I don't really know what else to think besides the computer in my car is going bad. My gauge cluster has started acting up, my RPM's don't work properly. The needle falls a little bit below zero therefor isn't reading where it should. My battery needle is always below the line (essentially upside down) and my temp gauge has been going way passed hot. I have a 3 pillar gauge pod with a water temp on it, and it always reads about 170-180 so I know the car is not running hot. Also, my sequential tail lights do not work anymore. All of the lights turn on and flash the way they're supposed to when I lock my car but not when I get on the brake or use the blinker. Any suggestions please?!

 

Do a search. The early S197s had a problem with water getting into the smart junction box (I think that's what it's called). Causes a lot of electrical gremlins. Any water in your passenger side carpet? Maybe somebody else can jump in here with more information. I have read it isn't all uncommon.

 

well the gauges is from the stepper motors going out most likely, will have to tear it apart and re-do them

 

+1 on the cluster stepper motors. These are a chronic issue on the '05s and early '06s.

 

the stepper motors that run the gauges are going 'bad'

notorious on the 05s and 06es

the sjb controls other items, like the lights and such

probably a bad cluster ($1000) and a bad SJB ($1000) from the water leak

plus the dealer charge to load the 'as built data' into the new modules

sell her and get an 07-09 model...