CEL on, Tachometer INOP, Instrument Alert Lights on

[afnugent]

Hi guys,

Looking for a little help.

Just replaced the alternator and everything was fine for a couple of days. Then CEL comes on steady, along with the cruise control light, temperature light, and low fuel light. The tachometer is also not working. Everything else (gauges, etc) is fine and car is running great. Put my OBD scanner and NO codes come up at all. I think it might be a grounding problem, but am not sure.

Anyone see anything like this? Any pointers would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Al Nugent

2005 Carrera 4S Cabriolet. 26,600 miles.

[wvicary]

Have you verified that the charging system is still operating correctly including the battery?

[berny]

Yes check charge rate and for poor earth! sounds like low voltage

[afnugent]

Yes check charge rate and for poor earth! sounds like low voltage

Thanks. Charge rate seems fine and battery is new (April). I guess it's time to troubleshoot for grounding...

[xmac]

Why were you replacing the alternator? It sounds like you were having electrical troubles prior to this.

[afnugent]

Why were you replacing the alternator? It sounds like you were having electrical troubles prior to this.

Yes. I replaced the alternator b/c it was not charging at all. These symptoms appeared a few days after the alternator swap. Other than not charging, I had no electrical issues prior to these.

Cheers, Al

[halik]

Random cluster issue has been traced to shorted fuel level signal wires before; it goes into the cluster unfused.

http://forums.rennlist.com/rennforums/8312142-post33.html

Edited August 1, 2012 by halik

[afnugent]

Resolution! Turns out the instrument cluster was defective. Got a new one and everything is roses. Thanks for all the advice, pointers, etc.