Car runs and drives; Electrics don't work

Alex22

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Hi all! Today when I started up my car to go to work, I've noticed my instrument cluster was blank. Temperature gauge, speedometer, trip computer, nothing worked. Other electrics were not working either, windows, even the turn signals. However, the headlights turned on just fine and the brakes seem to be fine as well, so I was able to drive to work. As I've said, the car runs and drives, but electrics aren't working at all (except for the comand system, which works, barely). Is this a sign of a dying battery? Or is it something worse?
 
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Alex22

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Sounds like a SAM unit failure to me...?

Wont know without checking some basics though. Will need STAR for this.

Until I get the car fixed, would it be safe to drive? Or is that a total no-no?
 

LostKiwi

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Without indicators it' a no no. Ask yourself if it would pass an MOT in it's current state.
 

Westheath

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You can use hand signals as there no legal requirement to use fitted indicators/trafficators.


Arm signals 1.PNG Arm signals to person controlling traffic.PNG
 
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Alex22

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Without indicators it' a no no. Ask yourself if it would pass an MOT in it's current state.
Well this is quite embarrassing. I've tried starting up the car again. Same result. I turned it off, put it the ignition in position 1, computer started up. Finally. Checked my electronics, my heated seat works, indicator work, trip computer, comand, everything works fine. Although, there is a strange clunking noise coming from underneath the car. Definitely doesn't seem to be fine. However, it drives, and it drives well. I'll keep you updated on the issue though. Getting it into the dealership tomorrow.
 

LostKiwi

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turbopete

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The requirement is that a car is roadworty and the MOT is the basic test for this. I think you would struggle to find an MOT station that would pass a car with no indicators.

that's not strictly true. a car can pass an MOT BUT still be illegal for road use. an easy example of this is tyres. LEGALLY they have to have 1.6mm on the centre 3/4 of the tyre width with visible tread on the rest. for the MOT however, they have to have 1.6mm on ANY 3/4 of the tyre width, with visible tread on the rest. also, whilst its good practise and mentioned in the highway code, indicating is NOT actually a legal requirement (as told to me by a traffic cop a few weeks ago) and the highway code is NOT, as commonly thought, law BUT a book of 'best practise' for want of a better term. some of it may be incorporated IN law, but the entire book is NOT law.
 

LostKiwi

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that's not strictly true. a car can pass an MOT BUT still be illegal for road use. an easy example of this is tyres. LEGALLY they have to have 1.6mm on the centre 3/4 of the tyre width with visible tread on the rest. for the MOT however, they have to have 1.6mm on ANY 3/4 of the tyre width, with visible tread on the rest. also, whilst its good practise and mentioned in the highway code, indicating is NOT actually a legal requirement (as told to me by a traffic cop a few weeks ago) and the highway code is NOT, as commonly thought, law BUT a book of 'best practise' for want of a better term. some of it may be incorporated IN law, but the entire book is NOT law.
Yes agreed that the MOT can be passed with an illegal car (aftermarket HiD/LEDs anyone) but it's the basic standard the law has determined must be passed to demonstrate at least the fundamentals of roadwothiness are satisfied.
 

LostKiwi

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MOT law is an ass. And a valid MOT doesnt make the car roadworthy.

I would take the risk of driving the car to a garage, but that is about it.
Agreed, but its the minimum criteria the law uses to assess whether a vehicle is permitted on the road.
 
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Alex22

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Small update everyone. I took the car in for a service today. The electrics seem to be fine now, however the sound was coming from my front left brake disc which decided not to be a brake disc anymore. I got the car fixed and it's running great as usual now.
 

mattkh

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.... I took the car in for a service today. The electrics seem to be fine now,
Hi
Thanks for the update.
If the car is an Automatic, then I may be right in assuming that there may be a connection with the brake fault and the car not starting.
 


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