Hello!

I’ve an 1999 S-type V8. Great car but now there is really strange problem. First when I started the car, fuel meter was stopped working. Also all rear lights stopped working altough light switch was manually on. I checked the fuses, they were all good. After that I locked the doors normally. After an hour I came back and tried to open the doors. First it opened just the drivers door. After opening and closing several times from the remote it eventually opened all doors. Now the car didn’t recognized the key when I putted it to the ignition switch. I could to take power on but engine didn’t cranked. I messaured the battery voltage, it was 12,3V. I taked it out and charged it. Now the car also switched back fog lights and registration plate lamps on altough the switch was off position. I started to check all fuses and relays in the trunk box, all good. I’ve checked all control box connections in boot and also the wiring harnesess. Those looks okay as well. Does anyone have some ideas what could be the problem and what I should check next?

 

The rear electronic module controls many of the functions detailed in your post... It also appears that you may have activated the immobilizer function of the cars security system.

But first, ten demerits for not following the forum rules and posting the required "intro" in the New Members forum... and secondly, where in the world are you located? Models made for different markets all differ slightly from each other.

 

Welcome to the forum.

A few quick thoughts. As previously suggested, many of the misbehaving circuits are controlled by the Rear Electronic Module (REM). Check the spare tire well for water. Our cars are notorious for leaks in the trunk, and water back there can cause all sorts of problems.

How old is the battery? These cars are very sensitive to low prestart voltage. The 12.3V you measured is pretty much dead. Even though you've recharged the battery, it may not be holding enough of a charge. Also, be careful with voltage measurements to determine battery health and charge. These measurements are very prone to misinterpretation. It's easy to condemn a good battery, and visa versa. The best check is with a capacitance type tester. Any place that sells batteries will usually test your battery for free.

For the no-crank condition, it's possible the security system has inhibited the starter. Look at the little red light at the base of the windshield, middle of the dash. This is the indicator light for the security system. Here's how the light is supposed to behave if all is good and no faults are present:

First, lock the car with the key fob. Press the lock button a second time to set the alarm system. The horn should chirp once. Watch the little red light. It should flash once every few seconds to show the system is armed. Now press the key fob unlock button twice to unlock all the doors. The red light should go out. Now hop in the driver's seat and turn the key to RUN (Not start yet). The red light should come on solid ONCE for about 3 seconds and then go out. If it flashes anything after that, you've got a stored fault and the security system may have inhibited the starter.

 

I checked the security system as previosly told and there’s no fault signals. I also tried another full charge battery with no result. I don’t see any visual signs of water inthe boot. Car stands normally in a garage and this fault started while standing in there.

P.S. Car is located in Finland and it’s imported from Italy in 2008.

 

+1 for that comment. The S Type I just picked up had a battery that read about the same voltage but it would lose its charge every few days. Even after charging overnight the electronics behaved very strange. These cars require a 900A Cold Crank battery in order to function properly. My battery ended having a bad cell. If you order a battery online (for pickup in the store) from Batteries Plus you will save $20, they will install it and you can drop the old one off as your core. A new Duracell (yes its a car battery) cost me about $179 with tax

Edit - my bad. I see you are in Finland. Batteries Plus is a US outfit I think

 

I want to make sure I understand the situation correctly.

Exactly what happens when you turn the key all the way to start? Any response from the starter? Does the starter engage normally and spin the crankshaft, even if the engine won’t start? Maybe just a big clunk or buzz from the starter? Nothing at all?

 

+1

keep windows down, bonnet (hood) up so you can hear