Expert: Roland Finston - 11/26/2011

Question
QUESTION: Roland:  the car has electronic gauges.  Yesterday, they ceased to work other than the alternator gauge (the non working gauges are illumnated but no needle to indicate position, no odometer reading showing).  In addition, the electric windows don't work; the electric door locks will open but not lock the doors; the headlights turn on however the headlight doors do not open.  The car starts and runs normally.  It seems there may be an electronic module with a faulty connection.  What do you think?

Thanks,

Doug

ANSWER: Hi Doug,
Check the 50 amp fuse (vehicle lamps) in the power box under the hood, and also check circuit breaker 2 in the relay bank above the cabin fuse box. This is a bit complicated so it may take more analysis but start with those 2 items.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Roland - Checked the 50 amp vehicle lamps fuse and it has continuity and is OK.  In the same powerbox, there are two relays: "concealed headlamp relay open" and "concealed headlamp relay close". Have not checked those at this point.

I'm not able to locate circuit breaker 2.  The cabin fuse box is located in the glove compartment.  The manual says there are relay and flasher modules located "near the fuse box at the right lower corner of the instrument panel" and I suspect this is what you are referring to.  But I cannot see relay and flasher modules or circuit breakers in the glove compartment, or under it at the right lower corner of the instrument panel or anywhere under the instrument panel.  There is an upholstered quarter panel next to where the passenger's right foot would be and they could be behind there.  Any suggestions?  Thanks for all your help, and hope you had a great Thanksgiving.  Doug

ANSWER: Hi Doug,
All the non-functioning items have one common thread, a dependence upon the body computer to accomplish their purpose. It leads me to believe that one of the power sources for the body computer is missing. The fuses that power the body computer are #8 (5 amp), fuse # 16 (20 amp), fuse 18 (20 amp). So take a look at those 3 fuses to see if any of those are blown.
Roland

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Roland.  Everything is working normally now.  I removed each fuse and checked for continuity and they were all OK.  Then after putting them back in the fuse box, now everything works.  So I'm suspecting that one of the fuses wasn't contacting adequately.  I could remove the fuses again and spray with electronic contact cleaner, although now that it's working, I'm hesitant to mess with it again.

By the way, where is the "body computer" located (for future reference)?

Thanks,

Doug

Answer
The body computer is located on the right side cowl of the cabin, or to the right of the passenger's right leg, near the floor just in front of the door opening. It might be covered over by a carpeted panel, but the two 25-wire harnesses will be seen to drop down from above if you look under the dash on that side. I am pleased all is well, and even better that it wasn't a blown fuse!
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Roland