P38 electrics stranger than fiction

[PeterAllen]

changed the blown dash globes on the weekend. Folllowed Ron's instructions all good.
As I had disconnected the battery the usual now illuminated messages flash through regarding reseting windows ,sunroof etc and noted a new message of interest "gearbox fault" hmmm.
Didn't bother reseting everything but took the car for a run, No light indicating gear selection, no sport mode operation, and car in drive wont change up from second...what the ?? Had to pick the better half up and couldn't even lock the car with the remote.
Wife jumps in resets the windows etc and everything is operational as it should. gearbox fault gone. all lights working, sports mode operational and gear changing effortlessly finding third when needed.
How one relates to the other I will never understand.

[Grumbles]

And they say Lucas is the prince of darkness........:D

[PaulP38a]

I believe "Gearbox Fault" is a synonym for "Low Battery".

Here's a theory:
As your gearbox was in a fault state, it was in limp mode. After you drove the car for a little while, the alternator did its job. When you started it next time, enough battery charge to reset the gearbox fault.

Sounds half-reasonable :D

[glenhendry]

I agree Paul, I also connect "gearbox fault" and "traction failure" with "crap/low battery". Unless of course you actually have gearbox and traction problems ;)

That or the battery is good and the BeCM/Battery earth points have been loosened, bumped or corroded.

[Keithy P38]

I agree with the above! When my P38 alternator died just near paul's place I had the lovely "Gearbox Fault" and "Traction Failure" among other alarms. It doesn't take much to make them pop up!

Cheers
Keithy

[PeterAllen]

Thanks guys that makes sense as the battery was flat at the time and had to jump her to get her going in the first place. Ran it for about 45 minutes and then picked up the wife so when she jumped back in and started it up again all was good.

[redandy3575]

Thats good to hear!!! until the climate blend motor decides enough is enough.:D