Like driving a circus clown car this morning!

[Baxlin]

I drove to Tesco rather early this morning, for the weekly shop, and when I returned to the car (C70) the 4-way flashers were on. I switched them off, but they came on again several times on the drive home. I had to go out again to collect a prescription, and it happened a few more times. Also, while I was driving in stop/start traffic a “low beam bulb failure” message came on the screen, yet I could see from the reflection in the car in front that both lights were working. Pressing the messages button repeatedly did clear the message though.

I don’t think the final thing is really the car’s systems, but the wireless reversing camera in my aftermarket satnav decided not to come on, even though the LEDs on the camera, and the indicator light on the transmitter were both working.

Any ideas where to start on the 4-way flashers? Intermittent faults are notoriously hard to trace, so I’m tempted to see if it cures itself.....

The car lives outside, and is exposed to the prevailing wind and rain, so I assume the electrics have got a bit damp over the last week or so since the car was last used, as it’s hardly stopped raining!

Oh the joys of motoring....

[Markos01]

You mean the hazards? I too would wait and see if it reoccurs. But I'd also check the front footwells for wetness, especially the passenger one. If wet it could be sunroof drainage problems or the adhesive on the windscreen is failing: from inside the car push either top corner out whilst looking at them from outside, you shouldn't see any movement at all but if there is movement then water will be getting in and messing with the CEM, which is not good...!

[Baxlin]

Many thanks for the response.

Tiniest bit of damp in the passenger footwell, but we’ve been out in it today, so hopefully it’s from Mrs B’s feet!

No movement at all in the windscreen.

[Simmy]

make sure the battery is fully charged low voltage can throw up all kinds of problems on a c70

[Markos01]

Good news on the windscreen! Keep an eye on the damp in the passenger footwell, and as suggested low batteries can cause a number of odd faults/alerts on many cars nowadays, so might be worth checking the voltage of the current (no pun intended ) one.

[Baxlin]

Thanks again. I had the fault read, and cleared - unfortunately they couldn’t recall/tell me what the code was 🙁👎, and it was ok for a while, but happened again a week or so ago. I parked it with the battery disconnected, as I didn’t need to use it.

I’ve now bought some electrical contact cleaner, and will be grovelling around above the passenger footwell, as I assume that’s where the CEM is located. Hope to unplug it and spray clean the contacts, then clear the fault again. Might be wishful thinking, but fingers crossed......

[domhart10]

Yeh +1 on Simmy, you can pop to halfords and get a free check on your battery if that has been on the car a while and also a check on the alternator to make sure its charging correct as I know things like low voltage / battery issue seem to cause all sort of electrical issues.

Then after that, if it has been sat around in the rain, probably check the fuses under the bonnet. When you look towards the engine on the S40 T5 they are on the right hand side. Might be an idea to check it is sealed correctly and if there is any moisture in there. On the S40 it isnt great as the position of this fuse box is awfully placed and I can always see water getting to it from run off down the bonnet into the sills, so always make sure this is dry.

Appart from taking it to a garage to check, maybe pull the fuse for that light issue, check it / clean it and pop it back in.

[Willber G]

I too would check the battery first.

[Simmy]

Originally Posted by Baxlin

I drove to Tesco rather early this morning, for the weekly shop, and when I returned to the car (C70) the 4-way flashers were on. I switched them off, but they came on again several times on the drive home. I had to go out again to collect a prescription, and it happened a few more times. Also, while I was driving in stop/start traffic a “low beam bulb failure” message came on the screen, yet I could see from the reflection in the car in front that both lights were working. Pressing the messages button repeatedly did clear the message though.

I don’t think the final thing is really the car’s systems, but the wireless reversing camera in my aftermarket satnav decided not to come on, even though the LEDs on the camera, and the indicator light on the transmitter were both working.

Any ideas where to start on the 4-way flashers? Intermittent faults are notoriously hard to trace, so I’m tempted to see if it cures itself.....

The car lives outside, and is exposed to the prevailing wind and rain, so I assume the electrics have got a bit damp over the last week or so since the car was last used, as it’s hardly stopped raining!

Oh the joys of motoring....

try disconnecting any extras that you have added they might be adding to the possible weak battery drain also make sure that your light switch is in the correct position to turn off all lights its caught out quite a few volvo owners in the past.

[Baxlin]

Great ideas, thanks.

The battery is only about 3 years old (I know that means nothing as to its condition though), and it starts the 2ltr diesel lump no problem. But from my years-ago Rover 75 days, I appreciate what silly things a less than perfect battery can do, especially if the car isn’t used every day. Must have it checked then.

I hadn’t thought about the under-bonnet fuse box, so I’ll check this as well as the in-cabin one.

I’ve just remembered I have RAC home start cover, I may have a chat to them....

Either way, I’ll report back in due course