P38A Springs back to air UPDATE

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Yes, these cars are sent to test us. For the first year or two I damn nearly gave up several times but since then, well, I'd better whisper, it has been the most reliable motor.
I have had a similar experience with mine. The biggest problem I have these days is more aesthetics. I should get on top of it before she gets too tatty, but she is my daily.
 
I think this car is trying to drive me mad, I've just started it up test it by removing the timer relay and the compressor just destroyed itself.............Off to look or bits to repair the motor end or buy a complete new one.
What do you mean you started it up and took out the relay....never take the timer relay out while the ignition is on or the engine is running it will throw a massive wobbler....

Can you be more specific on what you did....
 
Sorry I didn't explain that very well, I started the car to lift the suspension up ready to turn the ignition off and remove the relay to carry out the test but never got that far as the compressor gave up. Its the electrical end that's packed in, I've only had a quick look but it looks like one of the brushes has come off and been dragged round inside. Its made a bit of a mess.......
 
If you want a new compressor, PM kurtjontson on here I think that how it's spelt or look in the parts for sale section he has brand new ones at a good price
 
I've finally got an update, it's now up on its suspension and stayed up overnight with the delay relay removed. When I switch the ignition on (replaced relay before this) now the compressor sometimes just kind of stutters for a second and stops and the stutters again, like the start signal is dropping in and out really quickly. Any ideas??
 
hey, was your pump fixed? Was the thermal cut out checked?
are the plugs clean?
and finally can you plug it in with an eas software to check for a code? o_O:D
 
Its a new pump as the old one was past its best to say the least, plugs are all clean but I will check again. I have the EAS unlock software and it's not showing any faults (first time that's happened)
 
could be the pressure switch or the driver pack maybe.....I am not sure if the pressure signal goes through the driver pack on its way back to the ECU..... @wammers will know.

No connection of air pressure system through driver pack. But driver pack can influence ECU and make it do strange things if the ECU is getting electrical feed back from duff components in the driver pack. Usual problem associated with duff driver pack is air pressure constantly high fault. Maybe worth checking and firming up connections on plugs and sockets in compressor box to valve block. In particular the pressure switch connections.
 
Here's the latest update, some days the EAS works absolutely fine and has no issues whatsoever and then the next day it throws a complete wobbler and lift it up, puts it down or just plain doesn't move at all and puts the 35 mph message up. It's entertaining if nothing else, I suspect the issue(s) lie with the ECU being fed strange signals from the driver pack. Any thoughts?

Sorry I forgot to add that I have checked and clean all the connections at all the plugs throughout the system and found no issues but cleaned them anyway.
 
Here's the latest update, some days the EAS works absolutely fine and has no issues whatsoever and then the next day it throws a complete wobbler and lift it up, puts it down or just plain doesn't move at all and puts the 35 mph message up. It's entertaining if nothing else, I suspect the issue(s) lie with the ECU being fed strange signals from the driver pack. Any thoughts?

Sorry I forgot to add that I have checked and clean all the connections at all the plugs throughout the system and found no issues but cleaned them anyway.

The ECU should not receive any signals from the driver pack. The driver pack is a slave of the ECU and handles currents the ECU would not be happy with. When the ECU needs a corner solenoid opening the driver pack sends a high current through the coil to initially open it. The current then reduces to give a soft drop as the valve is closed by spring pressure. This happens over a fraction of a second, these are the clicks you hear when EAS is adjusting. The solenoids are pulsed to prevent coil overload and heating. However certain failing components in the driver pack can cause electric feedback to the ECU upsetting it and causing various system problems. You may have found the reason the car was converted to coil springs.
 
The ECU should not receive any signals from the driver pack. The driver pack is a slave of the ECU and handles currents the ECU would not be happy with. When the ECU needs a corner solenoid opening the driver pack sends a high current through the coil to initially open it. The current then reduces to give a soft drop as the valve is closed by spring pressure. This happens over a fraction of a second, these are the clicks you hear when EAS is adjusting. The solenoids are pulsed to prevent coil overload and heating. However certain failing components in the driver pack can cause electric feedback to the ECU upsetting it and causing various system problems. You may have found the reason the car was converted to coil springs.
So would you advocate a swap of driver pack to see if the system behaves or if the results are the same?
 
Not a huge wallet dent, but not a nice one either I guess....

Yep, better to borrow a known good one first before forking out....

You can get second hand on the bay of E for half the price of a new one. But the second hand unit maybe a minimum 15 years old. I know the way i would go.
 
I'm determined to get this thing back on air, like you say second ones are out there but I think Ill go for a new one. Might see if I can lend one off someone first. Thanks again for all the help, I'll let you know how I get on.
 
I'm determined to get this thing back on air, like you say second ones are out there but I think Ill go for a new one. Might see if I can lend one off someone first. Thanks again for all the help, I'll let you know how I get on.

Have a word with @kurtjohnson10. He sometimes has odd bits lying around. Always possible he'll have a driver pack. Then again there's a plastic scouser not too far from you with 2 P38s blocking up his drive who might lend you one for an hour or so.
 
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