Help needed

[David1965]

My car has just suddenly died. I drove to my in laws  to do a job and when I went to leave I put the key in the ignition and it was just totally dead, absolutely nothing there at all. Its as if it has no battery fitted, what on earth could it be? 

[KEN33Y]

Without stating the obvious I'm  sure you have checked "Flat Battery". Any lights coming on the dash when the key is turned on ready to start? Have you jump leads to hand? have you checked the battery terminals to be secure?

[David1965]

No I didn't  check anything I simply got a lift home.

But there are no lights at all on the dash it is totally powerless.

I just dont understand how it started perfectly 30 minutes earlier with no indication of power loss. 

[Raistlin]

The problem with these cars David is that the system monitors the supply voltage and operates safety cut outs to protect the electronics from undervolt conditions.

Unlike the old days when it became increasingly difficult to turn the engine over on the starter, giving you ample warning of impending trouble.

 

Ergo, "no indication of power loss" is an entirely possible scenario.

The symptoms of a low voltage detection are varied and can include various fail lights on the instruments and disabling of the starter circuit.

I have heard that an apparent total loss of electrical power is another possible symptom.

The first thing I'd try is either another fully charged battery or a jump start in which case the system will detect the 13 - 14 volts from the other car and will then switch off the safety cut-outs.

 

It's a place to start.

If undervolt is the problem you might want to consider the possible need for a new battery or the occasional trickle charge using something like the CTEK charger.

It is also entirely possible that, once power is restored, you'll need to go through the battery reconnection / reset procedure, the link for the document being given in this thread:-  (Click directly on "Battery Reset Document) below.

As an afterthought, you will need to open the boot with the key in the mechanical boot release keyhole. If you don't know where that is, it's under the boot lip towards the left hand side. The key needs to be inserted vertically upwards.

 

Hope that helps.

 

[David1965]

Ok thanks, i will try and get hold of battery charger tonight. I have a spare battery I can charge and give that a go.

I think I might just have been thinking worsed case scenario.

I did mention in another thread that the engine management light has been on for a few days, this may be connected. I have ordered one of those fault code readers off eBay which should be here in the next few days.

Luckily I have got a week off work to get this sorted 

[Tigger]

Just a thought, the thermostat, replaced one recently on another vehicle and all was cured, been getting problems for a while including flat battery warning lights etc before it gave up all together not allowing the engine to come up to full operating temp, easy fix for £7, worth checking.  :)

[David1965]

The temp needle on mine settles in the middle of the gauge, not really sure where this should be.

Spare battery now on charge so fingers crossed for tomorrow morning when I try it.

[Tigger]

Ahh ok, that's pretty much where it should be, so prob not the stat, see if you can get it hooked up to a diagnostic at your garage and go from there.

[Mr Lawrence]

What you need is the new ladybird book of car maintenance. 

 

 

Edited February 10, 2016 by Old Peter
Inappropriate Language in an open Forum

[Rooster]

Try locking and unlocking the doors

[David1965]

I have to confess I am a complete wallop.

Went to swap the battery over this morning and the negative terminal just came away in my  hand, the problem was simply  a loose connection. So thats a good thing really. 

Anyway my xtron fault decoder came this morning and gave me a number if fault codes.

I used the torque app that cost something like £2.95. It is supposed to clear the codes aswell but couldn't see how to do it on my mobile. It came with a disc so may have to use a laptop for that function, its a shame it didn't  come with written instructions 

Anyway its booked in to Jagtech in the morning and they can have a good luck at it including the dodgey fuel gauge a fuel filler.

[Raistlin]

You're not the first and you won't be the last David

I have that particular t-shirt myself, although I didn't make that mistake on my Jaguar.

The points I made about sensitivity to battery voltage still useful to consider though, I hope.

[David1965]

Well had the car on a diagnostic today at Jagtech and got bad news.

There was a long list of faults which effectively means it will need a replacement gearbox soon, fuel sender and maybe a new catalyst. 

So totally gutted, only had it on the road 6 says. 

[ay_jay]

Sorry to hear that. Has the car not been used for a while?  Perhaps a gearbox service with new filter and fluids might be worth a shot first. Fuel sender shouldn't be a big problem though should it? I know how it feels to have a load of issues building up and its easy to get fed up but I hope you manage to get it sorted.

[David1965]

Thank you for the above. I plan on giving the fuel sender connection a clean first of all, but not sure how to get to it?

[David1965]

Forgot to say the car has not been used for a couple of years, the Oil was recently topped up at a transmission specialist.

[ay_jay]

I think I read somewhere that the sender is under the rear seats. Somebody with more knowledge than me will correct me if I'm wrong I'm sure. Was the gearbox okay before it was laid up?  Would seem to be related to lack of use if so.