Q: Panel lights went dim and radio blinked while driving Oldsmobile Alero
The panel lights went dim and my radio starting blinking when I was driving today. What causes such a thing and can it be fixed?
Recommended Services
| Electric Problems Inspection | $94.99 - $114.99 | Get a Quote |
I’m guessing when you say the radio light was flashing, you mean it displayed the "lock" message. This is an anti-theft feature GM built into some of their older vehicles. Unfortunately, the radio will go into lock mode, whenever it loses battery power. So to me, it sounds like you lost battery power. If this happened only momentarily while driving, suspect a bad battery or poor battery connections/cables. I suggest you have a professional inspect your electrical issues so you don’t get stranded. The team at YourMechanic is an excellent option.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
Auto running boards broke, hard to get into the car now
The power retractable running board consists of a motor, module, and the running board assembly. The module sends power to the motor when you open or close the door. The motor turns the gear to the running board and moves...
Service Engine Soon light is on in 2003 Chevrolet Discovery
Code P0327 stands for knock sensor bank 1. Some of the common causes for this code are: a problem at connector C627 or C636, a problem with the power train control model (PCM) or a problem with the knock sensor...
Stalling problem when a quarter of a gas tank is left
Hello. It sounds to me as if the fuel pump (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/fuel-pump-replacement) is straining to pump the fuel when it reaches a low point causing a misfire. I suggest that a diagnostic test is performed on the vehicle with the scan...
If you replace a starter does it have to be specific to that vehicle
Car starters can often look very similar. The problem is there may be small differences that cannot be caught by the eye - the mounting may be different, the gear teeth might not match and will chew up your flywheel,...
My car slowly came back to a stop and now it won't start. Mechanic said it's the timing belt or motor.
Hey there. It is very possible that your timing belt (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/timing-belt-replacement) may have broken. It is also possible that some internal damage may have occurred to the engine. I would recommend having another mechanic give you a second opinion on...
I have a coolant leak somewhere. I think it is from the reservoir because it is coming from that area, but how do I know?
Look around the reservoir, the reservoir cap, and the hoses to the reservoir and see were the leak is coming from. The leak could be a loose hose clamp, cracked hose, or a cracked reservoir. If you need further assistance...
Smoke
Blue smoke coming from your exhaust (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/smoke-from-engine-or-exhaust-inspection) generally means that the motor is burning the engine oil. This can happen for a couple of different reasons such as worn piston rings or leaking valve guide seals. When this happens, the...
So how would a relay,a fuse, cost for windshield wipers?
Hi Marques. Thanks for contacting us today. If your wipers are not working correct, it could be due to multiple reasons. Before we can give you an estimate for repair, it would be required to correctly diagnose the issue, so...
Related articles
What Are the Different Codes That Can Light Up on My Dashboard?
We’ve We’ve all been there before. You’re driving along and suddenly, the Check Engine Light flashes on. It might not even be accompanied by any sort of symptom – no spitting, no sputtering, no jerking. What’s going on? Of course,...
How to Paint Your Dashboard
There There are a lot of ways you can customize a car (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-customize-a-car), and for many car owners, personalizing the interior is the first thing they want to do. Some people install aftermarket interior modification parts, which can be expensive....
How to Apply a Custom Dashboard Sticker
Sometimes Sometimes the dashboards that come with your car can appear bland and uninteresting. Customized dashboard sticker kits are a great option for you if you are looking to give your interior a temporary new style. This guide will show...
Browse other content
Maintenance
Services