Electrics Faults

Fiat's Dualogic semi-automatic gearbox uses an electric clutch actuator that fails with age. When it does, the car refuses to pull away — an expensive repair relative to the car's value.

The Scenic Mk3's powered sliding rear doors develop motor faults, leaving the door either stuck open or requiring manual operation. A unique fault to the MPV body style.

Post-2016 Euro 6 Transit Customs use AdBlue SCR systems that develop NOx sensor faults, AdBlue pump failures and frozen lines in cold weather.

Coil pack failure on the 1.4 Polo causes misfires and rough running. Individual coil packs are inexpensive but the fault can be mistaken for more serious engine problems.

The Mondeo Mk4 uses an electric power steering rack that can develop faults, leaving the car with very heavy or completely absent power steering assistance.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Lead-acid and AGM batteries have a finite lifespan. Modern cars are highly sensitive to voltage drops, causing bizarre electrical faults before the battery completely dies.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

Modern vehicles use smart charging systems to reduce engine load, but the complex regulators on the alternators frequently fail.

A catastrophic design flaw on the 5-cylinder D5 engine. The auxiliary (alternator) belt tensioner fails, snapping the aux belt. The debris gets sucked into the timing belt, destroying the engine.

The oil pressure switch frequently fails internally, leaking engine oil directly into the electrical wiring loom.

The Siemens VDO injectors used on the 1.8 TDCi are highly prone to electrical failure, dropping the car to 3 cylinders.

Ford's 'Smart Charge' alternators on the Mk2 Focus fail regularly, often taking the battery with them.

The pop-up MMI screen in the dashboard frequently gets stuck or stops working entirely due to a broken wiring ribbon or failed motor mechanism.

The 0.9 TwinAir engine uses a complex electro-hydraulic 'UniAir' module to actuate the intake valves instead of a traditional camshaft. This module fails if oil changes are neglected.

Electrical gremlins are common on the Fiat 500. The most notorious is the wiring loom snapping where it passes from the body into the boot lid/hatch.

If fitted with the 7-speed dry clutch DSG (DQ200), the mechatronic control unit is highly prone to internal pressure leaks and electrical failure.

The EGR valve and cooler unit is buried at the back of the engine and frequently blocks with carbon or fails electrically. Replacement is labour-intensive.

The 1.6 TDI uses Siemens/Continental piezo injectors which are incredibly prone to sudden electrical failure, causing immediate engine shutdown.

The alternator on the 1.7 CDTi Astra is a notorious weak point. It fails without much warning, draining the battery and leaving the car stranded.

The wiring loom that connects the PD injectors sits inside the cylinder head, submerged in hot engine oil. The insulation degrades, causing misfires and injector faults.

A blocked DPF on the N47 is highly common, often a secondary symptom of thermostat failure, glow plug module failure, or exclusively urban driving.

The column-mounted electric power steering (EPS) on the Mk7 Fiesta can fail, leaving the driver with very heavy steering. An EPS warning light and fault code confirms the issue.

The intake manifold swirl flaps on the 1.6 TDCi are actuated by an electric motor. When the motor fails, the car goes into limp mode. Unlike the N47 BMW, the flaps rarely break off — but the motor commonly burns out.

The EDC (Easy Drive) semi-automatic gearbox variant of the 1.5 dCi Clio uses an electric clutch actuator. When this fails, the car refuses to move — and replacements are expensive.