[MikeFlu]

Hi. First of all let me introduce myself. I'm Mike Fluharty, 42 years old and live in Des Moines, IA. I have a gold firemist 1998 Deville D'Elegance. She's the second Caddy I've owned, the first being a 1971 Coupe Deville which I enjoyed in my mid 20's.

Anyway, here's my reason for joining and posting:

Yesterday driving home from work after just a couple blocks the digital instrument cluster went completely blank. At the same time the blower motor switched on to high. The radio still worked but I could not use my steering wheel controls. I drove it home (about 15 miles) and shut it off. It wouldn't turn over. Frustrated, I cracked a few beers and tried to forget about it. This morning I found the fuse in the trunk for the IC and replaced it, knowing what was probably going to happen. Without the key even in the ignition the fuse blew immediately. I then tried to start it, but the security system went off, blowing the horn constantly. I did not try to start it before I replaced the fuse, so I have no idea when the security system decided to be a jerk. The power windows, seats and locks all still work. The keyless entry worked until the alarm incident. Any diagnostic help would be appreciated. I am way too low on funds right now to take it in. Thanks in advance. If I think of anything else that might be relevant, I'll comment.

 

[Submariner409]

The car has a built-in trouble code scanner/memory - but if the DIC is dead that's out of the question. Rent or borrow an OBD-II code reader from a large parts store, plug it into the OBD test port under the dash panel next to the steering column and turn on the key. Hope that will give you some codes to work with.

Here's the link to codes and their definitions. http://www.cadillacfaq.com/faq/answers/dtccode.html

 

[rodnok01]

I believe there may be additional things on the IPC fuse, I'll have to check fsm later. The IPC controls allt more than you think, security, VATS, power for HU display and of course the side hvac and fuel area display. It does sound like IPC went out(not uncommon). If you pull the dash and unhook IPC see if fuse blows then, if yes IPC toast. They can be repaired as components have been known to fail and are repairable. If the fuse still blows then must be something else on circuit. Unfortunately an aftermarket scanner may not pull the codes you need to know and since car not running.... Dash is easy to take out and there are how to here somewhere. Only need a 7mm socket and couple very small precision screw drivers and an hour to do it.