My Electronics have DIED!? :(

My 2006 PKG 1 has lost it's audio components, clock and keyless entry all at once without warning or explanation! This scares me a bit that such a new car (15K Miles) would have such a failure.

This morning I was listening to the radio on a short drive, and I powered off the Audio by pressing the power button. When I returned to the house I noticed that the MFD did not beep when I moved to the consumption screen. My wife took the car out next, and noticed the clock is not working, nor is the key FOB locking/unlocking the doors (and the little "immobilizer" light is not blinking on the dash when parked).

Any clues? This is the first issue I have had on what has otherwise been a great car, but it's very disconcerting. If this is something simple I would prefer to avoid a trip to the dealership. If it's something major, i'd like to know what to expect.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts/advice/solutions/consolations you have to offer!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(priapus the second @ Nov 15 2007, 03:09 PM) [snapback]540146[/snapback]</div>

I believe at Microsoft they refer to them as "undocumented features"

A blown fuse! [slaps forehead] I like the sounds of that... hopefully just a freak occurrence. Now, if only these fuses were documented with something other than the arcane abbreviations on the fuse box. I will have to wait until this evening before pulling each one to check it.

I will also try the holding down of the power button. I like the sounds of that as well

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hobbit @ Nov 15 2007, 06:05 PM) [snapback]540240[/snapback]</div>

Thank you for saving me from breaking fuses with the needle-nose pliers

The MPG seems to have been retained, but i'll start there anyway. Am I gonna lose my numbers when I pull it to check?

As for the accessory option, I kind of doubt this, since I don't have smart key and always take the key with me... but you never know. The clock has not been reset, it does not light up at all. I will be done with work soon, and let y'all know what I find!

 

Hobbit,

You were spot-on with the DOME fuse, but as soon as the second one went into the socket it popped with a bright blue spark, so I am suspecting some kind of short-circuit.

My 2-year old son had the bright idea to put some change in the CD player, which I got out with a piece of tape, a wire tie, and a LOT of patience, but I'm thinking a piece may have dropped down into never-never land back there and shorted something out.

Any tips on removing dash panels so I can have a look before I get a big bill for something that's not covered under warranty?

THANKS!

 

Wow that guy at the techno-fandom site puts together some really GREAT guides! ;-)

Thank you. So, just unplug the CD player and try to blow another fuse to test it?

Thanks Again!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Ichabod @ Nov 16 2007, 10:30 AM) [snapback]540537[/snapback]</div>

Fortunately the fuse in question (15A, labeled DOME) does have the teeth pointing downward. Of course, a faulty fuse would be a major problem on a short-circuit, especially when I am working on diagnoses. When purchasing the fuse should I be looking for Toyota® fuses? Or is something else recommended? I am not looking to save $5 on an off-brand fuse at the peril of creating warranty-excluded damage!

I want to solve this myself to get a better understanding of my car, as well as save the money at the dealership. (And create a service record on my car, which never helps at resale time)

Is there an easy way to cut 12V power completely, so I could probe around a bit with an OHM meter. (Or whatever it's properly called)? I'm sure there must be a matser fuse, or is it best to simply disconnect the battery altogether?

Thanks to everyone here for all your support!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Greenkeeper @ Nov 16 2007, 11:24 AM) [snapback]540575[/snapback]</div>

Or not... it seems I was mistaken. My local Autozone, NAPA, and Pep Boys do not yet carry this "Low Profile Mini" fuse. So, it seems I will be off to toyota for a replacement soon enough, but I will do my testing with the Mini fuses that fit into the slots, but stick up too high.

Now, off to the garage to see what lurks beneath the dash... hopefully I do not release the rattles!

 

Hobbit,

Thanks for posting the guide. It made my life a LOT easier yesterday to know where the snaps are etc. After removing and disassembling the CD player I found two nickels and a quarter inside. I've re-assembled everything, (with no leftover parts) and my car is back to normal.

Thanks again for everyone's help throughout what would have undoubtedly been an expensive ordeal at the dealership.

-Everitt