P38 electrical issues

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T

tvor

New Member
Posts
59
Location
Gloucestershire Forest of Dean
Ok know this has been done to death here is my problems

I have a 1998 P38 with dreaded error messages

Friday it basically would not turn over due to ABS fault it had been sweet all week and I had just started using it daily.

I have replaced the battery and the key lock in the drivers door as I brought this as a wreck 6 months ago but last week the old girl passed a new MOT and as its pre 2001 is cheaper to tax :)

I have tested the ABS and they all are running at 0.37v which is were they should be.

Based on information on here and other forums it does sound like the electrics are not getting enough juice from the alternator

Anyway I also have the dreaded key code lock out .... But I don't have the card or original lock in the car as both were missing at time of purchase.

I am planning to change the alternator but need to get it going first. I have in the past if I got an error message either jumped the battery or disconnected to get it to start but never before have I got the key code lock when doing this.

I am planning tomorrow to remove the door lock as I suspect this was done in an attempt to by pass the key code lock and jump the car with leads to hopefully manipulate the BECM into thinking everything was fine. The CL was all working etc on Friday and despite the electrical flow being weak its basically run fine 9 out of 10 times.

I would appreciate any tips or suggestions here as I am still learning the car thankfully is at work about 4 miles away and in a secure car park.
 
If you get key code lock out it will automatically clear after 30 mins. Usually get it if you attempt to put in EKA code in three times. Open and close the drivers door after two attempts and you won't get the lock out. PM Mozz Smith on this forum, he's your man.:)
 
Saint.V8 said:
ABS faults wont prevent the vehicle starting....

Sounds like gthe typical low voltage problem, first system to drop out is usually the ABS....

As above PM Mozz Smith he is a genius with key code lock outs.
Click to expand...
As above, check the alternator output voltage, should be 14.2 volts at 2000rpm.
Jumping the battery on a P38 can have some very unfortunate side effects, it's not something that should be done on a regular basis and should be done according to the instructions in the owners manual if done at all.
 
Datatek said:
As above, check the alternator output voltage, should be 14.2 volts at 2000rpm.
Jumping the battery on a P38 can have some very unfortunate side effects, it's not something that should be done on a regular basis and should be done according to the instructions in the owners manual if done at all.
Click to expand...

I have rarely had to be honest either disconnect the battery and 5 mins later it will start. The previous owner messed about with the wiring and the earth so I am 99% sure its the electrical out put problems

There is a fantastic alternator shop in Cinderford called starters and alternators and he does refurbs etc on all makes and models my plan is to get it home and sorted before its used daily again as I have another car I can use, but I want to use the p38 daily as they are magical

Cheers for the help guys
 
Well here is the update as the guys said the Key Code fault has cleared however when ignition is switched on its coming up ABS fault slow to 35mph and Air bag fault, I tried to jump but the battery seems to have enough juice.

I reattached the wires as the previous owner had left it and still it wont turn over, its not even trying it seems to be on some sort of lock out to turn the starter motor. It had as I said done this a couple of times but usually disconnect the battery and re connect would have the car up and running.

When running its overall fine no issues its not showing any ABS lights or air bag etc

Though it did before just cut out and say ABS fault but as I said five minutes later it would restart and would be fine again.

As the cars at work I am limited to what I can try as I don't work in the mechanic industry. So have no equipment there to be able to do anything beyond as set of spanners a battery and some jump leads.

Last week it was absolutely fine no issues until Friday afternoon so had started and stopped without problems at all.

I have checked the back of the alternator and all the connections seem tight
 
Firstly check all earth straps battery connections and leads to the started motor and check the starter motor itself with your own live feed .
And see where you are.
 
Grit Valve said:
Firstly check all earth straps battery connections and leads to the started motor and check the starter motor itself with your own live feed .
And see where you are.
Click to expand...

To be honest I suspect thats some where the fault lays the previous owner attached another earth lead to the current one by drilling through then attaching a bolt so the readings are probably incorrect.

However I will have a go at this first.
 
tvor said:
Well here is the update as the guys said the Key Code fault has cleared however when ignition is switched on its coming up ABS fault slow to 35mph and Air bag fault, I tried to jump but the battery seems to have enough juice.

I reattached the wires as the previous owner had left it and still it wont turn over, its not even trying it seems to be on some sort of lock out to turn the starter motor. It had as I said done this a couple of times but usually disconnect the battery and re connect would have the car up and running.

When running its overall fine no issues its not showing any ABS lights or air bag etc

Though it did before just cut out and say ABS fault but as I said five minutes later it would restart and would be fine again.

As the cars at work I am limited to what I can try as I don't work in the mechanic industry. So have no equipment there to be able to do anything beyond as set of spanners a battery and some jump leads.

Last week it was absolutely fine no issues until Friday afternoon so had started and stopped without problems at all.

I have checked the back of the alternator and all the connections seem tight
Click to expand...
You sure it say's ABS fault and not EAS fault?
 
Grrrrrr said:
Anyone nearby got diagnostics just to check it hasn't lost synch. What engine does it have?
Click to expand...

its 4.0 V8 I havent had any joy yet there is no one local i think Coleford theres an auto electrician but they arent mobile and dont answer the phone.

Battery has 13.7 v so is good and healthy will see that a low recharge has any joy tomorrow
 
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