2007 Fit, auto trans.

Went to start the car, starts fine, but...

Wont shift out of park (brake lights work), none of the gauges work, and power steering is dead. Everything else seems to be working.

I was able to get it into gear and limp it home.

Any thoughts?

 

And now it is dead. Engine went into limp mode for a while then shut off. Put the key in the ignition, turn it forward and the entire dash erupts into a symphony of clattering electronics and relays.

Now waiting for the tow truck.

 

Spoke with the dealer. The root cause was the #3 fuse blew.

Any common reasons for the #3 fuse to go? I am really hoping it was a fluke and not a symptom of something else.

 

What does that fuse control?

 

The #3 fuse is for the instrument cluster.

The dealer said that since the cluster was dead, the car would not allow itself to shift out of park as a safety feature. I asked about the power steering not working and he said that was probably a safety feature as well.

For some reason, the car was not charging. I know from past experience with older American cars, the instrument cluster needs to be in place and functioning for the charging system to work. There is usually an exciter wire tied in to the dash and alternator. If the exciter wire is not connected or not passing current, the charging system won't function. I *assume* the same thing holds true for the Fit.