Technical Dashboard Disco - ALL warning lights flashing

[wiimixer]

I'm hoping some kind soul might be able to help me, or at least put my mind at rest that my Multipla hasn't bitten the dust!

Been in for some bodywork recently, plus a new handbrake cable, and fog lamp fitted. A day after getting it back from the repairers the warning light depicting the engine came on - and displayed a message 'ENG CTRL FAULTY'.

I checked this out, here and on multiplaowners.co.uk, and, since the car was still driving ok (no indication of 'limp home' mode kicking in) I thought I'd ignore it in the short term - and get the local garage to run electrics diagnostics in due course.

The next day (today) -- incidentally, after I'd had the front indicator units+bulbs out, three wheels off for tyre change, and ignition on/off a few times to test hands free kit -- pretty much ALL the dashboard warning lights are flashing on/off when I turn the ignition key. The LCD display shows 'CHECKS IN PROGRESS', and nothing else. NB: IT ALL KICKED OFF ON THE FOURTH OR FIFTH TIME I TURNED THE IGNITION KEY TO TEST HANDS FREE

I'm hoping it's due to a failed/drained battery, and so tried to jump it from my wife's car.

Same result, lots of flashing lights, but no hint of the engine kicking into life.

Has any other poor soul experienced these symptoms? If so, how did you get it sorted?

If you haven't seen/heard of it, but think you might know the cause, please let me know.

In the absence of any other suggestions, I'll probably get a new battery, and tow it to the local Fiat garage if that doesn't help.

Thanks in advance for any help given.
PB

 

[shaun1]

did you disconnect the battery while doing the electrical work, it sounds like an earthing fault or something similar, have you fitted the hands free kit yourself, try disconnecting it all and trying the car again i know its a pain but it will rule out that being the fault as for the bulbs and indicators are you sure you have reconnected and used the same bulbs as this can effect electrics. if not then check the earth points on the car

 

[wiimixer]

Hi Shaun,

thanks for taking the time to reply.

I had thought that remove the hands-free kit, but it was installed a couple of months ago, and yesterday I only installed a firmware update via a USB slot/stick.

I'm sure I replaced the same bulbs, exactly where they came from. In fact, I only took out the indicator bulbs prior to this problem occurring.

Not sure how revealing this is, but nothing 'apparently changed' between no problem and big problem. Let me explain:

1. I turned the ignition on (without starting engine) to test phone connected to hands-free kit via bluetooth. Hence, phone not physically connected to hands-free kit. All ok.

2. I turned ignition off, paused, placed phone in charging cradle - which is connected into the back of the manufacturer's stereo.

3. Turned ignition on again to re-test the phone...disco lights time.

Obviously I then took phone out, and re-tried. Once again, all the lights on the dashboard PLUS the interior lights etc. are flashing on/off.

Finally, the central locking doesn't appear to be working properly now. I get the single beep when I go to lock via the key fob, but it seems to last longer than before, then a long pause, then another single beep. The doors are not locked, but the alarm IS activated.

I've checked all the doors, boot etc., and all closed correctly. Could it be the battery doesn't have enough charge to lock the doors, but can maintain the clock, warning lights, alarm siren etc.?

Thanks again, and I'll keep you updated.
PB

 

[shaun1]

the only last suggestion i have is to try giving the battery a full charge without it connected to the car, then when charged reconnect everything and try again thanks

 

[iantnutz]

Hi PB.
I've encountered the immobilized ''Disco Lights'' + dodgy door locking phenomenon myself whilst affixing a new left side door speaker (the DAB Radio and right side speaker all worked fine until attempting the left speaker fitting) . I've noticed an extra set of wires on the back of the original speaker as well as the connection wire block. I've pulled those off and all hell broke loose.
I hope you've managed to resolve your problem. I'll have another look tomorrow and see if I've shorted something out.
Cheers IanT.

 

[iantnutz]

Hi again.

Problem sorted. Had a chat with the dealer. It was the battery suddenly failing. It gave up the ghost more quickly that the usual fading of power i.e. slow turnting over ect.
Cheers IanT.

 

[wiimixer]

Hi Ian,

good to hear you got your problem sorted. Similarly, mine was fixed with a new battery.