Battery - couldn't be simple when Luxo's involved!

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

As I fired up the Scorpio to go to the supermarket earlier this evening (the engine started first time with no problems), all the gauges shot up momentarily and the trip computer reset itself to zero. Driving down the road, the sound system proclaimed a "CD error", consigning me to Classic FM for the 10 minute journey. Before setting off on the way back, I took the CD cartridge out and put it back into the changer. I turned over the key, no needles shooting up or anything, the engine started as normal and the CDs were playing again.

 

Obviously, I 'm not particularly bothered about what happened, however I'm quite curious to understand the possible reasons behind it... Any ideas?

[Mr_Bo11ox]

*in before the 20-pager

[Rod/b]

Hammer a smaller socket over it.

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

Hammer a smaller socket over it.

 

Sounds about right!

[autofive]

wheres BL1300 when you need him ?

[Station]

A possible temporary cut in electrical power? Are the terminals on the battery properly attached?

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

A possible temporary cut in electrical power? Are the terminals on the battery properly attached?

 

They looked alright when I recharged the battery after it got semi-drained 10 days ago (the trip comp. had again reset itself). The clock seems to be spot-on, too.

[scaryoldcortina]

clock is analogue not digital though, it wouldn't notice a small interruption in power. Everything else sounds like a loose live lead on the battery like station says - there are several leads all attached to the battery clamp with 8mm bolts, check these.

[barefoot]

I'm not an expert, but knowing your history, I need to start by asking what CD was it?

[Albert Ross]

Definitely low battery voltage. Mine used to do exactly the same, and the ABS light would have to manually reset itself... also, are your windows still programmed for the global closing?

[Pete-M]

Yup, that's the first sign of a dying battery on a Scorpio. Don't let it do it too often or you'll end up with the dash needles stuck on the wrong side of their rests. The clocks are fluid damped so don't try taking them out.

 

If you switch the ignition off, hold down the trip reset button on the speedo - keep it pressed while you start start the engine then after 5-10 seconds the trip display will go into test mode, let go of the reset button then press it again a couple of times and it'll cycle through a test mode. Press it until you get to what'll obviously be the voltage reading and you'll be able to tell if the battery is shagged as the alternator will be pushing about 14.5v trying to charge it.

 

It's easier to change the battery, just make sure you've got the radio code. You'll have to reprogram the global closure, central locking / alarm remote, but that's dead easy. No tools required.

[mk1_4dr]

This should probably be in the daft questions thread, but what is 'global closure'? Is it when all the windows shut themselves when the car is locked?

[ashmicro]

A possible temporary cut in electrical power? Are the terminals on the battery properly attached?

 

 

This. All my Ford era Jags have done this, and my mate's Volvo.

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

I'm thinking it must be the alternator on the way out...I'll check the voltage with the procedure that Pete outlined.

 

Cheers everyone!

[Pete-M]

This should probably be in the daft questions thread, but what is 'global closure'? Is it when all the windows shut themselves when the car is locked?

 

Yup.

[Rod/b]

Why do you think it's the alternator?

[cort16]

Is the flux capacitor still fluxing?

[Pete-M]

Why do you think it's the alternator?

 

Because if he takes our advice at the beginning it doesn't escalate into a 200000 page thread.

 

It's the battery, Scorpios are legendary for this, but needless to say Luxo will try everything else conceivable instead of just replacing the battery.

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

Why do you think it's the alternator?

 

It whines a bit, plus my top-of-the-range tester by Aldi shows a yellow light on the alternator test.

[M'coli]

So what does a yellow light mean on your Aldi Carlos Fandango tester?

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

So what does a yellow light mean on your Aldi Carlos Fandango tester?

 

Green - Alright

Yellow - Just about working

Red - Utterly fucked

 

They were too cheap to have an LCD with the actual voltage reading.

[andrew e]

I have been stranded by a 2.3 Scorpio because we didn'thave any tools. It was the negative terminal - loose and dirty.

[Rod/b]

I have been stranded by a 2.3 Scorpio because we didn'thave any tools. It was the negative terminal - loose and dirty, just how I like my BOY BITCHES.

 

EFA.

[boobydoo]

I'm sure something very similar happened to the Ford driven by Muldur and Scully in an episode of X-Files. It turned out to be an alien forcefield protecting a stricken spaceship (or something like that).

 

That's the most likely answer, rather than all this battery/ alternator bollocks.

[Albert Ross]

Do you have the flat plastic battery cover? If it's missing, corrosion on the terminals happens VERY quickly due to the British weather getting in. Make certain they are cleaned, greased, and covered. Report back. Oh wait. I have no DOUBT that you will. I have one of these laid up for good reason. I'd rather trust a 40 year old Land Rover with an unknown Lucas ACR and a second hand battery......

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

Do you have the flat plastic battery cover? If it's missing, corrosion on the terminals happens VERY quickly due to the British weather getting in. Make certain they are cleaned, greased, and covered. Report back. Oh wait. I have no DOUBT that you will. I have one of these laid up for good reason. I'd rather trust a 40 year old Land Rover with an unknown Lucas ACR and a second hand battery......

 

I've got the battery cover- I thought it was a very neat touch.

 

The new tax disc for the Accord may prove a very shrewd investment indeed.

[Luxobarges_Are_Us]

right, it does seem like tha battery's had it...Didn't have enough juice to start today...As I did a good 20 miles yesterday, I can't see the alternator having failed so spectacularly.

 

Off to find a factor's tomorrow, before I end up going to the scrappy.

[mk1_4dr]

right, it does seem like tha battery's had it...Didn't have enough juice to start today...As I did a good 20 miles yesterday, I can't see the alternator having failed so spectacularly.

 

Off to find a factor's tomorrow, before I end up going to the scrappy.

 

Go to the scrappy and buy a used battery for a tenner or whatever. If it still misbehaves then it might indicate a bigger problem.

[Pete-M]

right, it does seem like tha battery's had it...Didn't have enough juice to start today...As I did a good 20 miles yesterday, I can't see the alternator having failed so spectacularly.

 

Off to find a factor's tomorrow, before I end up going to the scrappy.

 

Go to the scrappy and buy a used battery for a tenner or whatever. If it still misbehaves then it might indicate a bigger problem.

 

Or just indicate that he's got two fucked batteries instead of one.Scorpios do use a fair bit of current at start up so they need a decent battery on 'em.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Havent we already had a thread about 'my battery's tired, where should i get a new one from''?