Electrical problem with '91 Q45

[mattd1979]

Well, I was changing out the TCS and somehow I shorted a power lead from the battery to ground or something. I can't remember exactly what I did to cause this but anyway here are the symptoms. When the car is off I cannot lock or unlock the doors with the door switch nor can I make any adjustments with the seats like you normally can with the key out. It is almost like there is no power getting inside while the car is off yet the interior lights work. When I put the key in the on position, the radio comes on and the antenna goes up but there is no sound, I don't get any test lights to come on like they usually do. Once the car is running none of the guages will work nor will the driver and passenger side seats or telescoping steering wheel. This is until I increase the engine rpm and then everything comes to life. And here is another thing. If I want to move the steering wheel or the seat until it stops the car dash light will go thru there normal test period as if I just started the car and the radar detector will reset. This also happens with the dash,radio, and radar detector when I hold the brake and put the car in gear. I can't figure none of this out nor do I even know where to begin. I was wondering if it could be a voltage regulator or a relay problem. I checked all of the fuses that I could find and all checked out good. Please help as this is my Mom's car. On a lighter note.....the TCS seems to be working now.

MattJacksonville, FL

[gniknave]

I did the same exact thing in the same exact area and you have the same exact results. Fix: go under the hood and check the Main fuse or just replace it. If you're like me and don't have a spare (it's not a regular blade fuse) then it's a special order from the dealer unless you can find an automotive store with one.

[mattd1979]

Evan....You know what...........Your were right on the ball. It was a fuse. It was the 120 AMP main fuse next to the 100 AMP fuse located beside the battery. I went to Autozone to try to find one but the highest they had was 80 AMP so I went to Advance and got a 100 AMP fuse for around $3. I was so glad that was the problem. I thought that I had seriously fried some wires together. But that was all that it was. As you read I was installing the TCS that I bought from Elwesso when this happened. Well now every thing in the car works just great. I have fixed the last of the problems for now. Thanks for the reply though. Your reply would have hit the nail on the head If I hadn't found the problem before I read your response.

MattJacksonville FL,

[elwesso]

Way to go evan!!! Golden!

glad my actuator worked, matt!!!

[Q451990]

Good news! I wasn't about to touch this one as I had no idea what the problem was.

This is a good reminder (to myself included) to disconnect the battery when working on your Q. I almost never do, but I really should if I'm going to be unplugging anything!

Heath

[elwesso]

Good news! I wasn't about to touch this one as I had no idea what the problem was.

This is a good reminder (to myself included) to disconnect the battery when working on your Q. I almost never do, but I really should if I'm going to be unplugging anything!

Heath

Indeed... I never do, but at least thats why we have fuses!