02 Signature No Start Condition HELP!!!!

[C3ntermass]

Hey guys I'm really hoping you can help out on this one. I was driving to work the other day and halfway there both the instrument cluster and the EATC went dead. I had the defroster on and it shut right off. Both digital displays on the cluster went dead, the speedo went to zero, temp went to "C" and fuel gauge below "E". Strangely the "BRAKE" light came on and remained the only light on the cluster. The car drove completely normally; it shifted fine as well. Shut the car off to go to work and when I came out after work to go home it wouldn't start. I turn the key, the PATS faults out (red light goes out), however the dash is completely dead less the "BRAKE" and battery lights. EATC completely dead. Radio and all other accessories work just fine. Tried disconnecting battery to no avail. Checked all fuses to no avail. When I turn the key to start I hear a click coming from below the steering wheel somewhere but that's it. I cannot hear the fuel pump priming or the usual noises you hear coming from the engine when you turn it to run before starting. I'm thinking the computer may be dead but I'm honestly not sure. Vehicle electronics are not my strong suit. Has anyone else had this bizarre problem or possibly can offer advice? If it is indeed a computer issue, how would I go about replacing it myself? Does a dealer need to flash my old one on to the new one or can I just grab one out of a junkyard off the same model year and be good? PLEASE HELP!!!!

 

[wimpy]

Using your test light (Harbor Freight if you don't have 1): Check the fuses under dash & in the power distribution box, pull the diode in the PD box & clean the contacts. Swap the major relays in the PD box. I'm at a loss at that point if your issue isn't resolved.

 

[C3ntermass]

Thank you so much for your help. Took a while, but I went through every fuse both in car and under hood. Most all had hazing on the contacts and under hood fuses a couple were corroded. After 14 years and 286,000 miles I'm not exactly surprised lol. At that point I cleaned off all of them. However upon closer inspection the maxi fuse #1 50 amp was swollen and cracked slightly which I didn't notice upon first inspection. Turns out this is one of the fuses labeled "ignition". The smallest crack almost invisible caused all this! I'm thankful it wasn't anything serious, but what a pain in the ass electronics can be! Thank you again for your help; anything I can do to assist you in the future I'll do my best.