Electronic displays dead

[Von Erik]

Twice on my way home from work today, all the electronic displays in the car went dead for a few minutes, then came back on. Odometer, message center, radio, and climate control displays went dead. The radio and the A/C were still working, just no display.
It's also been stumbling and cutting out like a bad coil.
Kinda wierd having both problems come up at once.
Anybody know what might cause the displays to go out or if it could be some larger electrical problem causing both problems?

 

[Andyb]

RE: Electronic displays dead

A failing alternator can cause problems like you describe.

 

[XLRVIII]

RE: Electronic displays dead

[div class="dcquote"][strong]Quote[/strong]
A failing alternator can cause problems like you describe.
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Yup that's what happened to me...

Climate control display went off...
Message center said "check charging system".
Car rolled to a stop.

I'd check the alternator first, then the battery.
you may be in need of both.

I replaced two alternators before I figured out the battery was killing them.

If you replace your alternator.. MAKE SURE you FULLY charge the battery before starting the car.
Failure to do so, will allow you to repeat the replace alternator steps.

CHARGE the battery!

 

[Von Erik]

RE: Electronic displays dead

LeoC2 and a few others have suggested battery/alternator. Next week I'll have the system checked and probably replace the battery regardless of the results. If it comes up showing a bad alternator I'll replace both.
So far the only symptom is the displays going dead. Everything still works fine, car keeps running, no messages. I can even mess with the hot/cold buttons on the climate control and the A/C or heater will kick in. Just no displays.