Hi,

I have an 02 r53 and I've been having the intermittent issue of all the gauges dying at idle. This usually only happens when the AC is on, but I've also seen it happen when the steering wheel is turned when the car isn't moving. This on occasion resets the ECU which really baffles me.

Thanks

 

Hello, I am not an R53 person but in some other threads i read that it could be your charging system which includes the battery, alternator, and WIRINGs. when did you start having the issue, how old is the battery, if you start the car and remove the battery while running, would the car shut off or get weaker?

 

Thanks for the quick reply.

I started having the issue about a month ago, The battery is an Optima Red Top with a build date of 06/14. I'll have to get back to you about disconnecting the battery. I'm at work at the moment.

 

ok, keep us posted. finally, when you turn the steering, does the car feel like it wants to shut off?

 

No, the engine continues to run strong.

 

when you get a chance, rev the engine a little higher (let's say 2k rpm or something like that [me just throwing numbers just to test the system]) so the alternator can put out some more juice and turn the AC and see what happens, do the same and turn the steering wheel, then do the same with AC and steering are working and see what happens.

 

The car ran fine and the gauges stayed functioning.

 

humm...interesting. check the voltage on the battery before and after starting the engine and see if it is with in range.

 

The voltage is 12.38v with the car off and 14.2v with the car on

 

how about the voltage from the positive terminal to the chassis before and after the start?

 

12.35 off and 14.23 on

 

The voltages seem consistent. But you notice that only when you rev up the engine everything seems to work fine. Also the voltage readings indicate good terminal connections assuming they are tight. I dont want to say it is a weak alternator yet, but I hope other members chip in!

 

That was also my thought. I hope it isn't given the price of a new alternator.