The Millenium Bug
The year 2000 proved too much for Elsie, I think she caught the millennium bug. She came through the new year ok, but fell ill around February, and remained on the sick list until she got intensive care a month later.
What happened ? read on.......
- Feb 16th Car required jump start. I’ve not done this in years, where are the jump leads ? And where’s the battery on this thing ?
- Feb 18th Car required jump start again.
- Feb 19th Battery removed, SG 1.1, completely flattened. The SG for a full charge is 1.27 to 1.28, recharged overnight & refitted.
- Feb 23rd Car required jump start (am & pm). 14 Volts checked across the battery when the car was running so the alternator is ok. Dealer informed and an appointment made to view the car on Saturday morning.
- Feb 24th Battery removed from car, recharged. Refitted next day fully charged, SG 1.27
- Feb 26th Car drove to dealers - informed a "massive" current drain when the alarm operated. Car booked in for Monday. Advised not to use the alarm to ensure car would start and as such left with only the immobiliser active.
- Feb 28th Car would not run. Initially car started and then exhibited symptoms of petrol starvation then finally failed to run at all. The Stack display lights on when ignition key removed, extinguishing after several minutes. Car trailered to dealers for 2 days diagnosis
- Mar 1st Collected car. New battery, the current drain attributed to the alarm internal battery being re-charged by the main battery. No other faults.
- Mar 6th Battery flat. Car would not start. Battery acid SG checked - 1.1 again. Back to the dealership.
- Mar 8th Reported internal fault on alternator, apparently a 2 day job. Huh ?
- Mar 10th Car collected and driven home. On parking the car and removing the ignition key, the oil, seat belt and park brake lights remained on. Fuel/odometer/temperature display remained active for at least 15 minutes with the key removed from the ignition. Battery indicator light was not illuminated at this time, but would light normally when the ignition was switched on. Car would start and run. Rang my best buddy at the dealership.
- Mar 11th Stack display no longer exhibiting same problem, it’s obviously cured itself ? They can't fix what they can't find, so cancel the dealer visit.
- Mar 12-17th Car used daily, including trip to the Donnington Show, talk over the problem with Chris Foulds.
- Mar 19th Car would not start. SG on battery 1.200-1.225, battery re-charged.
- Mar 20th Car would not start. Problems with Stack display again. I give up with the dealer and go directly to the Lotus Factory. Helen wants to go on Watchdog.
