Dashboard lit like its Xmas
Discussion
Tonight I was sat for 10 minutes outside our local Dominos waiting for MrsMercs to provide a decent pizza. The car in question is a Honda Jazz IShift - so lots of electrics. I had the lights on, and the key turned to the first point allowing the indicator to be on (its a busy bit of road).
Just as MrsMercs was coming back to the car the dashboard went crazy. First a warning light about seatbelts or airbag or similar. Then ABS, and then VAS (stability).
Next thing - the car wouldn't start.
We got out and locked the car, and unlocked it. No change. A call was made to the RAC. After a further 15 minutes the Traffic Warden turned, up with us showing him that we were stuck. However, on the second attempt the car sprang back to life.
Any ideas ? Did the car just throw its hand in after 10 minutes of sitting then need an extended time to recover (Not fogetting this gearbox carries a lot of electrics) ?
Just as MrsMercs was coming back to the car the dashboard went crazy. First a warning light about seatbelts or airbag or similar. Then ABS, and then VAS (stability).
Next thing - the car wouldn't start.
We got out and locked the car, and unlocked it. No change. A call was made to the RAC. After a further 15 minutes the Traffic Warden turned, up with us showing him that we were stuck. However, on the second attempt the car sprang back to life.
Any ideas ? Did the car just throw its hand in after 10 minutes of sitting then need an extended time to recover (Not fogetting this gearbox carries a lot of electrics) ?
Sounds like an EMC pulse. Was it anywhere near a RADAR installation? I'm thinking civil / military aircraft type radars, or possibly broadcast TV / radio transmitters. I know that near Fylingdales in North Yorks, they are always having cars die. BMWs are common culprits, I am informed. After giving the engine and chassis management controllers time to reset they usually start up fine.
Cheers guys - I was wondering about the battery. Everything looked OK - but as you say it may have recovered.
Its due in for its service and MOT in the next couple of weeks so I will get that tested.
The fact that everything is so ''electronic'' though is a good cause. I've ''broken'' it before by over enthusiastic use of the flappy paddles when the engine is still too cold. The gearbox circuit is a beast in its complexity.
Its due in for its service and MOT in the next couple of weeks so I will get that tested.
The fact that everything is so ''electronic'' though is a good cause. I've ''broken'' it before by over enthusiastic use of the flappy paddles when the engine is still too cold. The gearbox circuit is a beast in its complexity.
Edited by ClassicMercs on Wednesday 5th December 09:44
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