Weird electrics

[Magoo]

Rav4 4d4 2002, when switched off fuel gauge reads full. When started check engine light on but no other lights and rev counter at zero. Then when throttle pressed dash lights flash, wipers come on, rev counter works. After a few min no wipers no horn but headlights work and Battery warning light on. Anyone got any ideas? Thanks in advance.

[daveh_rav4]

Hmmmm, when I was a mechanic (many years ago) if electrics went haywire like that on a vehicle we would normally be looking for a bad earth point somewhere.  However, with these modern digital electronics/ring buz-bar loops... I'm lost.  Anyhow... a good place to start is multi-point (bad) connections, dodgy fuse holders and earth points.  Oh, are you getting any error codes on the display (if you have one)?

[IanML]

I agree that sounds like the electronics is getting low voltage due to high resistance contact(s), and a bad earth is the place to start.  You need bright metal contact between chassis and cable end, then protect with silicone grease.

[Magoo]

Thanks daveh-rav4 and IanML, will check earth points. No error codes but will be trying out a new toy (obdii scanner) if I can get the mini disc to load!