[Cornbuzzer]

This just started happening at about 81k miles: It acts like dead car battery (trunk latch, dome and dashboard lights and remote unlock all fail.). But the car starts just fine and then the lights come on like nothing wrong at all. Doesn't happen all the time, just randomly, and apparently after it's been sitting for a day or 2.

Perhaps a clue: I did notice that when it happens, I'll open the door (no lights come on) and if I switch the headlight switch from Automatic to the next setting (manual), all expected lights come on, and again, car starts just fine.

Sound familiar to anyone?

Thanks

 

[Cornbuzzer]

Addendum: Thinking maybe that the key fob was the issue, I tried a new fob battery, no luck. Also tried using the spare fob but behavior is the same.

I am frequently having to use the physical key to unlock the door, and if I don't start the car, the alarm goes off which is getting rather old...

 

[Cornbuzzer]

Beuhler... Beuhler?

 

[Cornbuzzer]

 

[Cornbuzzer]

OK, well it seems like this issue has been resolved, possibly thanks to the Coronavirus...

So, since I have been driving very little lately compared to usual, my battery hasn't been getting the typical charging and decided it was time to die. (I am told that 9 years on an OEM battery is impressive). So, I installed a new battery about a week ago and the light/trunk/remote unlock issue has not returned since. If it was in fact a battery issue, as it appears, it makes no sense to me how a battery would have enough juice to start the car but not enough to operate electronics.

I guess this will forever remain a mystery.

Anyway, I want to thank everyone who weighed in with ideas & suggestions. I couldn't have resolved this without you.

Oh, wait . . . . .