SullyinCT

Hello. I was wondering if anyone here had experience with the car/padlock symbol on the dashboard. Last week that indicator started lighting up. It is intermittent, but does seem to come on daily. Sometimes when it is lit the gas gauge, speed gauge (including the RPM gauge) and coolant gauges all fluctuate. It also feels like it is hard to accelerate. This hasn't happened every time the indicator has come on. What could it be? I've done a bunch of research and nothing that can pinpoint me in any certain direction. I've brought it to the dealership and am waiting to hear what they say the problem is.

donbrew

Battery condition?
Could be the fuse box connections.
Ignition switch recalls?


The dealership will most likely blame "the computer". They are wrong. Ask for a written guarantee that it will fix the problem before you spend thousands for the job. Electronic parts are usually non-returnable.

SullyinCT

thanks for the quick reply! There was an ignition switch recall I got taken care of a year or so ago at a different Chevy dealership. Could it be related to that?

Would it really cost thousands to repair that problem?

Oldblue

I’d have the battery load tested, any parts palace should do it for free.
A dying battery can appear to be other horrific, expensive repairs.

SullyinCT

Thanks. I wish I would have found this site before I decided to take it to the dealership. I will let you all know what they say, and will not go ahead with any work if they didn't check the battery, fuse box or the ignition switch (which was under recall - I had taken care of already).

Oldblue

The fuse box halves are the next step to investigate.

donbrew

There are a few TSBs on the subject. Tell them to look them up.

This is one that you can look for. The wire junction tends to rub on the bracket.

SullyinCT

donbrew

Very expensive. Ask for a written guarantee before you authorize work. The computers rarely fail, but are often blamed.

Communications failures are more likely a bad wire or connection.

I seem to be psychic now after rereading post #2.

RJ_RS_SS_350

Kinda sounds like they didn't load test it....