Hi folks, I have a 2005 Vito that seems to have developed a bizarre electrical fault!
Basically, as I'm driving along, all the electrics (windows, instrument cluster, wipers, lights, pretty much everything, EXCEPT the stereo and heater) will cut out completely for a few seconds and then come back on, then sometimes immediately go off again and on and off and so on.
At first it I assumed it could be a faulty connection that was being disturbed when going over bumps (I'm a dog walker so this was not unfeasible going down lots of dirt tracks etc.), however, having lived with this problem for a while I've started to notice a few things, and this is where it gets very weird:
1: The engine continues running as normal and will start, stop and drive fine, I only notice a minute lull in power for a split second when it happens.
2: It never happens when the van is in neutral and or stationary.
3: Clutching down, changing gear and braking often triggers it, as does using the indicators and the automatic door lock.
4: Sometimes it will 'fix itself' for days and then inexplicably return.
2 things that are probably worth noting are that I've fitted an aftermarket stereo and replaced the heater motor resistor prior to this fault beginning and I'm not sure if it's a coincidence but neither of these things are affected when the electrics cut out. I have since removed the heater motor resistor just to see if made any difference and it doesn't, strangely however, driving with the heater on full seems to reduce the frequency at which the electrics cut out. Obviously I've checked all the connections to see if I've dislodged anything but all seems ok. Both my key fobs have new batteries and the van has never had a problem starting.
I apologise for the lengthy post, I wanted to try and give as much info. If anyone has come across this before or has any ideas, I would be most grateful!
Thanks in advance!
Ben
Basically, as I'm driving along, all the electrics (windows, instrument cluster, wipers, lights, pretty much everything, EXCEPT the stereo and heater) will cut out completely for a few seconds and then come back on, then sometimes immediately go off again and on and off and so on.
At first it I assumed it could be a faulty connection that was being disturbed when going over bumps (I'm a dog walker so this was not unfeasible going down lots of dirt tracks etc.), however, having lived with this problem for a while I've started to notice a few things, and this is where it gets very weird:
1: The engine continues running as normal and will start, stop and drive fine, I only notice a minute lull in power for a split second when it happens.
2: It never happens when the van is in neutral and or stationary.
3: Clutching down, changing gear and braking often triggers it, as does using the indicators and the automatic door lock.
4: Sometimes it will 'fix itself' for days and then inexplicably return.
2 things that are probably worth noting are that I've fitted an aftermarket stereo and replaced the heater motor resistor prior to this fault beginning and I'm not sure if it's a coincidence but neither of these things are affected when the electrics cut out. I have since removed the heater motor resistor just to see if made any difference and it doesn't, strangely however, driving with the heater on full seems to reduce the frequency at which the electrics cut out. Obviously I've checked all the connections to see if I've dislodged anything but all seems ok. Both my key fobs have new batteries and the van has never had a problem starting.
I apologise for the lengthy post, I wanted to try and give as much info. If anyone has come across this before or has any ideas, I would be most grateful!
Thanks in advance!
Ben
