L322 2003 Range Rover HSE (Accidentally charged with 24v)

Hi all, I went to charge my battery today and forgot that the charger was on the 24v setting. Didn't realize for a few minutes before I disconnected it. I could smell a bit of an electrical burning. Now, the key will not turn in the ignition. The interior lights still work and the central locking still unlocks with the key fob. I have tested all fuses in the glove box and the ones in the rear and all are fine. Any idea where I should look next?

Brownfoot said:

Hi all, I went to charge my battery today and forgot that the charger was on the 24v setting. Didn't realize for a few minutes before I disconnected it. I could smell a bit of an electrical burning. Now, the key will not turn in the ignition. The interior lights still work and the central locking still unlocks with the key fob. I have tested all fuses in the glove box and the ones in the rear and all are fine. Any idea where I should look next?

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Bank Account..... Check how much money is in there to be donated to the main-stealer.

I have tried disconnecting the battery for 30 mins, I have also removed and replaced fuse 18 with no joy. I did try to turn the key while the 24v charger was running, I have a feeling that the burning smell was the solenoid as the burning smell came from inside the vehicle, 24v may have been too much? This is a 2003 Range Rover HSE, UK model.

Brownfoot said:

I have tried disconnecting the battery for 30 mins, I have also removed and replaced fuse 18 with no joy. I did try to turn the key while the 24v charger was running, I have a feeling that the burning smell was the solenoid as the burning smell came from inside the vehicle, 24v may have been too much? This is a 2003 Range Rover HSE, UK model.

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24 volts is guaranteed to do some damage and if you smelt burning you have confirmation that damage has occurred, only time will tell how much damage but it could be very expensive I'm afraid.

Would diagnostics work with it in this condtion? Maybe get a hint towards what went ffffttttttzzzzz.

gold rover said:

Would diagnostics work with it in this condtion? Maybe get a hint towards what went ffffttttttzzzzz.

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Depends on which ECU's if any have been fatally damaged.

Thanks for the input guys. Is there a way to bypass the solenoid just to get the key to turn so see if at least it will start?

I think the first ECU's to power on when you unlock the car and put the key in the ignition are the BCU and the EWS.....BCU is the Body COntrol Unit (GM3 in BMW terms!) and the EWS is the immobiliser system, this ECU reads the little chip in the key when you put it in the ignition barrel, when it recognises the right key has been inserted, it unlocks the lock solenoid for the ignition switch and the steering lock.

24V will fry most delicate ECU's, even if you removed the lock solenoid so you can turn the key, without the EWS ECU the vehicle still won't start as it hasn't/won't send the 'Right Key, Good to Start' signal to the BCU and the Engine ECU to engage the starter circuit.

I would pull the EWS ECU and the BCU from the car and give them the sniff test.

BCU is under the passanger seat, EWS is in the centre console betwen the seats.