Red Light..... V8V

[JimboA]

I thought the mention of a red light might draw you in!!! Here's one you may be able to help me with!? I have an 08 V8V which sometimes has a red light come on for a couple of minutes after starting and then disappears again after a minute or so. It is the PATS status light from what I can tell - but I haven't had any issues with immobilisers or the alarm. Any thoughts? Key battery getting low? I don't see any further reference to it apart from the PATS - I almost wondered if it's a clutch warning (heat) but thought that was another light.

So, a proper question for the Aston Forum and hopefully something for you to get your teeth into... Thanks.

Edited by JimboA on Thursday 20th February 21:59

[Jon1967x]

Is it to the right of the circle of lights above the fuel gauge? (Ie above right of the headlights on light). If so, and if like mine it's the tracker light. Do you still have an active tracker? Do you carry the fob?

[JimboA]

That's exactly the light and of course, I thought it was the PATS and was thinking of the alarm/immobiliser. It could well have something to do with the tracker. I don't think it's active... I have no service that I am paying for and of course, no fob. Having only had the car for about a week it may be that there is some sort of residual service... Is it normal for something to come on or will I have to keep checking my 6 o'clock for a blue flashing light and a chasing patrol car!?

[Jon1967x]

Mine goes off after a few seconds but then I have a fob and it's all active. It might just be giving up if it's not active as it's hot nothing to do, but then I'm on the latest cobra. You can start my car without the fob, in fact I've had 3 false alarms today where I've spoken to the call centre as they've not synced quick enough.

If it's not giving you any issues then it's probably ok to ignore.

[JimboA]

Many thanks for the advice and thoughts... much appreciated and I shall now look forward to my next 'Aston Crisis'. Love every moment of it!

[Bincenzo]

James, might be worth giving the dealer a ring in the morning to clarify any residual or previous tracker activity - assuming that's what the light is. I'd go and look at mine, but it's dark outside and I get a bit scared. I'll have a look in the morning to see if i get the light as a matter of course. I'll be honest though, I'm usually putting seatbelt on and lowering window to listen to startup rather than looking at lights. If it goes off, it's almost certainly nothing to worry about.

[Jon1967x]

I must admit I didn't pick up the first alarm from the tracker for 2 hours and wondered if I'd get pulled by the police!

Now we've sorted the question for the OP this thread can now be abused by anybody wishing to go off topic grrrr

[JimboA]

Definitely an odd one as it all goes off and then sometimes reappears a couple of minutes into my drive,.. and then goes out again. Now that you've put me onto the tracker I will check on any residual service as I am chatting to the dealer this week. Not unduly worried and more curious. Afraid of the dark you say? Don't forget that you're a rotary pilot and therefore afraid of nothing; except perhaps tail rotor failure!

[JimboA]

Jon1967x said:

I must admit I didn't pick up the first alarm from the tracker for 2 hours and wondered if I'd get pulled by the police!

Now we've sorted the question for the OP this thread can now be abused by anybody wishing to go off topic grrrr

I was very proud to post a car related issue! And of steering clear of the other traffic.

[Bincenzo]

Only afraid because I have no goggles at home......

Without wishing to go off topic, of course....

[BravoV8V]

It is definitely the PATS light. It flashes when the tracker is looking for the bluetooth key (be it a tag or a 'phone).

If you've not paid for your tracker subscription that I guess that it doesn't really matter if it continues to flash whilst you're driving.

[V12Vanquish]

If you'r not using the tracker why not pull the fuse for it and save the battery when the car is not in use.

I think it is unlikely I will renew my subscription and will probably disable it.

[JimboA]

BravoV8V said:

It is definitely the PATS light. It flashes when the tracker is looking for the bluetooth key (be it a tag or a 'phone).

If you've not paid for your tracker subscription that I guess that it doesn't really matter if it continues to flash whilst you're driving.

The fact is goes out after a couple of minutes means that I am not so worried as to want to pull the fuse. I thought the one benefit is that at least by having a tracker fitted and on (even without a proper service) is that the police can trace the car if stolen. Naive or am I right in thinking this is something they can use?

Anyway, thanks for the answers as I now know what the light is.

[spitandpolish]

Hi Jimbo
My 07 does exactly the same. However if I turn the key to ignition live, but let the car go through all of its checks etc before starting, say 10 seconds or so before pressing the engine start button, the red light goes out, and stays out.

[spitandpolish]

Hi Jimbo
My 07 does exactly the same. However if I turn the key to ignition live, but let the car go through all of its checks etc before starting, say 10 seconds or so before pressing the engine start button, the red light goes out, and stays out.

[BravoV8V]

JimboA said:

The fact is goes out after a couple of minutes means that I am not so worried as to want to pull the fuse. I thought the one benefit is that at least by having a tracker fitted and on (even without a proper service) is that the police can trace the car if stolen. Naive or am I right in thinking this is something they can use?

Anyway, thanks for the answers as I now know what the light is.

You are being naive, I'm afraid. The police can't track it if you haven't paid your subscription. (Otherwise, what would be the point of the subscription?!?)

[konrad.holl]

Mine is a MY 08 and the light stays on for almost two minutes before extinguishing - I have the tracker tag in the car but no subscription - no problems with the police turning up or any other disturbings