p38 electrical issues

Hi all

can any one please help, i have a 1998 2.5 dse range and a huge electrics issues. the dash board cuts out an all the gauges lights stops the indicators from working and also causes the headlights to start flashing.

Does any one have any idea what the problem could be or even had this issue before.

please help!!!

All the systems you mention are controlled via the BeCM (Body Electrical Control Unit)....

The BeCM is like a network server that has its grubby little fingers in all the pies and has an annoying perpencity for losing its marbles....

First thing is to ensure you have a good strong battery, check the voltage with engine off, should be around the 12.4 - 12.8 mark.....now start the car and have an assistant hold the revs around 2000 and measure the voltage again, this should be around the 14.4 - 14.7 or so....

if it is lower than say 14.2 engine running or 12.2 engine off.....then you may need to change or charge the battery....

The P38 hates low charged/duff batteries and can cause all sorts of electrical problems when there is not enough juice to power all the ECU's and systems.....

Also check the fuses if you haven't already...!!

Wish i could have said "perpencity"

Yes you have said it all i recon.

Check the under bonnet fuse boxfor signs/smells of burning.

Thanks for all the help, turned out to be broken wires under the staring column. sorted now with a bit of re-wiring.