P38 Headlights cutting out

BikeManJai · Dec 22, 2010

Hey Guys

I've recently in my wisdom bought a P38 HSE. As ever having one or two electrical issues.

Original problem of key switch in door lock not working is now sorted and re programmed the key so it can be locked/unlocked/driven etc however now i have a new fault.

While driving along, whateever your doing doesnt matter, the lights, both dash, consol, external all turn off, then back on again magic. Can't seem to find anything loose, or bad earth. Maybe a faulty relay ? Any1 had anything similar, can't find anything online searching through.

Cheers in advance. J.

Canyon · Dec 22, 2010

Your blinking too slow...jj
No idea, but it could be loose cable to either battery or becm.

Datatek · Dec 22, 2010

Check the engine compartment fuse box for signs or smells of burning, it seems to be responsible for many strange faults. Check the headlamp bulbs are the right wattage.

hippolover · Dec 22, 2010

Good place to start would be the light switch if everything it controls is going off. It would only really be the battery connection if you noticed the needles drop too as all power would be lost. Give the switch a tap when switched on to try and simulate the fault.

malcolm_durant · Dec 22, 2010

You get similar erratic electrical maladies on Rover 800's, usually starting with electric windows and radio all working erractically.

In that case it's 99.9% probably the fusebox - the dry joints within it making and breaking with movement and temperature change.

The fusebox on an 800 is under the steering column and a swift bash wth the shoe fixes things temporarily. They are easy to resolder too; unlike P38 box which is much more complex and suffers from burnt out relays, tracks etc.

I'm planning on replacing mine with new (£130 unfortunately...) soon, as some of the interior lights are getting tempremental.

Malcolm

BikeManJai · Dec 24, 2010

Yeh looking more like BECM unit.

Starting to develop more and more small electrical things going on and off. Hoping to have a proper look boxing day (moved house this week and christmas officially taking up the next two days).

Will let you know how i get on. If its goosed and replacement needed, where is doing them for £130 as that is cheaper than the prices i've had quoted thus far.

dogsbody · Dec 25, 2010

BikeManJai said:
Yeh looking more like BECM unit.

Starting to develop more and more small electrical things going on and off. Hoping to have a proper look boxing day (moved house this week and christmas officially taking up the next two days).

Will let you know how i get on. If its goosed and replacement needed, where is doing them for £130 as that is cheaper than the prices i've had quoted thus far.

You're getting your wires crossed - sorry couldn't resist that one.
Malcolm was talking about a replacement fuse box for £130, not a BECM.

Have you had a GOOD look at your fuse box yet? Not just under the lid but under the board? They have a tendency to fail just with age and if you're lucky you can spot slight burning around relay holders or on the board or even smell it before it gives major problems.

Don't get me wrong it could be your BECM but the fuse box is a lot easier to check and cheaper to change.

Merry Xmas.

Datatek · Dec 25, 2010

The poor old BECM gets blamed for all sorts of problems, often the fault lies elswhere, namely the fuse box. Check that first.
Non standard high wattage headlamp bulbs will also cause problems.

BikeManJai · Jan 2, 2011

Cheers for the help guys. So far not had a chance in daylight to get near it but hoping to have an investigation around the electrics tomorrow.

The random cutting out seems to be everything bar the engine i found out while recently driving to huddersfield. At least i know the engine is working, even if it is emptying the gas tank before i can find a station to fill it up again !

Any of you guys who have a P38 for spares got a centre console gas strut that is working ?

j the range · Jan 2, 2011

BikeManJai said:
Cheers for the help guys. So far not had a chance in daylight to get near it but hoping to have an investigation around the electrics tomorrow.

The random cutting out seems to be everything bar the engine i found out while recently driving to huddersfield. At least i know the engine is working, even if it is emptying the gas tank before i can find a station to fill it up again !

Any of you guys who have a P38 for spares got a centre console gas strut that is working ?

i know some body who will have them, and i think your problem is on your post drivers side big plug. will need cleaning. it behind the plastic door post..

P38 Headlights cutting out

BikeManJai

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Canyon

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Datatek

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hippolover

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malcolm_durant

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BikeManJai

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dogsbody

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Datatek

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BikeManJai

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j the range

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