whats wrong with my car?

Question

On my way home last night I lost all light, radio, brake, horn, and door power lock functions. The only thing that worked was the blinkers and the car drove like nothing was wrong. The interior and dash lights went out and the ABS light came on. I checked all the glovebox fuses and they are all good. What would cause this? Thank you in advance for any replys. Oh BTW its a 96 olds Ciera SL

Answer 1

the ignition switch electrical is probably failing try wiggling the key a little to see if that stuff comes back on its not your alternator as your car would have died

the ignition switch on that car uses a very small torx socket if your going to do it yourself plan on buying one

Answer 2

could be your discombobulator valve.cars have like circuit breakers for your power assessories(look like metal boxes or plastic in the fuse box. the first statement was a joke .( the d valve one).the blinkers would most likely have their own breaker.if it was your alternator heres a way to check it(i've done this many times myself. it's an old redneck trick!):start your car then disconnect the positive cable from your battery.if the car stalls your alternator is shot.if it stays running turn on your lights and all your power assessories at once.if it then stall your alternator is weak and should be changes a.s.a.p. some cars have an overload built in to the headlight wiring.that way if there is a problem it will trip that rather than fry your wiring harness.i'm not sure how to reset it though. try the trick for the alternator first.the computer idea is a posibility but i'd eliminate the ones i mentioned first. computers are expensive and don't go that often(i've never really had one go yet and i've owne 200-300 cars.i've owned so may because i can't afoard to reapair them. i've worked on alot of them but when the parts are worth more than the car or if the parts are to expensive it is time to ditch the car. hope this helps you. sometimes there are relays on your inner fender for the lights and stuff. some cars had fuses in that spot. aswell as on the firewall(back part behind engine that is where your wiper motor and stuff is) there may be relays for the lights.

Answer 3

You're probably experiencing the first sign of a bad alternator. It would be a good idea to go to your nearest Autozone yo get a FREE alternator check. While you're there you can get the battery checked also. Good Luck. The standard charging on this alternator should be about 13.5 volts output.

Answer 4

OK sounds like the Computer Chip inside your vehicle got fried somehow.
If its not the fuses then it has to do with either Wires, which its not the wires because Everything has gone so I would have to say the Computer chip inside your car, but I'm not a mechanic so you need to go see one.

Answer 5

could be the alternator