[Austin.strand]

Hi all,

I was driving today when all of a sudden all of my indicator lights on my dash came on. The car was still driving normal and the gas, along with the speed, was working properly. The temperature wasn't though. All of the lights suddenly turned off not a minute later, then they came back on in about the same, but stayed on for 5 minutes (until I arrived at my deatination).

When I got to my destination, I turned the car off and tried turning it back on to see if the lights would go away, but the car wouldn't even start back up. The electronics were still working though, so the battery isn't toast. No cranking happening when I turn the key either.

Something important to note is that I just hit a deer not too long ago, it messed up the driver's side front of the vehicle, and you can see the damage in the image attached.

What do you think is wrong with my car?? Anything would help! Thank you!

 

[dwightbresemann]

With limited information, as to no tests or code scanning performed, I'll go out on a limb and say, maybe the alternator is failing or failed. Now the vehicle is running on battery only. When the battery went low, the dash lights came on. Then the vehicle died when the voltage went too low. Later, the battery recovered a little. Enough to turn on the dash light, but not enough to crank the vehicle.

 

[Mountain Escape]

Hi all,

I was driving today when all of a sudden all of my indicator lights on my dash came on. The car was still driving normal and the gas, along with the speed, was working properly. The temperature wasn't though. All of the lights suddenly turned off not a minute later, then they came back on in about the same, but stayed on for 5 minutes (until I arrived at my deatination).

When I got to my destination, I turned the car off and tried turning it back on to see if the lights would go away, but the car wouldn't even start back up. The electronics were still working though, so the battery isn't toast. No cranking happening when I turn the key either.

Something important to note is that I just hit a deer not too long ago, it messed up the driver's side front of the vehicle, and you can see the damage in the image attached.

What do you think is wrong with my car?? Anything would help! Thank you!

Welcome to the city, Austin. Sorry it is under unfortunate circumstance. I think the problem is you hit a deer.
My friend, your battery tray is behind that headlight. to adjust the beam, or change the bulb you have to remove the battery. I am going to say, like Dwight, out on a limb that you need to remove your battery from its tray, have it tested.
I bet you will see it is damaged from impact. Your power distribution box is not far away either
I am guessing.
even a dismounted lead plate inside of your battery would not be visible, but it is very dangerous. It can potentially explode on you now.(your battery) when working on it, I would strongly suggest throwing a heavy blanket or towel over it before trying to lift it out of the vehicle. Don't shake it, don't mess with it.
If there is any moisture at all around/under the battery, it will eat your clothing, it will eat your skin, it will eat your pets.
if you notice any moisture at all, you will need to be wearing eye protection, rubber gloves, and a rubber apron, if you have it.
When you trade it in, please let the personnel know that it was involved in an impact, and should be treated with caution.
Take a picture with her hood up, showing how extensive the damage is behind the headlight.
your vehicle is repairable.

 

[Austin.strand]

Give me 5 min and I'll have that for you! Thank you guys for your input!

 

[Mountain Escape]

Give me 5 min and I'll have that for you! Thank you guys for your input!

I meant to ask you, what did you mean by the temperature wasn't… Were you overheating?

 

[Austin.strand]

The temp Guage went flat to cold

 

[Mountain Escape]

The temp Guage went flat to cold

Ok

 

[Austin.strand]

Welcome to the city, Austin. Sorry it is under unfortunate circumstance. I think the problem is you hit a deer.
My friend, your battery tray is behind that headlight. to adjust the beam, or change the bulb you have to remove the battery. I am going to say, like Dwight, out on a limb that you need to remove your battery from its tray, have it tested.
I bet you will see it is damaged from impact. Your power distribution box is not far away either
I am guessing.
even a dismounted lead plate inside of your battery would not be visible, but it is very dangerous. It can potentially explode on you now.(your battery) when working on it, I would strongly suggest throwing a heavy blanket or towel over it before trying to lift it out of the vehicle. Don't shake it, don't mess with it.
If there is any moisture at all around/under the battery, it will eat your clothing, it will eat your skin, it will eat your pets.
if you notice any moisture at all, you will need to be wearing eye protection, rubber gloves, and a rubber apron, if you have it.
When you trade it in, please let the personnel know that it was involved in an impact, and should be treated with caution.
Take a picture with her hood up, showing how extensive the damage is behind the headlight.
your vehicle is repairable.

 

[Mountain Escape]

It appears dry, you could have shook a lead plate loose in it though. I would take it out and take it to your local auto parts store… They will load test it for free. I would still also mention to them that your vehicle was involved in an accident.
It's good none of your crossmembers look damaged.

 

[Austin.strand]

Sounds good, will do!

Thank you for the help!

 

[tomw]

An instant change that affects the whole cluster is generally caused by loss of ground or power. If the cluster was de-powered, I think the PATS system would not recognize the key put into the ignition switch as all memory of authorized keys is kept there.
I would look at the power and grounds under the hood, under the power distribution box(having relays and fuses) directly next to the battery. You should be able to remove the retaining bolts and lift it up to inspect the underside for loose connections, etc. Also you could remove/replace all the fuses and relays in the PDB. Doing so will insure that any that may have gotten jarred loose by the deer impact would be freshly seated and hopefully gotten good connections.
I doubt your battery is damaged by the collision and suspect loose bits & pieces that can be corrected by examination and refreshing their seating into the sockets.
tom