I was driving my x150, (back from my mechanic for an unrelated issue) I was driving very regularly and everything seemed fine. I adjusted the seat at a red light, then fully compressed the breaks to check my seat positions While still at the red light. A block later, While it was a hot day (110 degrees F), I went to pull the top down because I was close to home and excited about having the convertible back. Noticed the windows moving irregularly then I noticed the electrics going nuts (see video 1). I pulled over and parked about 200 feet after. Turned it off waited a second, and restarted - nothing (see video 2). My mechanic met me there given it was only about a mile from the shop. We wiggles the battery terminals a bit and still nothing.

I got a plethora of warnings on my dash while this was happening:
-Battery not charging
-check engine light
-ABS fault
-DSC not available

Has this happened to anyone?
i’m having trouble figuring out what the problem may be. it seems like it may be a starter but happened mid drive. Needless to say I am bamboozled.

video 1 - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-_8...w?usp=drivesdk

video 2 - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yHq...w?usp=drivesdk

 

That happens to EVERYONE who has a Low Battery condition.
Low Battery Voltage is a known gremlin in these cars. Battery must have 12.6 VDC after sitting for awhile.
Charge your battery for 12-24 hours with a GOOD charger of 10 or more amps, then see what happens.

 

I agree with Cee Jay. Low battery issues make our cars go crazy. Consider a plug-in voltmeter for the cigar lighter to monitor the charging system.
What year is your car? How many miles?

 

That would be a relief. Does that happen while driving thought? That’s what threw me off about the whole thing.

 

about 72000 miles. Not sure how old that battery is but they I have pretty short lifespans in the Phoenix area where I’m at.

 

sorry - a 2007

 

It appears that your car is prior to 2010 so it doesn't have the battery monitoring system issues related to the later models.
Note that the correct size battery is quite large and takes quite awhile to fully recharge.

Good luck.
Let us know how you solved the problem.

Bill

 

I think you mentioned your mechanic was working on the car possibly for the top, if they had the door open for any significant amount of time it can drain the battery. When I had my car in the body shop over the shut down due to damage from a deer they had the doors open off and on for a couple of days and when they went to start it they said it was acting "funky" with messages and starting. Charged the battery and all was normal again.

 

Extreme heat and extreme cold cause SBD (Sudden Battery Death) syndrome. It comes without warning, and vulnerability increases with age.

 

Mechanic said it's the alternator. That makes perfect sense since the issue occurred mid-drive. He quoted me at $570. From my research that seems fair. Especially because he's given me a few breaks in that past and I know he does good work.

 

Is that for a new one from Jag or aftermarket or re-manufactured? I would still check the age of the battery and consider either giving it a proper charge or replacing it with a new one.

 

Alex,
Please update in a week or two, Let folks know if the alternator was the final resolution to your problem.

 

Go the new alternator in and its all set! Thanks for the help!