04 Sonata weird electrical problems
 

Hello all, I'm new but haven't "checked in" yet. Just wanted to get my situation out there to see what it might attract.

I have a '04 Sonata 2.7 w/ some strange electrical problems. They aren't show stoppers but a bit annoying. I got this car back from my ex (long story, please don't ask) and have found the following problems:
[ul][*]Returned to me w/out the aftermarket radio. Hooked up the factory radio only to find that it does not work. Initial inspection revealed three (3) wires severed in the radio wiring harness. Nice. So illumination works but the radio doesn't, even after splicing the severed wires back together. It is the "premium" system with 6 speakers, amp, CD, cassette (for a '04 - amazing), CD changer controls (but no changer) & power antenna.[*]Trunk lid open indicator (in the instrument panel/dash) light constantly on. The plunger switch in the trunk latch jam makes the indicator dim briefly when depressed. The trunk light also does not work even though the bulb is fine. Strangely, if I remove the trunk light the dash indicator goes out. I think this contributes to my next problem.[*]Remote door locks no longer function. The light on the remote flashes indicating it is working properly (doesn't need a battery) but the system does not work. The power locks work fine.[*]The dome light does not work when any of the doors are opened. The switch is in the "Door" position but does not work. The "On" & "Off" positions work as expected.[*]How does the trip odometer work on these things? Trip A & Trip B reset when I start the car. How do I get it to just tally miles like a regular trip odometer? I usually reset trips when I fill up the tank so I can calculate my mileage.
[/ul]I've checked all fuses and relays that I can think to check. I called a dealer and was told a computer diagnostic would be necessary. For some reason I just don't think that would help but maybe someone can prove otherwise (?). If more detail is required I would be more than happy to provide. If this seems like a train wreck then please say so just so I'm not left here hangin' on to an empty thread.

Any help is appreciated and I thank you in advance.

BTW - Why is the single quote changed to a double quote here?

RE: 04 Sonata weird electrical problems
 

An aftermarket radio? All these problems are controlled by computer. Sounds like somebody shorted your computer or wires when they replaced the radio. Take it to Autozone for a free ODB II scan. This website has a bug which makes double quotes for a single quote. Refer to the owners manual to reset the trip meter.

RE: 04 Sonata weird electrical problems
 

I agree. I think whoever removed the aftermarket radio or who tried to reinstall the factory radio did some major damage to the car. Better get that looked ay by and electronics specialist.

RE: 04 Sonata weird electrical problems
 

OK, but did your ex happen to say why the aftermarket radio had been removed?

We were divorcing and she didn't want to give the car up but she also expected me to make the payments. So, my assumption is, she was trying to get everything that she could out of the car.

Agreed, the aftermarket radio was removed before I took (re)possession of the car. I plugged the factory radio back in which didn't work (illuminates but does not power on). Further investigation revealed three severed wires "bandaged" w/ electrical tape but not spliced, just severed. I spliced them back together, tried again, but no love.

I have tried a MAC scanner but I don't think it had the right features. It would check misfires and o2 sensors, etc. Can anyone suggest a scanner to use? My local Autozone _never_ has anything other than a code reader. The MLI (malfunction lamp indicator?) or Check Engine light is never on indicating a problem. Am I stuck w/ paying an arm & a leg @ a Hyundai dealer?

Thanks for all the help!