URGENT help needed... desprate elec probs

First thing i'd do is disconnect the battery(make sure you have EKA and know how to re-sync) and re-connect just to get your window back up,especially in this weather.If it doesn't reset itself,start checking relays,earthing straps and alike.But get that window up first.

Are you an AA/RAC/Greenflag member? If so, give them a call - they should have onboard diagnostics that should tell you the problem, and hopefully fix it for you then and there!

Most likely cause is an insuffiuciently good battery, the P38 needs a good battery, the cold weather, the wonderful heated screens, etc are all bad news for a tired battery.

Some of the problems you describe come up spuriously when the battery is low or weak/ defective. A cold snap like the one we are in at the moment usually sees off a battery that is getting on a bit especially one in a P38 as it has a lot to do and a diesel at that.

Andy.R said:

Most likely cause is an insuffiuciently good battery

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Blimey Guv'nr..you toffs dont 'arf talk posh!


Wouldest thou concur that the aforementioned battery is ****edeth?

How old is your battery? Also check your fusebox. Check for water around your becm and its connectors. Finally check all the earth bondings.

I'd try what DM68 said, several years ago, when I had battery problems, I had exactly as you, all sorts of weird going-on, & after phoning around, came accross a P38 'expert' who covinced me it was the BECM & he could supply a replacement for several hundred pounds!!
So I duly disconnected it from under seat, & was just about to remove it when I thought I'd try on last thing (can't remember what it was now) !!
HOWEVER, the second I hooked it all back together & then the battery, there was all sorts of 'clunking & clicking from all over the car for a few seconds, then all quiet, No surly not, can it?? Got in, turned the key & EVERYTHING was back to normal, I liken it to some sort of 'computer-reset' Give it a try, costs nothing.

ive had a dodgy temp gauge ,gearbox fault message and alternator fault message flash up time and again i put another battery on and that all stopped instantly and been ok ever since

But surely if it's turnig over ok (which it must be as it starts), the battery itself must be ok..?

Could still be a bad earth somewhere though and it wouldn't hurt to try to disconnect it and reconnect it. I doubt the AA/RAC/anyone will have anything that can read a P38 systems other than perhaps the engine ecu.

Guy

Damp or corroded fuse box maybe shorting out. Take a look under it.

kooky_guy said:

But surely if it's turnig over ok (which it must be as it starts), the battery itself must be ok..?

Could still be a bad earth somewhere though and it wouldn't hurt to try to disconnect it and reconnect it. I doubt the AA/RAC/anyone will have anything that can read a P38 systems other than perhaps the engine ecu.

Guy

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Could still be the battery or bad connections/earths or of course the dreaded fusebox Battery would be my starting point if it dies after 10 minutes with the lights on.

Mike v.t.s said:

Thanks very very much for all the info, ive checked all fuses and relays and all ok, fuse box is ok, i phoned the chap i got the rangie from and he says he had the becm repaired at a cost of nearly £700 8 month ago... and i beleive him as its got his name wrote onthe becm, and to be honest everything he said he had done when i got it he had, eg new airbags etc etc, and the rangie is in excellant condition etc etc, the i had just stopped with the engine running when this happend but the battery is a little knackerd as if i leave int lights on it wont start after ten mins, il try dissconecting it now and fingers crossed she will live... give me half hour or so and il post back

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Could be a fair bet that there was nothing wrong with the BECM and it's the fuse box.

don't mention it.......

Mike v.t.s said:

I disconected the battery for half hour then reconected it and hey presto its all working fine!!!!!
i must admit i felt close to tears as my line of work is dead might have to stack shelves at asda with the way things are going, a specailist said it was defanatly becm... i thought i might have to sell the rangie but then you chaps who replied to my post saved me again so if any of you chaps are ever calling past bolton please get in touch i want to buy you all a beer... seriously a huge big thank you...

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Go and buy yourself a bloody great new battery, the biggest that will fit, and make sure it's fully charged before you fit it before you are really in the deep and stinking

At least you now know what the problem is,so go buy a new battery before you end up really fooked

Mike v.t.s said:

i must admit i felt close to tears... i thought i might have to sell the rangie but then you chaps who replied to my post saved me again ... seriously a huge big thank you...

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These forums are great! Well done everyone!

Pete