I've got a problem and no idea how to diagnose. When driving for about 2 blocks, all the gauges on the instrument panel go dead. I see low fuel/service vehicle from the message panel. The car seems to start at a high gear and then it overheats. I've also noticed that when in neutral it idles really high. But when I turn it off and let it sit for a minute it works fine. I've gotten the battery and alternator tested and its fine. Any ideas?

 

holly S... sound like serious issue. id try disconnecting the battery for a couple of minutes and plugging it back on. i wouldnt mess with anything else if i was you.

 

Wow!!! I agree with Yeyee! Thats just f-ed up. I know its not what you want to hear but I would def take it to a dealer, or at the least a good shop that wont rape your wallet and do nothing in the end. It def sounds like a loose ground or maybe a bad BCM. But thats a guess. If you can, Id check your BCM ground and all your fuses, other than that, Id say get that checked out by someone who can read your error codes. Keep us updated though if you can. Im quite curious as to what is causing this....

 

Man I thought it was the alternator it was working fine gauges and everything. I took it out today and the symptons repeated but in addition this time the engine cut off as I was going down a hill in traffic[Scary as HECK I might add]. It came to a stop and will not start back up. The gauges still do not work. When I turn the ignition nothing happens at all no sound anywhere. I'm charging the battery tonight. Any ideas, I've been looking around and does this sound like a bcm problem and where is the ground for the bcm located?

 

After putting the battery back in. The message center says Security, Low Fuel, Service Vehicle Soon in that order. And I hear the fuel pump pumping repeatedly.

 

I'm told its the pcm. Can I purchased a used one and have them reprogram it?

 

Depending on the year, you should be able to get one. Could get a tuned one if you have a 5th gen.