Dashboard acts erratic

Tiny
JUSTACADDY
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 CADILLAC ALLANTE
  • V8
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 200,200 MILES
Give this Cadillac Seville question to:

1998 Cadillac Seville sls
200,000 k miles

Key-on engine-off, all electric works, info center displays correct info, radio, all lights, windows ac-fan, windows, etc. Works.

But with the Engine running; dashboard acts erratic, shows categories but no data-info, gas guage goes from 1/2 fuill to empty and back again over and over, headlights are on but you can't turn them off, windows don't work, radio lights are on but no sound from speakers, ac-fan speed switch works but no ac.

Car-engine starts, runs, can be driven ok except for the electrial problems listed, no ac, windows.
Wednesday, November 30th, 2011 AT 11:39 PM

8 Replies

Tiny
CJ MEDEVAC
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,004 POSTS
SORTA SOUNDS LIKE A MR. BODY CONTROL MODULE ISSUE OR THE CLUSTER IS BAD.

ALL OF THE SYMPTOMS YOU SHOW ARE THINGS RELATED TO THE MODULE

NEED TA GET IT CHECKED OUT!

KEEP US INFORMED

THE MEDIC
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Thursday, December 1st, 2011 AT 2:33 AM
Tiny
JUSTACADDY
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  • 4 POSTS
I am not very good with cars. Could you explain what is to be checked out and how much it tends to run? Is it a quick diagnoses or and extensive look over?
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Thursday, December 1st, 2011 AT 2:40 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi:

The body control module, (BCM), is a computer that monitors many of the electronics on the vehicle. The items you are having trouble with fall into its responsibilities.

What was suggested is to have it checked. To do so, special equipment is required. I would estimate around 30 dollars to have it checked. Please understand, I don't know where you live, but it shouldn't take more than 30 minutes. If th at checks out good, have them check for bad or weak body grounds. If you want, I can look for a list of locations and send it to you to check. Just let us know.
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Thursday, December 1st, 2011 AT 2:46 AM
Tiny
JUSTACADDY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Lincoln, nebraska 68502
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Thursday, December 1st, 2011 AT 2:48 AM
Tiny
JUSTACADDY
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Can you guys check on the Vin Number?
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Thursday, December 1st, 2011 AT 2:49 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
I'm sorry, but I don't know the average labor rate there. As far as the VIN, I have no access to GM's system. If there is something specific that you need checked, I would be glad to do it for you

Joe
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Thursday, December 1st, 2011 AT 2:51 AM
Tiny
FACTORYJACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,159 POSTS
If you can access the battery, which is under the seat, disconnect both cables and touch them together for 30 seconds to a minute. Reconnect and re-evaluate the concern. This will accomplish a master reset of all the modules, and if one has been corrupted, may correct the situation. If the symptoms are still the same, you have on-board diagnostics that you could enter, and obtain the fault codes. My guess is if the conditions are still present after the reset, you have a communications problem. You do not have a single body control module that is in charge of all the systems. You have several modules, in upwards of 17, that communicate on a data line(class 2). Consider one important thing, was there anything done prior to this happening(bodywork, jump start, repair, etc.), And is there any aftermarket accessories installed in the vehicle. These can be a primary cause of bizarre symptoms, and can induce such condition. Try this if possible, and reply to this post. I can guide you through entering diagnostics and obtaining codes. Also, post your full VIN and I can interrogate for info, I may not be able to copy and paste the info, but if you are looking for specifics as far as open campaigns, or warranty repair history, I can refer that to you.
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Thursday, December 1st, 2011 AT 3:41 AM
Tiny
CADIEMAN
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,544 POSTS
DISCONNECT THE A/C PANEL CONNECTER AND IF SPEEDO COMES ON THE THE A/C IS BAD. IF STILL NOTHING PLUG THE A/C PANEL BACK IN. THEN YOULL HAVE TO REMOVE THE SPEEDO HEAD AND CHECK THE A/C PANEL FOR OPER. IF NEITHER LIGHT UP REPLACE THE BCM.
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Friday, December 2nd, 2011 AT 2:55 AM

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