System Failure warning messages

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Weddy

Junior Member
Messages
45
So yesterday I bring my QP5 out of its cosy heated garage to get some fuel and give it a weekly blast, and a series of warning messages appear on the console. These were MSP, ASR, ABS, and Suspension Control system failures, repeating one after the other, with the additional warning 'Drive slowly to dealer'. The car still drives perfectly, no noises squeeks or rattles, with suspension & brakes all working fine. But an imminent MOT.

I've been very fortunate to date, with only very few minor issues needing attention, so this has come as a bit of a shock to the system. I'm hoping this must be an electrical connection fault, to have all this go wrong at once. Any help or ideas out there would be much appreciated!
 
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AaronE

Junior Member
Messages
156
don't worry, those are all the same error, and while it might not be your problem, can be caused by low battery.
 
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Ebenezer

Member
Messages
4,487
Charge the battery and then disconnect for a few minutes. Reconnect and all should be fine. Locks may take a few open close cycles to sort themselves out, and you'll need to enter the code for the NIT (depending on which version you have).

You may need a new battery though and I bought one (forum reccomended) in case, but after2 days on the battery tender all was good.

Eb
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,626
Yep, I would say get a new one, 017 Exide from Tanya Batteries, delivered for less than a tank of fuel.

Once they start dicking about its only going to cause more pain.

I recon you are lucky to get 2 years out of these batteries before they start playing up, usually from lack of use. These cars are so voltage sensitive, the battery only needs to drop 10% off peak before you start getting all sorts off issues. Personally, I would make it a bi annual service item.
 
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Weddy

Junior Member
Messages
45
The battery has been on and off a trickle charge for a few weeks when it’s not been driven so much recently.

And the battery will be around 2 years old, so sounds like that might be the issue.

I’ll follow the advice and hopefully all will be well again.
 
SJX

SJX

Junior Member
Messages
81
I’ve just replaced battery with the exide from tanya due to electrical issues and all resolved. I have since checked the oe battery and no sign of any electrolite in cells, managed to get 3litres in it ( 500ml per cell) to bring it upto minium and it has since charged and held voltsge without load. However once a battery starts to play up as stated it goes downhill, so for sake of £80 it’s a no brainer. Thats the trouble with trickle chargers you are oblivious to any issues until the battery has to fend for itself.
 
conaero

conaero

Forum Owner
Messages
34,626
Exactly, I am highly suspicious of these trickle chargers and think they damage the batteries over time. Its like they have memory and to hold peak charge they require the trickle charger to be connected. Once its disconnected it instantly fades due to is constant reliance on the trickle charger.

I have no science nor proof to back this up it just seems to happen. I don't leave mine on a trickle, I simply switch the trickle on the day before I need the car when its been stood. In the summer and using the car regularly, I don't seem to get any of these issue, its the winters and being sat that kills them.
 
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Wagons-Lits

Member
Messages
250
conaero said:
Exactly, I am highly suspicious of these trickle chargers and think they damage the batteries over time. Its like they have memory and to hold peak charge they require the trickle charger to be connected. Once its disconnected it instantly fades due to is constant reliance on the trickle charger.

I have no science nor proof to back this up it just seems to happen. I don't leave mine on a trickle, I simply switch the trickle on the day before I need the car when its been stood. In the summer and using the car regularly, I don't seem to get any of these issue, its the winters and being sat that kills them.
Click to expand...

I think you're right Matt, Harry Metcalfe in his latest video points out this happening to him with a 'standard' trickle charger. He advocates one of the more advanced CTEKs
 
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