Member Since: 02 Apr 2023
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 4
HELP! Attempted to install aux, now car has no power at all
So................. I tried to install an aux in my base spec D3 according to this post: https://www.disco3.co.uk/forum/topic2972-135.html
The three wires (black, red, blue) were all exactly where they were supposed to be in the passenger footwell, so I removed them from the connector and soldered on a simple 5 pin connector (only using 3 of the pins).
I was especially careful with everything I did, I do electronics as a hobby, but will admit I know nothing about car electronics.
And right after I finished installing the connector on the 3 wires, the car electronics started playing up. I put the key in the ignition, and the dash lit up like a Christmas tree, flashed once or twice, and then went dark. I took the key out, and the interior lights went dim. Everything just started acting weirdly, and it got progressively worse until eventually all the electronics gave up. Trying to turn the interior lights on and off, or opening and closing a door causes a clicking sound in the front fusebox area.... the car doesn't even lock
Now I'm too scared to even try and start the engine - is that a good idea?
I have extra-triple-checked the connector I soldered on is not shorting the wires or anything, but it is an INPUT so I don't feel like these connectors should be able to cause this problem throughout the entire vehicle...
Does it seem like this failure is due to my aux input or is it just a coincidence and something else has failed? The way the electronics progressively died seems really strange to me.
Member Since: 02 Apr 2023
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 4
Thank-you, good point. Might have to call out RACT (our roadside assistance guys here in Tasmania) to check it out. Worst case I have an LR specialist booked in Monday and I'm preeeeeetty sure I get free towing
What can I say I'm just wayyyyy too in love with my Disco already - and I've only had it for two weeks!
12th Apr 2023 9:27 am
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10669
or buy a car battery charger
12th Apr 2023 11:15 am
L319
Member Since: 14 Dec 2013
Location: Herefordshire
Posts: 2082
Where was the key whilst you were doing all this work? I left mine in the ignition and I thought as it was switched off when I did similar work , it would be OK. Not so, battery down to 7 volts when I tried to start.
Eventually new battery required as it didnt tolerate such a deep discharge.
12th Apr 2023 11:59 am
zzooee
Member Since: 02 Apr 2023
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 4
Hmm I didn't leave the key in the ignition, but if you had a similar issue that gives me hope that it's just the battery, and I haven't done something catastrophically wrong.
What a whack-o way for a car to act with low battery though! Discos really don't like bad voltages
I'll definitely post back with an update once I've figured it out!
12th Apr 2023 12:13 pm
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8219
Not only should you not start any electrical mods with the key in but also wait until the system has gone to sleep(park brake light off) before disconnecting the battery.
It is also good practice to lower the drivers window before starting.
I would try a hard reset by removing both battery cables and touching and holding them together without touching the battery terminals with the assistance of a long screwdriver or other metal tool if they won’t reach, you could also safely charge the battery while the cables are disconnected.It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
12th Apr 2023 5:59 pm
zzooee
Member Since: 02 Apr 2023
Location: Tasmania
Posts: 4
Ok!! I left it for a couple days before I had a chance to call roadside….. and it was just the battery after all!! All the dash lights look normal again To top it all off, the aux mod worked perfectly!!! Thanks all!
15th Apr 2023 4:31 am
M3DPO
Member Since: 22 Sep 2010
Location: Notts.
Posts: 8219
Another success It can when others can't,
It will when others won't,
It goes where others don't.
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To top it all off, the aux mod worked perfectly!!! Thanks all!
