P38 Diesel wont start no dashboard lights

phantom21 · Nov 3, 2012

Hi all

1998 P38 diesel wont start

Symptoms
door locks work
position 2 on key switch and no lights on dashboard , only SRS light on
start position and nothing happens
headlights, windows all work battery is good
Tried disconnecting and re connecting battery still the same
Any ideas?

Thanks in advance
Karl

Saint.V8 · Nov 3, 2012

Check Fuse No.1....this is the fuse for the Dash board...

Then Check battery voltage level - could be duff....

If they check out, check for dampness on the carpet - could be the BeCM has moisture in it....

If still nothing - time for a computer!!

phantom21 · Nov 4, 2012

It's sorted

Just befoore posting i disconnected battery again and as it was damp and cold inside from not a lot of use over the past week, i put a fan heater inside, facing becm. Left it for an hour a it restarted.

Thanks for the reply

Karl

dogsbody · Nov 4, 2012

I certainly wouldn't stop there. If there was enough moisture inside the BECM to cause that fault then there's probably some corrosion. If you're up to it then get the BECM open and get in there and do some cleaning.

Datatek · Nov 4, 2012

Where is the moisture coming from? "O" rings if it's anti freeze, pollen filter or aircon drains if it's water. Fix it quick or you will be in for a new BECM.

phantom21 · Nov 4, 2012

In the winter it is always damp, not wet inside. i think the main problem this time of year it only gets 1.5 miles of driving each end of the day. O rings are OK. if there is a leak it would be from a window seal possibly. i do intend to get a backup BECM just in case. When buying a used BECM what do i need, just the door remotes? looks like the key blade could be swapped
Are all BECM units compatible or do i need to match any revisions to the rest of the car?

Karl

Datatek · Nov 4, 2012

phantom21 said:
In the winter it is always damp, not wet inside. i think the main problem this time of year it only gets 1.5 miles of driving each end of the day. O rings are OK. if there is a leak it would be from a window seal possibly. i do intend to get a backup BECM just in case. When buying a used BECM what do i need, just the door remotes? looks like the key blade could be swapped
Are all BECM units compatible or do i need to match any revisions to the rest of the car?

Karl

It is not a simple swap, Hi & Lo line, different versions, re-sync to engine ECU etc.
Much better to fix the leak.
Just sorted two leaks on mine and now it's as dry as a bone even when left all week in the ****ing rain.

phantom21 · Nov 4, 2012

Datatek said:
It is not a simple swap, Hi & Lo line, different versions, re-sync to engine ECU etc.
Much better to fix the leak.
Just sorted two leaks on mine and now it's as dry as a bone even when left all week in the ****ing rain.

I have the re-sync tool so thats not a problem. would be interested to know where you found your leaks

Datatek · Nov 4, 2012

phantom21 said:
I have the re-sync tool so thats not a problem. would be interested to know where you found your leaks

Pollen filter drains, pollen filter housing seals and "O" rings.
A syncmate will not program a BECM for the correct engine ECU amoungst other things, nor will it fix corroded connectors at the BECM.

phantom21 · Nov 4, 2012

Datatek said:
Pollen filter drains, pollen filter housing seals and "O" rings.
A syncmate will not program a BECM for the correct engine ECU amoungst other things, nor will it fix corroded connectors at the BECM.

I'm aware that a syncmate will not fix corrosion but before i start pulling the BECM appart i was wanting a backup unit ready to go

Saint.V8 · Nov 4, 2012

As Datatek says, the BeCM needs setting up to your car. They are not plug and play! They need to be told various things about your particular car, HEVAC type, Cruise Control, fog lamps, high level brake light, security settings, key codes, gearbox type, engine type etc etc etc

Datatek · Nov 4, 2012

phantom21 said:
I'm aware that a syncmate will not fix corrosion but before i start pulling the BECM appart i was wanting a backup unit ready to go

No need to pull the BECM apart, just dry it out gently and stop the source of the problem. NO point in spending £££££'s on a re[placement BECM if you don't need it. If you really want to spend your cash, contact Rick the pick

P38 Diesel wont start no dashboard lights

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