What Should I do If the Lights Go Out on My Car's Dash?

The Lights went Out on my Car's Dashboard - What do I do? | Mike Shaw Subaru Maintenance FAQs

You're driving along like you do every day when, suddenly, the stereo turns off, the climate control shuts down and all the lights in your dashboard dim. The engine itself may even turn off. Now, that's a real pain in the neck! This happens when the electrical connection in your car is interrupted. It likely means you're in need of a new battery, new alternator or some other service related to the vehicle's charging system.

In some cases, the fault may only last a second, before everything comes back on - but that still indicates a critical fault in the electronics of your vehicle. It's a good idea to have any electrical issues on your car checked out by specially trained professionals. Below, we'll give you an idea of what to expect when your car experiences any electrical problems.

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What Electrical Components Could Fail on my Vehicle and Why?

The first culprit to check is the battery. First, you can make sure the battery is properly connected and that corrosion hasn't interrupted its connection. Check that the battery cables are properly connected to the battery terminals. On the terminals themselves, check for a build-up of a whitish, powdery substance. This is corrosion, and it doesn't conduct electricity. Enough corrosion on the battery terminals and cables can cause a bad electrical connection, leading to the dashboard lights going out on your car. Or, if the battery is dead and won't hold a charge, it'll just need to be replaced.

If the battery holds a strong charge and has a solid connection, your next step is to check the fuse box. If a main fuse has blown, that can cause your vehicle's electronics to stop working altogether. You may also need to check for fusible links - these are special wires with built-in fuses that can help protect your car's electronics from surges and ground faults. If one of these fusible links has blown, it'll need to be replaced.

If all those components are in good shape, your last step is to check the alternator and ignition switch. You may want to visit a local Subaru dealership to consult with a service advisor at that point. The alternator can sometimes be hard to access in the engine bay, and the ignition switch is mounted in the steering column. Getting to these parts to service them can be tough for an amateur, not to mention making the actual repair. That's why you'll find friendly and factory-trained technicians at your nearest Subaru service center. They'll be happy to diagnose and repair your Subaru vehicle's electrical problem.