Question: DIC preferences reset every time I start the car - What gives?

[SleekStreak]

Every time I start my '99 roadster now, the DIC 'preferences' return to default, the fuel economy and trip mileage returns to 0.0, and, in my case, because my car was originally delivered in Canada, the odometer returns to default (metric) units, i.e., kilometers. Curiously, the radio does NOT lose its stored favorites and the outside thermometer indication continues to display temperature in °F, i.e., not °C (default) units. The car battery seems fine (the car starts OK). I have had no trouble previously like this and have owned the car many years. Is there some other 'back up' or memory battery that requires replacement? Anyone else had a similar problem? Though the car seems to run OK, this is very annoying. Thanks.

 

[Junkman2008]

Pull and post your codes. That is always the first thing you do.

 

[VETTEX2]

pfhht......your battery is likely dying
or
possible bad battery connection or ground

I don't wax
I wrench

 

[LLC5]

Every time I start my '99 roadster now, the DIC 'preferences' return to default, the fuel economy and trip mileage returns to 0.0, and, in my case, because my car was originally delivered in Canada, the odometer returns to default (metric) units, i.e., kilometers. Curiously, the radio does NOT lose its stored favorites and the outside thermometer indication continues to display temperature in °F, i.e., not °C (default) units. The car battery seems fine (the car starts OK). I have had no trouble previously like this and have owned the car many years. Is there some other 'back up' or memory battery that requires replacement? Anyone else had a similar problem? Though the car seems to run OK, this is very annoying. Thanks.

Check the voltage at your battery with a volmeter when you start the vehicle (engine cranking), your battery could be bad even though it starts the engine ok now. Pulling the codes would be a good idea also. Good luck with it.

 

[SleekStreak]

You guys (VETTEX2 and LLC5) were right! Though it turned the engine over and started the car OK, the battery voltage dropped to just under 10 volts when cranking, causing the DIC to 'lose' its memory. I understand completely, though I am surprised that GM didn't have a sufficiently large capacitor in the circuit to prevent this phenomenon during relatively short-term voltage drops, much like consumer electronics do (e.g., an electric clock that doesn't lose its time setting for a minute or so when moving its power source from one outlet to another; not to be confused with a battery backup). Replaced the battery and everything's cool (or hot)! Thanks!!

 

[VETTEX2]