2004 Continental non starting and multiple warnings

[Nigel King]

I have a very nice example of a 2004 Continental GT. 59000 miles. Bought a year ago through Mowatt (Edinburgh Specialist)

I am experiencing electrical problems that I believe have arisen through my failure to have a Bentley battery charger attached. I have now corrected that but I fear too late.

Over a period of a month. ( short drives about 3 miles to work and back ) Starting became an issue. Then random warning lights. Then more lights. (Engine, abs, spoiler, radio, alternator, brake, etc etc ). I got it to a Bentley Specialist. He cleared 65 codes and the car immediately came to life again and performed beautifully as before. There was a possibility of just one code ( oxygen sensor) but all the rest cleared.

A Bentley battery charger was installed and connected.

However after standing for 36 hours the problems reappeared again with multiple warning lights again.

Since then I have replaced the main battery, voltages are good, but the car won't start. Occasionally ( using the key) I can get the the engine to turn over, nice and strongly, but ignition doesn't kick in, ever.

I have done a deep reset ( disconnecting both batteries and leaving for 48 hours for voltages to zero ) No change.

Any advice? The car is currently immovable, though an option is to AA to my Bentley Specialist (Fearnons, Newcastle). I would like more info and advice though on the problem.

If I got all the codes cleared again is it likely to start?

Advice appreciated.

Many thanks

Nigel

[Nigel King]

Bentley update!

A week on. Multiple clearing of 65 codes that never existed a month ago. Each time the codes are cleared the starter will engage but the motors won't fire up. There seems to be a low voltage in the ECU and accessories somewhere and I'm thinking a faulty relay or poor connector somewhere causing this.

I believe there is a 12v power supply from the battery that feeds a whole load of electrics and this supply is failing due to loose connection, faulty relay or corrosion.

AA just spent two hours looking and agree with me. We checked visible fuses, but we can't find any other fuse boxes or relays other than at the rear battery.

Any advice on location of another fuse box or what relay might cause this problem. Sensors haven't failed. It's the power supply to the sensors that have failed.

Many thanks in advance.

Nigel

[Christopher Carnley]

Where are you located?

It is never a good idea to buy a car from a broker,especially one with no premises, more so with a car known to develop multiple electronic problems from 3 years on.

[cherub]

The first thing I do when I get a car in my workshop with an issue like this is, is to plug it into the diagnostic equipement.

Really you need to get it plugged into a proper Bentley system and see what faults are being thrown out.

As for checks you can do in the mean time, check the main fuses (large breaker type fuses) next to the left hand battery.

There is also a fuse board under the panel below the steering wheel, you could check through all them as well.

A common issue on the W12 cars we get in is a faulty earthing to the starter motor, but if it’s turning over well, it doesn’t sound like that.