Sir Les
Active Member
- Joined
- Jul 22, 2014
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- Location
- Adelaide
- Members Ride
- VF Calais V V6 MY14
I realise this may have been covered previously, but the info is usually buried deep within the thread and not readily visible. I'm hoping my recent experience will benefit others, especially as our VFs are getting on a bit now.
After 9 years of faithful and uneventful service, my original ACDelco battery suddenly decided to give up the ghost. Whilst out and about I went to start the car (keyless push button start) and... nothing, just a horrible repeating clicking noise from the starter solenoid and a myriad of error messages on the dash -all characteristic of low voltage and a flat battery. Finally, 'Battery Saver Active' appeared on the DIC, and the MyLink screen went blank. I switched everything off and called the RAA's roadside assistance as I was not at home, it was late on a Sunday evening and everything was shut. After an hour's wait the RAA guy arrived, fitted a new battery (correctly using an alternative 12 volt power source whilst doing so), tested it, and went on his way. I drove home, noticing that everything seemed to be working apart from a blank MyLink screen, no audible turning indicator noise, no park assist beeps, and no reversing camera. The car drove fine, and HVAC operation was normal.
I left it overnight to see if it would fix itself, but no dice. So I tried disconnecting the negative battery lead for 10 minutes and bingo! On startup the screen came back to life (thank goodness), and to my astonishment the only setting the car had forgotten was the time. Radio stations, GPS settings, seat positions, temperature settings -- all were as before (and yes, I know some of these are read from the key fob). So, if your battery goes flat and the MyLink screen stays blank after charging the battery or replacing it, try disconnecting the negative lead for 10 minutes in the first instance. It might just save you a lot of time and trouble (and money!) footling around with the fuses or the MyLink unit itself.
After 9 years of faithful and uneventful service, my original ACDelco battery suddenly decided to give up the ghost. Whilst out and about I went to start the car (keyless push button start) and... nothing, just a horrible repeating clicking noise from the starter solenoid and a myriad of error messages on the dash -all characteristic of low voltage and a flat battery. Finally, 'Battery Saver Active' appeared on the DIC, and the MyLink screen went blank. I switched everything off and called the RAA's roadside assistance as I was not at home, it was late on a Sunday evening and everything was shut. After an hour's wait the RAA guy arrived, fitted a new battery (correctly using an alternative 12 volt power source whilst doing so), tested it, and went on his way. I drove home, noticing that everything seemed to be working apart from a blank MyLink screen, no audible turning indicator noise, no park assist beeps, and no reversing camera. The car drove fine, and HVAC operation was normal.
I left it overnight to see if it would fix itself, but no dice. So I tried disconnecting the negative battery lead for 10 minutes and bingo! On startup the screen came back to life (thank goodness), and to my astonishment the only setting the car had forgotten was the time. Radio stations, GPS settings, seat positions, temperature settings -- all were as before (and yes, I know some of these are read from the key fob). So, if your battery goes flat and the MyLink screen stays blank after charging the battery or replacing it, try disconnecting the negative lead for 10 minutes in the first instance. It might just save you a lot of time and trouble (and money!) footling around with the fuses or the MyLink unit itself.
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