VE computer gone nuts!

[VE_owner]

Hi all.

Firstly thank you to those that helped with my last problem a while back if you see this

Onto the new issue.

I changed the battery in my MY08 VE Omega about 2-3 months ago. Just recently, last weekend, I went for a long drive, 4 hours (Sydney to Bateman's Bay, Pacific Hwy route). Nothing abnormal on the trip down but about a day after I got down, I started getting alternator warnings after the car sat out in moderate to heavy rain the night before. Coastal rain, so probably salty, if that's important. And about a day after that started it started saying "Battery Saver Mode Activated" along with the alternator warning. Well, the car made it home with the alternator warning coming and going.

A week later, today, its now just started throwing up ABS warnings and turning the ESC off (well, its telling me it has). While the computer was flicking between these faults, which were also coming and going, the CD player/radio was also turning on and off with the faults.

I had the number plate bulbs and right-hand brake bulb changed before I left as well.

Its also had past gremlins like not being able to turn off the air con and fan while the radio is on, that happened a couple of times a few years ago and hasn't happened since.

The car feels and drives like normal, just the computer is going mental. I am thinking that the faults are in the computer and not with the respective systems.

Thanks for reading through, and any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Matt.

 

[Nitro_X]

Dayam, these VE's have a lot of electronic issues!

If you have a digital volt meter....
What's the exact voltage of the battery? (measured to at least one decimal place, at the post terminals in the engine bay - engine OFF)

And If you are able to check that, what is the voltage when engine is idling?

 

[VE_owner]

Dayam, these VE's have a lot of electronic issues!

If you have a digital volt meter....
What's the exact voltage of the battery? (measured to at least one decimal place, at the post terminals in the engine bay - engine OFF)

And If you are able to check that, what is the voltage when engine is idling?

After dropping the old man off at the shops about 90 min ago (it started fine then), the battery seems to have done a complete power dump. Just went to start it to go pick him up and it seems completely flat.

I think I will just dump it at the auto electrician tomorrow and get them to sort it.

Thanks much for the reply, sorry I couldn't get you those readings, the car had other ideas!

 

[Nitro_X]

No worries.
Based on what you posted, it sounds like a battery issue.

You can still measure the voltage though, a good battery (unloaded) should measure: 12.6 V

If it is the battery it's worth getting a qualified tech to check and clear all the old fault codes.

 

[Capsule]

If the battery has been changed 2-3 months ago, it's probably still good. Maybe the alternator is on its way out and doesn't charge it anymore, hence all the battery related issues.

My 2 cents...

 

[VE_owner]

Thanks for the input people, much appreciated.

We got it started about half an hour ago with a simple jump. Running voltage was around 14 but dropped to twelve after about 5 seconds. But now it's escalated into a full break down, the big "Contact dealer" cross came up and the engine has now started spluttering with the dash illumination flickering and all the warnings going off.

The meter we were using indicates the alternator is the problem, but could also be the computer. Oh, and we also plugged in to the computer and the reader was detecting zero faults, but the display was going ballistic, then it started with the spluttering.

Its off to a tradesman tomorrow! First time I've had to get it towed anywhere.

Thanks again everyone for your time and input.

 

[Nitro_X]

Let us know what the outcome is, it's always good to know the resolution to a problem.

Just in case you're unaware...
You can't use any type of battery in the VE's.
A specially developed battery with a ventilation system is required, and the battery vent tube must be installed correctly.

You should also only use a manufacturer recommended battery, otherwise the Electric Power Management (EPM) system may not function correctly.

 

[VE_owner]

Let us know what the outcome is, it's always good to know the resolution to a problem.

Just in case you're unaware...
You can't use any type of battery in the VE's.
A specially developed battery with a ventilation system is required, and the battery vent tube must be installed correctly.

You should also only use a manufacturer recommended battery, otherwise the Electric Power Management (EPM) system may not function correctly.

Cheers Mr Nitro. My brother took care of the battery, it was identical to the one we took out. He's an ex mechanic of sorts, come car salesman.

Dropping it off tomorrow and should know by the afternoon. I will definitely keep you guys updated.

Thanks again!

 

[VE_owner]

Hello again people

The car is in the process of being repaired now. The diag tests point to the alternator. Having a brand new one fitted with a 12 month warranty. I could have done a second hand one myself but don't want the same issue in 3 months time potentially. So, the alternator wasn't charging, the battery drained and the other systems lost power, hence all the warnings. All up its a $500-$600 job. Could have been worse.

Thanks again to everyone for their input. Should be back on the road tomorrow.