So i just installed the complete interior lite kit from rotaryfx.com. This kit was pretty simple, especially since i have never worked with wiring before. It looks really good at night, (besides the need for maybe one more footwell LED) but theres a problem

My dashboard does not work now

It lights up, but thats about it. I dont know how much gas I have, how fast im going, or how many RPMs im at. Im also pretty sure I dont have ABS or Power Steering right now either.

I did disconnect the negative terminal of the battery, but i dont know how that could make this happen.

Please help!!!

 

Have you at least checked to see if you blew a fuse?

 

I'm checking that tomorrow once I get all my tools. I'm guessing that's what it is because now there's a strange clicking and winning noise when I turn on and off the car

 

I blew the fuse that does all that. It was the very last fuse on the bottom. I think it's a 10. I'm not positive, but I will bet you anything thats the problem.

 

I dont think its a fuse anymore.. my car died on the freeway, but i managed to bump start it back up. uh oh

 

Please verify that your battery terminals are clean and tightly connected.
Also what year/model is your Rx-8 (auto/manual?)

 

Better check how you wired it as well, because it doesn't sound good.

I'm not sure how the RotaryFX wiring goes, but I do know there are several wire bundles that come into play most times, and it's really easier to mis-identify the proper ones.

 

The battery terminals seem to be fine. Its a fairly new battery. Its a 2005 manual.
But yea mazurfer im guessing thats my problem. im taking it to a mechanic on monday :/

 

Well, you could undo what you did, verify everything is okay and back to normal, and then start over.

If you are using those stupid little plastic wire taps that sort of close or crimp onto the wires, then suspect that is where the issue is.
It's either that of you grabbed the wrong wire(s) to tap into. I now it's kind of a bitch to get the right ones. Not so much for this particular install, but I don't have the FX ones, but I know many people have grabbed the wrong ones.

I also assume you checked all the fuses right?

 

What does "seem to be fine" mean exactly? This is a major component in your electrical system. Please Take the Five minutes required and remove the terminals and clean the inside with some bakingsoda and water paste with a brush. (I only press this issue because you stated the car died while driving)

Were there any grounds you removed to add your lights? You may have forgotten to reinstall them, according to my 2004 Wiring Diagram there are several major grounds in the dash (pic provided below to help locate them.).

Don't give up so easily.

This is the best solution.



I hope so, that should be step #1.


To much Free time today...
-Shawn

 

Yes I'm using the stupid red wire taps :/ if I undo them will that mess anything up? (like have an exposed wire?)
The battery is a couple months old and shows no corrosion or gunk, but I'll clean it anyway. And the fuses have been checked. All seems well there.
Lastly no I did not have to use any grounds for this kit.

 

Just use some electrical tape over any exposed wiring

 

^.....at the very least!