Radio failed just before Xmas. Dealer rebooted computer and all appeared ok. Radio failed again three weeks later. Dealer informed and cited that it probably needs a new controller (mega bucks). Just out of warranty when first failure occurred so asked for more pricing information and possible good will gesture as when I first had the car it was backwards and forwards to the dealer with major lights issues which were eventually resolved after about 2 months. Have been chasing dealer for several weeks now (called them last on 4/2/14 with promise of a call back) as I need to know figures before deciding what to. Dealer has assured me car is safe to drive - and although annoying I can live without a radio. Car is used daily, but this morning radio came on, car didn't. Horrid whirring clicking noise, flashing dashboard lights, window refused to close, central locking working then not, alarm on then not, unlocked the boot (!) etc. Felt like car possessed. Have spoken to dealer who has promised after sales will ring back but have no idea what the issue is and now cannot get the car to them. It appears the oh it's just the radio issue was a warning of something much bigger and as they have been so long in responding, it's now a major headache. Has anyone else had a similar issue? I have considered that it's the battery, but the radio does seem to work at points and I did eventually manage to eject the cds which I assume would have not been possible with a dead battery. I have also considered the immobiliser or the starter motor, but neither of these should fail in a well-maintained car that is just over 3 years old.

That's a pity, sounds very discordant.

 

Fred

Sounds like a battery fault.

it could be that there is a loose connection somewhere like at the battery or chassis earth connections

Sounds like a battery fault.

+1

This is obviously an electrical fault and the symptoms you describe suggest fluctuating voltages which are normally indicative of bad connections rather than a faulty battery. If you are handy with a multi-meter, you could check the check the voltage on the battery terminals and then again at various fuses to see if the voltage is consistent.

 

Bad earth connections can cause similar problems so earth straps between chassis and engine / battery are also to be suspected. Employing an Auto Electrician would be my suggestion if you don't have a multi-meter and can't see any obvious bad contacts. (Its always worth undoing any battery or earth connections and cleaning them even if they appear tight, especially if there are any which may have been under water and could have corroded)

 

Hope you get it sorted soon.

Agreed about the possible battery fault.

It would also be useful if the OP could give some further details about the model.

Check the earths on the car.

Yes I agree with the earlier posts, sounds like a battery problem. I had almost all these things happen on my Octy. a jump start and everything was ok. The car was left overnight and the following morning all the symptoms came back again. The battery was diagnosed as not holding a charge, a new one was fitted and everything was fine

Had a similar problem to jonceebee a few years back - lots of apparently unrelated electrical problems including everything dying and restarting on the motorway, and turned out to be a dodgy cell in the battery. New battery solved all the problems. If you've had the car from new and it's now turned three years old whilst you would have hoped for a longer life it's certainly worth looking into first - mine was diagnosed by the local Kwik-Fit (who I know sometimes get a bad press but this time they were spot on). If you can get the car started (or failing that the battery out) worth starting with that and keep your fingers crossed.

 

(If you've had a new battery recently fitted it's still worth getting it checked - my mechanic from years back told the tale of someone who serviced his own car, it ran poorly thereafter and in desperation took it to Ron. Finally pinned down to one of the brand new, plugs being faulty. These were plugs from one of the biggest names before the days of the internet so not dubious cheapies).

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LED-CAR-VAN-12v-24v-BATTERY-VOLT-VOLTAGE-METER-MONITOR-GAUGE-CIGAR-LIGHTER-PLUG-/321101194581?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item4ac31f6555

 

I find this quite useful

I have one just the same as that; very useful.

Never seen these before. Must get one for £7.

Seems a bit "off" to me. Like the guy who can't get the plug leads "off" ??? Could be wrong though.

Seems a bit "off" to me. Like the guy who can't get the plug leads "off" ??? Could be wrong though.

Think you could be right, as just read the other post. 

 

Mods?

Seems a bit "off" to me. Like the guy who can't get the plug leads "off" ??? Could be wrong though.

Yeah, thought the same, but the trouble is I am now suspicious of every new poster, especially one who asks a question and then disappears. I suppose it keeps him of the streets (if he's old enough to go out on his own of course) :think:   

Never seen these before. Must get one for £7.

+1 just bought one.

Yeah, thought the same, but the trouble is I am now suspicious of every new poster, especially one who asks a question and then disappears. I suppose it keeps him of the streets (if he's old enough to go out on his own of course) :think:   

Don't forget that it's half term.

 

Fred

Could be the faulty radio has caused the battery to go flat, or the voltage to drop to a level that's playing havoc elsewhere. Especially if the radio is not switching off fully because there is no switched power supply like on a traditional car.

Must admit, I had similar probs when the car was new to me, working on , taking off the rear bumper etc cutting hole for hitch(mines permanently mounted - (corner here I come(double visit i fear)) I had an SD card playing music and, after 2 hours finished that bit of work, turned off radio. Continued with electrical side of hitch and when tried the electronics were all over the place, tested voltage, recharged, everything worked. Now battery is first stop with funny 'stuff' electrically!

Hi 33q, liked the look.

Checked out Amazon and they are only £2.99. It came in today.

It will be handy sometime for checking.

Hi 33q, liked the look.

Checked out Amazon and they are only £2.99. It came in today.

It will be handy sometime for checking.

Thanks - that prompted me to look around for one, too.  Best price appears to be on eBay for £1.99 (item number 390568181893) including delivery.  They all appear to be the same.

Could also be a faulty ignition switch.

 

Ours failed at only 22,000 miles and caused some really weird issues.

 

Lights flickering on and off, clicking from behind the dash, doors locking and unlocking etc.

 

Phil

Thanks - that prompted me to look around for one, too.  Best price appears to be on eBay for £1.99 (item number 390568181893) including delivery.  They all appear to be the same.

Yeah £6.99 is to dear, I paid £2.08 for mine, saw a pack of 2 for £3.69 with free postage from Hong Kong? And as you say they look all the same.

Where's OP?