Thread: Bad Ground???

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  1. #1 Bad Ground??? 
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    I have an 02' GP GT that is completly stock. Everytime I drive it, get out and go to shutt the door, I get shocked/zapped. It sounds to me like a poor ground somewhere. Has anybody had this problem and if so, how do I fix it?? Also, if someone knows whats going on here, could you tell me where the ground wires are located (i.e. engine to chassis ground) and what would be the best fix?? I would really appreciate any help. Thanks guys.
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  2. #2 Re: Bad Ground??? 
    I live here. SyntheticShield's Avatar
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    Does this happen only during winter or all year round?
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  3. #3 Re: Bad Ground??? 
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    Ground in automotive electronics is not the same as ground in your home. You're simply experiencing increased static buildup due to dry winter air. You rub on the seat getting out, the buildup doesn't get dissipated through the rubber in your shoes, and it finally discharges when you touch the car.

    To my knowledge there isn't a way to stop it. Static is going to build up in dry air.
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  4. #4 Re: Bad Ground??? 
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    It happens all year round, but it's worse now because of winter.
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  5. #5 Re: Bad Ground??? 
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    Sabrewings, your comment definatley makes sense, but my other vehicle does not do it at all and never has. Come to think of it, this is the 9th car I've owned and it's the only one that has ever done this. It's got to be something besides the dry winter air.
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  6. #6 Re: Bad Ground??? 
    GTP Level Member Scimmia's Avatar
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    Did your other cars have leather? Or something metal you were grabbing when you were getting out?
    2001 Buick Regal LS - Almost Stock
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  7. #7 Re: Bad Ground??? 
    GrandPrix Junkie Sabrewings's Avatar
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    The car is kept insulated from the ground with the rubber in the tires. So having a "bad ground" in the car doesn't matter. Ground in the car is only used for power distribution, not static build up.

    I think the only way to really help with this (and I'm not sure it will) is one of those dangling grounding straps. But they look ghey.
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  8. #8 Re: Bad Ground??? 
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    My GP does not have leather...my truck does. As for touching metal when getting out and closing the door, I'm either touching the door itself or the black pillar on the door to close it. Sabrewings, what do you mean by a dangling ground strap? Where would I put that if I was to do it? Any another thoughts, suggestions or answers is greatly appreciated. Thanks guys.
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  9. #9 Re: Bad Ground??? 
    GrandPrix Junkie Sabrewings's Avatar
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    I don't know where you buy them, but some company makes a dangling piece of conductive material to hang from your car. It attaches to some metal under your car so it can minimize static buildup by discharging it to the ground.

    Personally, I don't like the idea. Makes a car more of a target for lightening.
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  10. #10 Re: Bad Ground??? 
    GTP Level Member Scimmia's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jjokrm View Post
    My GP does not have leather...my truck does. As for touching metal when getting out and closing the door, I'm either touching the door itself or the black pillar on the door to close it.
    Cloth seats build up a lot more static than leather.

    I mean on your other cars that you say weren't doing it, might you have been grabbing something metallic while you were getting out so you didn't build up static moving across the seat.
    2001 Buick Regal LS - Almost Stock
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  11. #11 Re: Bad Ground??? 
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    Thats funny my old Mazda MX-3's I have Owned in the past all had a little rubber pad on the door panel that had a ground wire and a spade connector that connected to the door panel.

    Thus eliminating the Static shock you receive from the cold air or the crappy seat material.

    thinking of another remedy do as I do, close the door with your elbow walk over to your wife or girlfriend and zap the sh!t out of her and run like hell!!! LOL..
    2002 White GP SE 3100 Tinted Tails soon to be De-Badged as well as a coming 3400 top swap.... To Be Continued......
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