Can't find the answer for my C5 electrical issues
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 1
Likes: 1
Can't find the answer for my C5 electrical issues
Hi, I'm new to the group and a new owner of a 2001 C5 base with 58,000 miles on it. I'm having issues with my instrument cluster going crazy and the buttons not working. I have read the many suggestions on this forum and have done the following: Removed the cluster, sent it to US Speedo, they bench tested and it is 100% functioning. I installed a new button switch, it worked long enough for me to get everything put back together and then it quit, again. I have tried Bill C's suggestion and cleaned the connections in both doors, covered the exposed wires, cleaned the grounds under the hood, cleaned the grounds inside the captain's side kick panel and still, have the same issues. The digital readout now throws out codes in languages all its own. The gauges go nuts when they want to, and I have that lovely, high pitched, faint ring coming from the hell that is the instrument panel or steering column. Finally, I tested and replaced the 3 year old battery with a new Optima red top and still, the same result. I'm kinda ready to burn it to the ground or trade it in on a KIA (joking sort of). Can anyone point me in a direction other than dousing it with gas and watching it burn? Thanks in advance. KB
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 17
Likes: 4
First off, have you checked all the fuses and relays? That could be the issue. Sometimes it's the simplest things that can cause the biggest headaches. Whatever you do, don't burn it to the ground, man! That's just not cool. And definitely don't trade it in for a KIA. Also:
- Check the alternator: If the alternator isn't providing enough power to the car's electrical system, that could cause issues with the instrument cluster and other components. Use a multimeter to test the alternator and make sure it's putting out the correct voltage.
- Check the ignition switch: A faulty ignition switch could also be to blame. Try wiggling the key in the ignition to see if that has any effect on the issues you're experiencing.
