So I was driving to work this morning (2008 G37s) and about 5 min into the drive I noticed all of my guages had stopped working. Since the car seemed to be driving fine, I figured it was a fuse or something. 10 more minutes and the car was very sluggish and it would not let me accelerate at all. Battery was 5 years old, so I had it replaced and the car started fine, no problem. However, the guages still didn't work. Thankfully, I have a bluetooth OBD2 sensor and it seemed my volts were dropping off and then the new battery eventually died as well.

This tells me that the battery isn't getting charged by the alternator. Before I replace the alternator, I wanted to see if anyone had heard/seen this happen in the past. I'm stumped as to why my guages don't work at all.

Thanks in advance guys!!

 

I'd charge the battery and with the freshly charged battery start the car and use a multimeter to check the battery voltage. Sounds like a bad alternator. With the car running the battery voltage should be above 13.3 VDC. The alternator actually is what runs the vehicles electrical systems while the vehicle is on. The battery stores the charge to start the vehicle. Hope you get it worked out.

 

I'm almost certain it's the alternator. Everything u described happened to me in my Chevy Malibu... And it was the alternator

 

I definitely know what the alternator is for. haha

Let me clarify my reason for asking... I had read several other posts where some people were finding weird solutions to this happening. like the ignition switch fuse going out or because the alternator doesnt switch on right away after starting the car up. My car just clocked 80,000 miles, so i wouldn't normally think it was time for the alternator to go out. Just trying to rule out all other items before I rip the alternator out. The dealership tried to tell me it was the guage cluster and it needed to be replaced. hahaha I couldn't believe my ears and in no way wanted someone working on my car that was going to tell me that.

 

I had an issue similar to this! It ended up being a fuse. I have my radar tapped into my mirror and apparently it shorted one day and I lost all my gauges, the AC, and the car wouldnt shift. Check the fuse box under the dash, by the drivers door. It was a 10amp fuse. Hope that helps!

 

Check the Electric(IGN) fuse on the interior kick panel. And also the 2 below it. If they look good, just swap them for fresh fuses anyways....I am pretty sure it will fix it.

 

Hey Guys, just for an update. All fuses were fine, so I pulled the trigger and took out the alternator. I had it tested at autozone and sure enough, the alternator was bad. I had to special order it, of course. I will let you know as soon as I get it installed. It was weird that I was crossing my fingers that the alternator was bad. Its been my experience, when fuses start going out for no reason, there is a bigger issue at hand. Thank you all for the helpful hints and I will fill you in on tuesday.

 

I thought it would be. Keep us informed!

 

So i finally got the alternator in today and I installed it when I got home. BAD NEWS... Alternator installed and still no guages!!! Battery isn't charging either. double and triple checked plugs and connections to the alternator. somewhat stumped, but i'm going to check all of the fuses and relays with the multimeter tomorrow evening. Thats my next move anyway... If anyone has other ideas, please let me know your thoughts.

 

Dude, sorry about that.... Electrical issues can be an absolute nightmare in a vehicle. It's tricky but you'll figure it out and when you do it will be the best feeling imaginable. Good luck.

 

Haha, I can't decide whether or not this is encouraging or discouraging. Jk I know exactly what you mean.

There are 2 things I really don't want anything to do with when it comes to repairing cars.
1. electrical issues
2. A/C issues

Thanks guys for your help. Chime in anytime!

 

UPDATE...

So i have tracked down the culprit. There is a fuse that keeps going out by the drivers seat. 10 amp fuse "Ign (meter)" I'm assuming since my guages go out and so does the clocking of miles, this triggers my battery from being charged. Maybe a way to keep you from falsifying your odometer readings?

Anyway, i don't know exactly why that fuse is blowing. It does it about once a day give or take. I'm trying to change one thing at a time while I drive it to narrrow down what it might be. I didnt' do anything to the car before this starting happening there hasn't been anything specific come to mind.

Any thoughts?

Thanks again!

 

It hasn't blown in a few days.... STUMPED

 

Your car is having an identity crisis; it thinks it's British...

 

lol, So should I make it an appointment at the dentist?