Explosion of Warning Lights 3 Minutes After Its Back From Dealer

[PorscheServiceThen529Plan]

2001 C4 Cab 79k miles- So after 3 years of doing my own work, I got lazy and was tied up on a project rebuilding a 74 Honda CB750,and brought my baby to the dealer for new coolant expansion tank, and a/c condenser, and radiator cooling fan, and vacuum canister, and took the beating.  They did not want me to take the loaner on a road trip to Acadia so I arranged alternate car for the trip - so they were really nice and threw in an amazing full detail job. They really went hog wild - the engine compartment looks brand new. I think they even did the headlight lenses. That was the good news. The bad news was that after 3 minutes of driving I see the battery warning light flicker, then come on fully, the AC cuts out, and the warning lights go crazy, the ones that stayed on were: PSM, ABS, Battery, and the Voltmeter was at 16 (it is normally starting at 13 then gets to 12 when hot - ground strap?). After a driving a few minutes to the dealer the volts were 11.0 or so, and improved to 11.8 when I turned off a/c.   No CEL. Engine runs fine but A/C and fans cut in and out. I brought it back to the dealer and am waiting to here something like "you need a new alternator", but I suspect whatever spraying/power washing that made the engine spotless could be a culprit? My first thought was battery terminal connection, but I tightened up positive - not fixed. Should have tried negative too, but forgot. any thoughts? thanks

Edited July 5, 2016 by PorscheServiceThen529Plan

[Hilux2400]

I hope the battery terminals are tight as that's an essential resistance component in the circuit when the alternator is charging.  When it's taken out of circuit on a running engine voltage spikes can occur which sometimes result in serious damage.  We had a similar incident on a Merc when someone forgot to tighten the battery terminal and the voltage spike fried a component in the ECU.  

[PorscheServiceThen529Plan]

Just talked to dealer - the alternator failed. Since it happened right when they were in there, they just put in a new alternator no charge today. I was happy to see that there was no haggling required. When I win the Mega Millions ticket that I bought today I will definately buy a new 911 from them. thanks

[PorscheServiceThen529Plan]

So it picked the car up from the dealer and they fixed everything, except brand new problem as soon as I start it up in the dealer's lot: the climate control screen has gone haywire, there is a yellow half moon on the left side of screen and the rest of the screen is totally illegible. When I brought it in the screen was fine. I saw the voltage at 16v briefly (maybe the regulator was toast), could it have been fried by that or more likely some damage done when replacing condenser/working on it? I know these go on our cars, but they must have done something to it I think. any thoughts? thanks

[JFP in PA]

So it picked the car up from the dealer and they fixed everything, except brand new problem as soon as I start it up in the dealer's lot: the climate control screen has gone haywire, there is a yellow half moon on the left side of screen and the rest of the screen is totally illegible. When I brought it in the screen was fine. I saw the voltage at 16v briefly (maybe the regulator was toast), could it have been fried by that or more likely some damage done when replacing condenser/working on it? I know these go on our cars, but they must have done something to it I think. any thoughts? thanks

 

If you hit 16 volts, I would not be surprised to find some electronics damage.

[DBJoe996]

I think your thinking is right, they got water in the alternator and it fried the voltage regulator, then that in turn fried your HVAC display.  Hopefully, a replacement will end your saga.

[emperorphobos]

Assure that your alarm system, doors etc are working properly too