Instrument Cluster And Central Locking Gone Mad - Any Advice Please.

[rookie123]

As the post title says, the instruments and central locking on my 2002 Mk2 Alhambra diesel have gone berserk at the same time.

 

Firstly, the clock & trip meter don't hold their settings anymore but work when the car is running (starting back at zero every time). The rev counter and battery volt meter have stopped working altogether. The speedo, fuel gauge, oil and engine temps are all still functioning. When turning on the ignition I have a warning light appearing for the ESP (according to the book) which has never been there before and goes away after a couple of seconds. This all started this morning!

 

Also beginning today (linked?) the central locking has gone a bit loopy. When using the remote key to lock the car all doors lock except the drivers door. However, when using the key to unlock the car the drivers door then locks but all other doors unlock. I discovered this when the alarm went off very early this morning on my way out! Even using the key in the lock, the locks are behaving the same way.

 

The car seems to be running OK, but I am lost as to where to start with this one. I have disconnected the battery for now and will try it again in a few hours but I don't hold out much hope for a cheap fix!
Any advice/help etc would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Edited July 9, 2013 by rookie123

[seatkid]

First thing to check is the wiring in the rubber gaitors to the doors and tailgate. Check for breaks and shorts - very common - photos and further info in the Tech Faqs section.

[rookie123]

Thanks seatkid.

I have had a look in the door gators and the one at the boot.
The only broken wires I can find are in the rear passenger door (whose electric window has never worked since I got the car).

I have an auto electrician coming to see the car in the next couple of days and wondered if there is anything else that would cause both the instruments and the central locking to go nuts at the same time?

Also, is it safe to drive with the instruments behaving like this? Will the ECU detect things and shut the car down for instance or am I being daft in thinking that is a possibility?

Thanks again.

[SilverBeast]

I believe there is a failed fuse that causes the trip to lose it's settings. Sorry it's a recollection from following the Galaxy forums. I suggest you check all the fuses in the fusebox with a meter, either for continuity or for voltage at either end.

[SilverBeast]

Try 31, 32 and 34

[rookie123]

All fixed now and to follow up...

Firstly, thanks again to both seatkid & silverbeast for your suggestions and you were both right!

4 fuses were blown in the car along with 3 broken wires just beyond the door gator to the driver's door which meant stripping off part of the trim to get to them.

 

3 of the fuses were the cause of the instrument cluster and the other fuse and wires the central locking.

Auto electrician had it working again in an hour...wish I had a clue about electrics. :unsure: