V8 Vantage - Owned 3 Days and Problems...
Discussion
Well I guess I should introduce myself.
I'm Johnny, up in Aberdeen. I bought a 2007 Onyx V8 Vantage from a small dealership recently and had it delivered on Friday...
On Monday, on my way to work I got the “Emission System Service Required” dashboard warning - I immediately Googled the issue and found a couple of threads from this forum which put my mind at rest that it was a common and minor issue. I ordered an OBD II reader to clear the fault and keep an eye on things.
Pulling out of the staff car park on my way home other warning messages and lights appeared - first "Brake Failure", then all the others; "Engine Overheating", Traction Control, ABS etc. Finally a warning came up "Check Battery Off Switch". I pulled over out of traffic as I thought maybe the alternator had gone and the car was about to grind to a halt. The instrument cluster went dark. I switched the ignition off and on to see if the warnings would reappear, which they did.
Being only 2 miles from home I decided to get the car back to the house. The start button wouldn't turn red with the clutch depressed, I kept trying for about 5 minutes and eventually the car started and I was able to get home.
After 30 minutes I tried the car on the driveway - the warnings were all still there, though the start button glowed red and I was able to start the car.
Has anybody experienced this problem before?
I have a decent warranty and also the option to send the car back to the dealer for a refund, though I'm already fond of the car and am hoping it's just a dying battery or something...
Thanks in advance for any help.
I'm Johnny, up in Aberdeen. I bought a 2007 Onyx V8 Vantage from a small dealership recently and had it delivered on Friday...
On Monday, on my way to work I got the “Emission System Service Required” dashboard warning - I immediately Googled the issue and found a couple of threads from this forum which put my mind at rest that it was a common and minor issue. I ordered an OBD II reader to clear the fault and keep an eye on things.
Pulling out of the staff car park on my way home other warning messages and lights appeared - first "Brake Failure", then all the others; "Engine Overheating", Traction Control, ABS etc. Finally a warning came up "Check Battery Off Switch". I pulled over out of traffic as I thought maybe the alternator had gone and the car was about to grind to a halt. The instrument cluster went dark. I switched the ignition off and on to see if the warnings would reappear, which they did.
Being only 2 miles from home I decided to get the car back to the house. The start button wouldn't turn red with the clutch depressed, I kept trying for about 5 minutes and eventually the car started and I was able to get home.
After 30 minutes I tried the car on the driveway - the warnings were all still there, though the start button glowed red and I was able to start the car.
Has anybody experienced this problem before?
I have a decent warranty and also the option to send the car back to the dealer for a refund, though I'm already fond of the car and am hoping it's just a dying battery or something...
Thanks in advance for any help.
downr said:
Its the one piece of advice that should come on a big sticker on the handbook for all the Gaydon cars - always, always put the car on a battery conditioner if its not going to be driven for a week or two
Followed swiftly by the advice not to buy the official branded AM battery conditioner
Mine will be a daily driver, except in the deepest of snow! Once I get a new battery I will hopefully have no requirement for a battery conditioner... Maybe some winter tyres though!Followed swiftly by the advice not to buy the official branded AM battery conditioner
DAVIDOXE said:
Thats a coincidence i had mine for 3 days then Stratstone had it back for 3 weeks!
All sorted now hope you resolve your problems, would throw it straight back at the dealer to sort out though and not try and fix myself.
I think I read your thread while waiting for my car to arrive. I remember thinking "poor chap, I hope that doesn't happen to me"!All sorted now hope you resolve your problems, would throw it straight back at the dealer to sort out though and not try and fix myself.
The dealer is near Birmingham and I'm up in Aberdeen, so I'm hoping a combo of AA and Warranty Direct will sort this issue.
Thanks again all. I'll update this thread when I know what's going on!
James B said:
Johnny,
Also sounds like the battery to me.
I'm another Aberdonian and did the battery myself in my Vanq. If the battery swap is something you're willing to take on yourself and you want a hand then I'd be happy to assist. I've even got a heated garage you can use.
James - thanks very much for the kind offer!Also sounds like the battery to me.
I'm another Aberdonian and did the battery myself in my Vanq. If the battery swap is something you're willing to take on yourself and you want a hand then I'd be happy to assist. I've even got a heated garage you can use.
I will certainly be in touch if I decide to go this route.
What colour is your Vanquish? I'll look out for you around town.
James B said:
Johnny,
It's a pleasure. I'm always happy to help a fellow car enthusiast.
My Vanq is black. It doesn't come out all that often but I did get it out yesterday for its MOT. Sailed through but the tester did report with dismay that I had only done 2k miles between MOT's. Thankfully it was a different chap who noted the sub 500 miles difference on the old 911!! Wish I had more driving time and/or weather for it!
My Vantage is also black, 2007 model.It's a pleasure. I'm always happy to help a fellow car enthusiast.
My Vanq is black. It doesn't come out all that often but I did get it out yesterday for its MOT. Sailed through but the tester did report with dismay that I had only done 2k miles between MOT's. Thankfully it was a different chap who noted the sub 500 miles difference on the old 911!! Wish I had more driving time and/or weather for it!
I parked beside a grey 63 plate Vanquish at work this morning - blimey that's a striking car. He must have faulty parking sensors though, as he has dented his bumper and cracked his tail light!
I intend to get around 5,000 miles out of mine every year... weather, as you mention, being key!
stanwan said:
Most likely linked to the battery but I also suggest you get them to lift the bonnet and check the main power cable that sits near the EGR pipe. My main power cable was partially severed due to heat and friction resulting in a massive short that sent the ECU into spin on regular occasions. 2 main dealers failed to spot this. If the battery is ok, I STRONGLY suggest you take a look there.
Get in touch with Mike at Bamford Rose if this is an issue....
Thanks for the tip, Stanwan.Get in touch with Mike at Bamford Rose if this is an issue....
Well I have taken the car to work today with none of the aforementioned issues (other than the emissions warning) but found a new one...
Starting the car this morning it showed "30 miles to empty tank" though I thought I had 3/4 of a tank of fuel. By the time I reached work it was displaying "120 miles to empty tank" and when I went out at lunch it was showing over half a tank on the gauge, with no "...empty tank" warning - probably an accurate reading.
So, is my car magically creating it's own fuel as I drive it? Or...
Could this be related to the (probable) battery issue?
Answers on a postcard!
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