All warning lights came on dash

[timhenson]

Hi
Just had all warning lights come on the dash and many written error messages. But car ran fine. Stopped the car, turned it off and then restarted and everything back to normal and all OK.

Has anyone experienced this?

Thanks

Tim Henson

[J44EAG]

That would appear to be a failure to complete the on board diagnostic tests which the car does each time it is started, Tim. As such, I think you can regard this as a bit of a glitch on this occasion. Its rare but not unknown.

As the weather plummets towards winter and so too the temperatures, so does battery voltage...especially if the battery is getting old. What all electronically managed modern cars need more than anything is a voltage above 12v (minimum) and a good storage capacity. Both conditions decline as a battery ages and the effects of colder weather make the battery struggle under starting loads. In addition, if the car is not used much, the security system grabs a whole load of battery capacity which further exacerbates the condition. Vehicles should be double locked to put the car into the lowest current draw state.

Failure to complete the OBD start up process can often result in glitches. With Jags, it often results in gremlins having a go at the ABS brake system or sometimes odd restricted performance issue. Restarting the car after a couple of minutes of engine running and alternator charging, often cures the glitch and all that is needed is a half hour journey to bring the battery up to a sensible voltage of around 12.8V.

What would I do now? Either take the car on a run or mains charge the battery. If symptoms still persist, I`d advise having the battery "drop tested" at a garage, ( or buy a tester on eBay for about £15) to ensure you have a battery that is in good condition. Duff batteries never get any better so if your battery is in anyway dodgy, I`d fit a new one before the winter weather really gets to us.

Hope that helps.

Mike K

[timhenson]

Hi
Thanks Mike for your helpfull information. Luckily it's not done it again. I have had the car for 4 months now and I think they are great cars.

Kind regards Tim

[stevencross671@btinternet.com]

Hi I had the same thing happen last year on my 2001 x308 and it turned out to be the alternator. I got a 2nd hand one from ebay for £35 and it ran sweet again after that no more light's. Before the dash was glowing like a christmas tree.