P38A Aaaarrrggghh!

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.

Jon Dor

Well-Known Member
Posts
1,672
Location
Beverley, East Riding of Yorkshire
Hi guys.
Stupidly flattened battery yesterday and, battery recharged, P38 Thor refuses to start.
Can open doors using remote, but AMBER ENGINE LIGHT illuminated and refuses to start.
I'm due to have Pre-op appointment this afternoon before December spinal surgery.
Kindly advise...sat in car now in a car park hoping to hear from you knowledgeable P38 gurus!
Many thanks.
 
I cant help much, but a bit more info may help those that can. I will guess at it being a sync issue
Does the engine crank?
Did you remove battery to charge it or was it charged while still connected?
 
I cant help much, but a bit more info may help those that can. I will guess at it being a sync issue
Does the engine crank?
Did you remove battery to charge it or was it charged while still connected?
Car is in a car park so I wasn't allowed to use an extension lead from nearby building, so charged off-car.
Relay clicks, but no cranking. Not getting KEYCODE LOCKOUT message or anything similar.
Highly frustraticated!
Thanks for the response.
 
Hi Kev. Yes tried in neutral as well as park. I can't get under, but a guy with very long arms checked the wire that goes to starter and said not loose. Couple of years ago, that connection was loose giving very similar symptoms to now.
Thanks again.
 
Try with a new battery. Sometimes when an older battery goes completely flat it becomes useless. Have you checked what voltage you are getting off the battery? The other problem is that if one of the plates in the battery has become oxidised or damaged, you can see a healthy voltage but not enough amps to start the engine.
 
As said above if the battery was completely drained it is possible it is ****ered.
Battery wasn't COMPLETELY drained, but well below required capacity.
Mozz (a fellow Manc) has been extremely helpful and battery is now on an overnight trickle charge. Will try the protocols he has given me when battery FULLY charged tomorrow. THANKS, MOZZ!
 
Last edited:
Battery wasn't COMPLETELY drained, but we'll below required capacity.
Mozz (a fellow Manc) has been extremely helpful and battery is now on an overnight trickle charge. Will try the protocols he has given me when battery FULLY charged tomorrow. THANKS, MOZZ!
Well done Mozz, cake run from Beverly I'm guessing.;):D Good luck with the opp,Jon.;)
 
Try with a new battery. Sometimes when an older battery goes completely flat it becomes useless. Have you checked what voltage you are getting off the battery? The other problem is that if one of the plates in the battery has become oxidised or damaged, you can see a healthy voltage but not enough amps to start the engine.
Thanks for the response and advice. Battery is AOK, but I was Stupidly using a 12v compressor for ages without engine running. Its a 1000CCA one and now on trickle charge overnight.
 
You need to see a minimum of 12.6 volts from the battery.
12 hours on trickle charge will not fully charge a P38 battery.
Cheers, Datatec.
I had it charging at over 12amps for a couple of hours and, after speaking with Mozz, took it home to trickle charge until it hits at least 14.2v
On a separate note, Kurt said to check his integrity out with you ref his New EAS compressors and blocks.
He said you are totally shady....haha!
 
I've suggested a pint or three when I'm next over that way...if his health/meds allow that.
Great to hear his sweet, dulcit tones...I'm a Manc too

He's a legend at getting these started.

I think the Thor still cranks with loss of sync but not certain. The fuse that does the EAS compressor also does starter so check the big fat maxi fuse in the engine fusebox is all good. If blown disconnect the EAS compressor, replace fuse then try again.
 
He's a legend at getting these started.

I think the Thor still cranks with loss of sync but not certain. The fuse that does the EAS compressor also does starter so check the big fat maxi fuse in the engine fusebox is all good. If blown disconnect the EAS compressor, replace fuse then try again.

No it goes full 'tard like the Gems when it unsyncs ;)
 
He's a legend at getting these started.

I think the Thor still cranks with loss of sync but not certain. The fuse that does the EAS compressor also does starter so check the big fat maxi fuse in the engine fusebox is all good. If blown disconnect the EAS compressor, replace fuse then try again.
I disconnected the EAS compressor AND checked-out the fuses including the 50-amp rascal. Swapped over relays too...all before Mozz weighed in with his advice.
 
Back
Top