consider a reflash.

40

Honestly, I'm with you on it not being a BCM issue and it being a ground issue. I'm assuming the headlights are in the CAN system because with both headlights disconnected, engine won't crank. Sorry for all of the questions. I'm a diesel mechanic, wiring issues are a lot easier with Diesel does anyone have a wiring diagram?

311,185

If you can’t find one on the internet then try your local library in the reference section and see if they carry the vehicles shop manual, if they do have the wiring sections copied from the book.

40

So I guess my next question is, am I looking for an improper ground or a short to ground issue

311,185

The way things are acting I would say an improper ground. Now these Cadillacs are ground crazy and they all must be good or you get feedback like what your experiencing. After we got rid of out last Deville we decided no more Cadillacs.

1 people found this helpful.
40

So I found the issue. It was a ground distribution block by the front right headlight. It wasn't bolted down lights work fine now. Thanks for everyone's help and advice

3 people found this helpful.

Your Answer:

DeVille

Looking for a Used DeVille in your area?

CarGurus has 197 nationwide DeVille listings starting at $1,900.

ZIP:

Own this car?

Share your experience with others.

2005 Cadillac DeVille

Review another car

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    James Sparrow
    Reputation
    4,090
  • #2
    tuff4x4
    Reputation
    3,120
  • #3
    Cynthiasmith
    Reputation
    2,840
View All

Know more, shop wisely

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used Cadillac DTS
15 Great Deals out of 346 listings starting at $2,380
Used Cadillac Escalade
463 Great Deals out of 7,068 listings starting at $1,650
Used Lincoln Town Car
13 Great Deals out of 514 listings starting at $2,999
Used Cadillac Seville
46 listings starting at $3,950
Used Cadillac CTS
90 Great Deals out of 1,326 listings starting at $2,900
Used Mercedes-Benz S-Class
307 Great Deals out of 6,416 listings starting at $3,450
Used Cadillac CTS-V
4 Great Deals out of 109 listings starting at $19,995
Used Chevrolet Corvette
640 Great Deals out of 11,822 listings starting at $4,995
Used Ford Mustang
995 Great Deals out of 21,147 listings starting at $2,500

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.