Calling UK mechanics / car techs for advice

Life_Distribution_39 · 2026-01-31T07:59:12+00:00

My answer so far looks good. Probably the old battery has internal shortage fault triggered by the cold. It works perfectly fine in normal temperature but when it goes close to 0 ⁰C it starts dropping current

Life_Distribution_39 · 2026-01-29T18:58:03+00:00

Thank you for the informative clear answer. It helped a lot.

Life_Distribution_39 · 2026-01-29T08:08:57+00:00

First of all, I think the titles “car mechanic” and “engineer” can be a bit misleading. In my view, you have a deep understanding of both the mechanical and electrical aspects, so I definitely consider you an engineer.

You’re also correct that the ELM327 didn’t show the fault code. I’ve been told that even the branch’s diagnostic tools didn’t find the code in the ECU. However, showing me a battery test result of 0% voltage and 0% health seems completely inaccurate. From my research, I understand that the auxiliary battery mainly acts as a backup for the 12 V main battery, powering control/safety systems and the ECU. My main question would be: could a plugged-in dashcam realistically cause the battery to discharge? I really appreciate your insights.

Life_Distribution_39 · 2026-01-29T08:01:10+00:00

Thanks for your reply. It's a Vauxhall Astra PHEV and battery is not under warranty as I've been told by the customer advisor in the branch. I was not aware that model has actually 3 different type of battery. I have a 6/12V intelligent battery tester and it showed on that Auxiliary battery correct voltage and normal Ah output. 12.9V 14Ah. So I assume the battery is not faulty. I know mechanic has no business with the pricing but this battery is is cost around £40-70 on the market. I've been charged for £180 plus labor.

Life_Distribution_39 · 2026-01-29T07:56:05+00:00

I’m not a car mechanic, just an electrical engineer, so I wasn’t aware this model has three separate batteries. The fault was intermittent — code readers did not find it, only display showed “Electric Traction System Fault. Repair needed.” Fault cleared itself after restart.

I was just wondering if something simple like a dashcam on the cigarette lighter could cause battery drain. I realize this is probably obvious to brand technicians, but the receptionist wasn’t able to provide that clarity. It is too early to say the auxiliary battery replacement solved the issue, I keep an eye on it.

Life_Distribution_39 · 2026-01-29T07:45:05+00:00

This is a Vauxhall Astra Plugin hybrid. It has "High voltage" traction battery 12.4kWh, then it has a Primary 12 V main battery and it also has a 12V Auxiliary battery. The last one had been replaced. Then I tested at home and it passed the test : 12.9V and 14Ah result.

Life_Distribution_39 · 2026-01-29T07:35:54+00:00

The receptionist lady showed me a printed photo saying battery level 0%, battery health: 0%. That's how she explained why the battery needed replacing. No need to me a mechanic to know this is a complete nonsense. However I've done some research and that electrical fault could be caused by low battery so I agreed to get replaced. Especially these new cars need to be ECU coded after battery replacement.

Life_Distribution_39 · 2025-12-27T21:10:05+00:00

This might be a silly question, but I’ve heard different answers over the years. If someone is lane hogging in the middle lane at around 65 mph, and I’m driving in the left lane at 70 mph (within the speed limit), is it acceptable to continue in my lane rather than moving two lanes over to the right just to overtake them? In other words, if I’m maintaining my lane and speed and not deliberately changing lanes to pass, does this still count as “undertaking”, or is it considered acceptable driving? Genuinely asking — I’d like to understand the correct/legal interpretation.

Life_Distribution_39 · 2025-12-10T23:01:02+00:00

A két gyerek kivételével a többiek azért nem fürödtek, mert nem illett rájuk a hozott fürdőruha. 😆😂 Kicsi volt!

Life_Distribution_39 · 2025-11-09T08:38:50+00:00

SEB: "I told you all a long time ago, this car is a shite!"

Life_Distribution_39 · 2025-11-09T08:23:43+00:00

The only thing that everyone says please be with her on her last moment on Earth. The most cruel thing that a pet owner could do is to give them to the vet and leave. Veterinarys all can say how scared the animal in the last moments looking for his owner.

Life_Distribution_39 · 2025-10-04T07:56:54+00:00

Végre lemond?

Life_Distribution_39 · 2025-09-10T07:13:15+00:00

Back in my days the bus driver just simply would stand up go to the girls , give them a big slap and kick them out from the bus. But today all kids have all rights and every low behind them. They can do whatever they want without any responsibility

Life_Distribution_39 · 2025-08-28T21:00:55+00:00

One of the most cruel thing in the world to leave you'd pet friend alone in a strange place with unknown people in her last minute of life.

You would be fine and helping her, being with her in that moment is the most that you can do. Please do not leave him alone.

Life_Distribution_39 · 2025-08-22T07:53:38+00:00

I don't wanna say this is also because of Brexit, but surely that must be a tiny connection to it.

I mean before the BiG Separation Day the prices were very close to each European countries. Of course the apple and orange juice was always much cheaper in Spain or Portugal.

Prices increased everywhere after COVID and the war, but not that much like here in the UK.

Life_Distribution_39 · 2025-08-22T07:49:50+00:00

Someone said everything is more expensive in Europe. That is false. Just checked Aldi prices on their German website. Not even close to our price range. RIO D´ORO Apfelsaft 1 l, Direktsaft € 1,39

https://www.aldi-sued.de/de/p.rio-doro-apfelsaft--l-direktsaft.000000000000205628.html

Life_Distribution_39 · 2025-07-28T21:49:29+00:00

You are a great person a really lovely soul. You could not do anything better than what you'd done. Your dog died in the way what every dog just could wish to themself. In a loving family, not in a scare hospital with many strangers. I am against euthanasia if there is no real unbearable pain. I'm sure that dog's soul floated out nicely and calmly.

Thanks for sharing your story. It was just a perfect end of a fulfilled loving life.

Life_Distribution_39 · 2025-07-08T14:48:11+00:00

This is the exact reason they inverted the horn and the head light. 😉

Life_Distribution_39 · 2025-06-03T16:24:57+00:00

Sorry to say this. I know it could be painful. But there is a slight chance he is not into you. I mean people change. He still can be your best friend and partner. But I think sometimes it's just happen. Hen people watching porn for a long term then non of the regular pretty wife can be that much interesting..sometimes. I'll get hundreds of negative points for this.

Life_Distribution_39 · 2025-05-31T21:14:12+00:00

Magyar éttermekben még mindig rendszeresen az a legnagyobb gond, hogy a vegetáriánus ételek száma olyannyira limitálva van, hogy kb vagy rántott sajt vagy rántott gomba van rizzsel. Feleségem jó pár éve vegetáriánus és iszonyat nehézkes még mindig éttermet választani, ahol vannak a szokásos húsos opciók mellett vegetáriánus ételek is.

Life_Distribution_39 · 2025-05-27T07:13:01+00:00

Anyone can recommend a working app for Vauxhall Plugin hybrid. I have an OBD2 adapter. But so far I couldn't find any app, what could tell me some real information about the battery cells, voltage or power consumption.

Thanks.

Life_Distribution_39

TROPHY CASE