Electrical Problems

[q45t96]

My 1996 Q45 has just turned on me. The dash lights don't come on, the head lights are stuck on high beam and the rear running lights don't come on. I have searched to see if anyone has had a similar problem without success. I don't see a fuse that would correlate to all of those issues. Help!!!

[loystock]

Please see link below - Power Supply Routing starting on page EL-8, Exterior Lamp on EL-42 and Meters & Gauges on EL76.

http://www.nicoclub.com/FSM/Q45/1996_Q4 ... Q45/el.pdf

[goody90q45]

I had the same issue changing out a micro bulb in the seat controller on my 1st 94Q. I used a metal screwdriver to put in the bulb with the lights on. It was the tail lamp fuse or ILL fuse in the engine compartment fuse box. I think it's the middle row of fuses, 3rd or 4th from the firewall. Don't trust your eyes when checking this fuse...measure continuity with a volt meter or pull it and look with a magnifying glass as the break in the fuse will be hard to see. If not this fuse check all the others for continuity with a volt meter having to do with lighting. Root cause could be a melted tail lamp or brake lamp bulb socket so pull out the modules on both brake lights and check the dual filament bulbs and sockets for signs of scorching, melting or burnt wires. Replace bulbs with long life (LL) bulbs if their sockets are melting. Sylvannia bulbs are preferred but any LL bulb should have higher resistance.

[LoxMurda]

Have you checked your alternator, maybe its going out. I had the same symptoms. I had oil leaking on my altenator. and it started losing power. If your battery gets drain then its definately your altenator.

[q45t96]

I have replaced tail lamp and other fuses that have to do with lighting. No change. Also checked and replaced the rear running lights. They were already Long Life bulbs and there is no sign of burning. I guess it could be an alternator problem, as I do have some oil leaking from the valve covers. However, there are no signs of low battery power. It was mentioned that the fuse under the hood was labeled the (ILL) fuse. I don't see a fuse labeled (ILL) inside the car or under the hood. Is that a 10a fuse and could it be labeled something else? Could there be a relay or something that would cause this? Thanks for your help.

[LoxMurda]

I have replaced tail lamp and other fuses that have to do with lighting. No change. Also checked and replaced the rear running lights. They were already Long Life bulbs and there is no sign of burning. I guess it could be an alternator problem, as I do have some oil leaking from the valve covers. However, there are no signs of low battery power. It was mentioned that the fuse under the hood was labeled the (ILL) fuse. I don't see a fuse labeled (ILL) inside the car or under the hood. Is that a 10a fuse and could it be labeled something else? Could there be a relay or something that would cause this? Thanks for your help.

The interior light fuse is 3rd or 4th down from the top left under the hood. its a 10 amp. I think its label room lamp. if it was out nothing expecpt maybe the tach would light up. shine a light past the radiator fan blade on to the altenator to see if there is any build up.

[q45t96]

It looks like there is build up on the alternator. Can it be cleaned or will I have to replace the alternator?

[LoxMurda]

If that's the case like in mine, you got a bigger problem. It means oil is leaking from your valve covers, so cleaning if possible might not help. The issue will reoccur if you don't replace the valve cover gaskets. That's how I found out so I just replace the gaskets and I had another alternator I was about to sell, so lucky me. I cleaned the alternator from the car and took it to advance auto for testing..it was toast. Your call if leaky oil is the issue.

[q45t96]

Thanks for the help. Took it to a local tech and he traced it to some wires in the streeing column. Rather than replacing the $400.00 part he repaired the wires and I was on my way for $100. Now I need to address the leaking valve cover problem and a few others. I just need to figure out if its worth the cost. Thanks again for the input.