I recently had work done on my rear hatch release motor (partially released hatch before, but does not turn on at all now despite having power to the motor) and driver's door (latch mechanism replaced for external car access). Immediately after these repairs, I have no digital dash display, non functional analog gauges (except voltmeter),no interior lighting,no alarm indicator lights on door locks, and no HVAC system. I have found a few threads with similar constellation of problems, but not any posts giving the final diagnosis/resolution. My fuses are all good......anyone had this occur and find a single issue that caused it? 89 S4 Auto

 

I have had similar issues with my 89. Triple check the fuses, I believe #24 is the culprit. I ended up putting a very slight twist in the fuse blade as it would make contact for a bit and the randomly stop working, jiggle the fuse everything worked for a few days. Since my modification I have had no issues

 

Thanks, I'll recheck/triple check the fuses.

 

Your fuse #24 is out as described above - always test electrically not visually. On an 85+ the bottom fuse connection is the fuse output - you can probe into the little window on the fuse end (below the fuse rating marking or embossing) with a DVM probe while the fuse is in situ...

The supply to the instruments and interior lights also feeds the release switch for the hatch.

Alan

 

The shop had checked all the fuses in Situ, and they all checked out....but I went ahead and swapped out fuse #24 and Voila....back in action. Only remaining issue is no power to my side mirrors. They used to take a bit of coaxing to get started using the toggle switch, but now no go at all. I will be checking fuse chart and swapping that one next. Thanks Again for your help nosnow and Alan!

Ron


QUOTE=Alan;14950033]Your fuse #24 is out as described above - always test electrically not visually. On an 85+ the bottom fuse connection is the fuse output - you can probe into the little window on the fuse end (below the fuse rating marking or embossing) with a DVM probe while the fuse is in situ...

The supply to the instruments and interior lights also feeds the release switch for the hatch.

Alan[/QUOTE]

 

Pull the plastic **** off the mirror switch and try adjusting with just the stick. My mirror **** had a crack and would flex too much so it seemed like the switch was broken. Those mirror switches are notorious for being flaky though.

 

Thanks I'll give that a shot. Another minor issue... during work on rear hatch motor, the mechanism to secure the tool kit broke on one side. The receiver for the plastic twist *** is gone ( just a metal opening there)....is that a part that can be found, or is there a DIY way to get the plastic *** to set/secure the tool kit.

 

After Hershey, my car was parked for three months while I was in Oklahoma. On returning, I have the same issues: Dash, mirrors, and HVAC don't work. I checked the fuses and swapped the horn relay, but no joy. I have an '82.

 

Hi Shawn,

Have you tried wiggling the ignition switch slightly while running to see if some of the symptoms go away? Your description sounds similar to an issue I had many years ago and it was finally tracked to a bad ignition switch, seen many similar to your symptoms since then.

Just a thought,

Dave

 

Thanks, Dave. I gave that a try, but it didn't help. The dash is working again, but still no HVAC.

 

Hi Shawn,

My next move would be to pull the drivers side console side cover and double check the connectors on the HVAC unit, easy to do and eliminates if the HVAC is a separate issue.

Cheers,

Dave

 

Will do, although I certainly haven't been in there since Hershey, so that's low on the probability list.

 

I forgot to ask, did the mirrors also start working again with the dash?

 

I forgot to check!