Dash lights go crazy
Thread Starter
Joined: 05-22-2016
Posts: 2
From: Indiana
Dash lights go crazy
My car is at the dealership for the same thing.
Hey everyone,
My car does this:
1. All gauges are "jumping" - I mean not registering current speed, RPM, fuel level etc. These just move quickly and chaotically and this can last for up to 20 minutes straight when it's cold outside. When it's warm - it may happen as well, but usually takes seconds.
2. Theft-deterrent icon lights up.
3. Shortly after - traction control icon lights up.
4. Sometimes check engine icon lights up, but that happens rarely.
5. Various error messages appear - mainly LOW FUEL (since the gauge can't register fuel level), STEERING FAILURE (see point #6) and SERVICE TRACTION.
6. When starting to drive - electric power steering doesn't work. It starts working a few minutes after while driving.
7. While driving slow - the car jerks quite heavily. As if lambda probe is faulty.
8. The car shifts really hard while driving.
9. Car's dynamics drops down while driving - as if I lost some horse power.
I've been struggling with that piece of "car" for 2 or 3 months now. 3 services, around 10 tries to fix it from their side (they even replaced a few parts - including BCM) with no changes. I even printed out a lot of solutions from this forum (mainly related to the fuse box, waterfall panel and some connection under the hood) - had no issues in those "problematic areas".
But, one idea came up recently and might have been confirmed from my side. I used a voltmeter while driving in hope that then the car starts to act crazy - the voltage will start jumping along with it. No changes when this happens, but I still saw something interesting - the voltage changes from ~15.0 to 13.0. It changes every second, but lower than 14.0-14.5 is not OK if you ask me (when driving). Even more - it can drop by more than 1 volt in 1 second. So, this is clearly an issue. Might this be the cause of all my problems? And if it might - is the alternator the only source for this kind of problem. I can think of 2 issues inside the alternator that can cause this.
Really want to fix the car because the only option I see is burning it down for insurance:) Joking.
My car does this:
1. All gauges are "jumping" - I mean not registering current speed, RPM, fuel level etc. These just move quickly and chaotically and this can last for up to 20 minutes straight when it's cold outside. When it's warm - it may happen as well, but usually takes seconds.
2. Theft-deterrent icon lights up.
3. Shortly after - traction control icon lights up.
4. Sometimes check engine icon lights up, but that happens rarely.
5. Various error messages appear - mainly LOW FUEL (since the gauge can't register fuel level), STEERING FAILURE (see point #6) and SERVICE TRACTION.
6. When starting to drive - electric power steering doesn't work. It starts working a few minutes after while driving.
7. While driving slow - the car jerks quite heavily. As if lambda probe is faulty.
8. The car shifts really hard while driving.
9. Car's dynamics drops down while driving - as if I lost some horse power.
I've been struggling with that piece of "car" for 2 or 3 months now. 3 services, around 10 tries to fix it from their side (they even replaced a few parts - including BCM) with no changes. I even printed out a lot of solutions from this forum (mainly related to the fuse box, waterfall panel and some connection under the hood) - had no issues in those "problematic areas".
But, one idea came up recently and might have been confirmed from my side. I used a voltmeter while driving in hope that then the car starts to act crazy - the voltage will start jumping along with it. No changes when this happens, but I still saw something interesting - the voltage changes from ~15.0 to 13.0. It changes every second, but lower than 14.0-14.5 is not OK if you ask me (when driving). Even more - it can drop by more than 1 volt in 1 second. So, this is clearly an issue. Might this be the cause of all my problems? And if it might - is the alternator the only source for this kind of problem. I can think of 2 issues inside the alternator that can cause this.
Really want to fix the car because the only option I see is burning it down for insurance:) Joking.
Moderator
Joined: 01-23-2009
Posts: 26,533
From: Fredericksburg,VA
"The same thing" would have something to do with the Theft Deterrent light.
I made it into a new thread.
Your particular problem has to do with a fault in the under hood fuse box.
One member had the symptoms go away after the steering column was replaced.
Might also be the Pos connection on the fuse box (those 2 ring connectors Lower center)
I made it into a new thread.
Your particular problem has to do with a fault in the under hood fuse box.
One member had the symptoms go away after the steering column was replaced.
Might also be the Pos connection on the fuse box (those 2 ring connectors Lower center)
Thread Starter
Joined: 05-22-2016
Posts: 2
From: Indiana
Yes and the power steering going out and then it will reset itself and be fine....I thought my car had demons. Have only had it for 3 weeks at I was ready for them to take it back. I will call them tomorrow and have the check the fuse box because last time they couldn't find the issue. Thank you
Joined: 09-08-2018
Posts: 2
From: North Carolina (NC)
Issues with dashboard gadges and lights going crazy
Yes and the power steering going out and then it will reset itself and be fine....I thought my car had demons. Have only had it for 3 weeks at I was ready for them to take it back. I will call them tomorrow and have the check the fuse box because last time they couldn't find the issue. Thank you
I was curious if u figured out what was causing your problems with your car. Mine is doing the same thing. Desperately need help.
Platinum Member
Joined: 04-09-2006
Posts: 7,043
From: Vancouver, BC, Canada
It isn't likely you will receive a response as that member has not been back since he last posted in this thread. the thread is over 2 years old. But watch the video and check out the suggestions given.
Joined: 09-08-2018
Posts: 2
From: North Carolina (NC)
Issues with dashboard gadges and lights going crazy
thanks. Will do. Already had it in the shop and they said they fixed it. But it was only fixed for a short time. I appreciate the responses
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Jun 2, 2012 12:28 PM