P38 Electronic Issues

[Charlie Hope]

I have been having a variety of electronic issues lately with my 1995 HSE. It started with an EAS system fault and then a Airbag fault. Now it is chewing the battery charge over a couple of weeks and won't start. Has anyone else had these issues or know of any fixes? I am situated in Gladstone, Qld where is the nearest specialist that would be able to have a look at it?


Cheers,
Charlie

[benji]

wow, umm, where do you start?

From memory there is a list on this forum of prefered workshops, I can't remember where though.

Do you know why the EAS threw a hissy fit? Was it misbehaving at all?

If i've got low voltage in the battery (even though it's enough to start the car) I get a transmission fault, and an SRS fault).

I'd suggest seeing if the BECM is sleeping properly. Have the keys in the ignition, and open the door, and leave it open. After a few minutes the dim red light next to teh gear stick should turn off indicating the BECM is in sleep mode.

I'd also be having a serious (take it out and pull it right apart) at the engine fuse box. Looking for burnt tracks, loose terminals etc.

Then again, what condition is the battery / alternator?

[ytt105]

Have you done the electrical sticky as advised in your previous post?

What were the results?

[zhoey]

I have been having a variety of electronic issues lately with my 1995 HSE. It started with an EAS system fault and then a Airbag fault. Now it is chewing the battery charge over a couple of weeks and won't start.

Bad battery voltages have been known to throw up weird events on out rigs. I have had bad gearboxes, random EAS faults like the panel would light up like an x'mas tree over random road bumps. Or even had my ABS shutting down on me with the ABS warning light illuminated.

All those faults above disappeared in an instant a new battery was in place. Hence the wonders of a Range Rover does need a fully charged battery to run the vehicle properly.

[Razza's Rangie]

Hey there,

I have had very similar problems with my range rover p38. Ill list below the steps i took ( which would be safe for you to do as well but you never know with these magical creatures)

1. I had Bad battery voltage and a battery going flat -

Initially thought it was just the old battery, although im a mechanic so i check all the variables as well ( Alternator) ALT voltage was marginally high although not in a range to worry about WRONG! Check your alternator for a short by from a cold engine, starting the engine running for about 10 secs and shutting off, then feel the temp of the bolts on the back of the ALT, if hot ALT is shorted, replace. I also replaced my old battery when i replaced the alternator

2. I had the transmission o/heat warning,SRS Light and A/C drop out only when i indicated LEFT.

Yep i first checked all the voltages, all seemed pretty normal, then i smelt a burning smell coming from the engine bay ( always handy to have a sniff around the engine bay from time to time). I checked everything and found that the fuse box with mud/dust etc and the effects of time had begun to arc out direct from where the batter connects to the fuse box. when i went to grab it the whole thing basically crumbled in my hand. Replaced fuse box and battery cable, checked all ok

3. Same again all those warning lights came on only when i was indicating LEFT?????

Checked for a faulty fuse box ( definition of insanity: expecting the warning lights of a range rover to be exactly the same repair the second time)

Fuse box was ok, I heard someone talking about earthing points on the car, so i checked and the one that i found was loose was the one just behine the air filter box. Removed, cleaned the terminals with emery paper and refitted.
Lights dissappeared.

Hope some of this helps mate

There is a guy in gladstone I work down that way occasionally. Mate feel free to give me a call if you have any other questions, all of us rangie drivers feel your pain and frustration, but there is nothing like rocking up to cape york in your range rover "BUSINESS CLASS"!

Ryan Dunbar
0422616212

Regards
Ryan