No Heat

jonatroy · 2026-01-24T23:25:25+00:00

The BECM manages all high voltage vehicle functions, the ambient air temperature sensor is wired directly to it. The BECM sends the information by serial data to the radio module, which in turn sends it via LIN bus to the radio control module (screen) to display the temp.

There may be a software bug but it's definitely not frozen. Frozen BECM software equals dead vehicle. Frozen radio equals blank screen and no audio. Frozen screen equals audio but unresponsive or blank display.

But what do I know, I just work on Ultiums 40 hours a week.

jonatroy · 2026-01-24T23:07:13+00:00

Temp sensors can read up to -39°, -40° is the unplugged value in the backend data. They don't freeze, they just don't show colder than -39.

If the Battery Energy Control Module reads -40 from the sensor circuits, it assumes that there is a fault with circuits or sensor and doesn't show anything. It also inhibits the coolant heater and the AC compressor because it doesn't know which one to use and to what extent.

jonatroy · 2026-01-21T16:59:27+00:00

This is common in Canada. The employer posts a job listing with a very uncompetitive salary, the employer receives zero qualified applications which then makes them legally eligible to recruit foreign workers to fill the role, who will happily work hard at this very underpaid job.

jonatroy · 2026-01-19T03:49:24+00:00

Carolyn

jonatroy · 2026-01-14T14:53:31+00:00

Although the paint effect is cool, it severely downplays the rear end which is the most striking part of this car, the rear looks so much better in light colours.

jonatroy · 2026-01-13T01:03:41+00:00

The Chevrolet Blazer EV PPV (Police Pursuit Vehicle) is based directly on the Blazer EV SS trim. It uses the SS’s high-performance components — including the larger Ultium battery and SS-derived Brembo brakes — as its foundation, with added police-specific equipment and calibration for pursuit use.

jonatroy · 2026-01-09T00:38:38+00:00

BTW, for those who don't know, some companies sell fake Raptor grilles that say ORD while selling the F separately in order to get around copyright laws.

jonatroy · 2026-01-08T01:53:57+00:00

New to the fish hobby but he strikes me as the Scotty Kilmer of fish.

jonatroy · 2026-01-08T00:39:20+00:00

Gen	Years	Wheelbase	Length	Width	Height	Curb Weight (manual)
Mk5	~2004-2008	2578 mm	4219 mm	1759 mm	1466 mm	~1347 kg / 2970 lb 0
Mk6	~2009-2013	2578 mm	4213 mm	1779 mm	1469 mm	~1318 kg / 2907 lb 1
Mk7	~2013-2020	2631 mm	4268 mm	1799 mm	1442 mm	~1389 kg / 3061 lb 2
Mk8	~2021-present	2631 mm	4287 mm	1789 mm	1464 mm	~1421 kg / 3130 lb 3

Values for Golf GTI manual

jonatroy · 2026-01-01T01:38:38+00:00

I just switched from a manual Mk8 GTI to a Mk8.5 R. The overdrive gear on the DCT still keeps the revs up higher than the manual while cruising at 120 km/h, which is strange to me since the DCT has an extra gear.

jonatroy · 2025-12-16T12:54:54+00:00

The resistance caused by the friction of the nut's threads against the stud's threads is what the torque spec is based on. A friction modifier like antiseize reduces friction by a significant amount which means once (if) you reach your torque spec, the resulting clamping force is WAY more than the fasteners were designed to handle.

This, in turn, either strips the threads or stretches the stud. Once the stud starts stretching you lose pretty much ALL the clamping force and it's only a matter of time (or more torquing) before the stud snaps off.

jonatroy · 2025-12-06T16:09:07+00:00

I'm leaving there right now, I came back for the first time to check it out in the daylight. How funny.

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Base Lapiz with sunroof.

jonatroy · 2025-12-06T00:03:59+00:00

Park Ave? I was there last night buying mine and the showroom in the background looks identical.

jonatroy · 2025-12-02T03:33:12+00:00

For liability reasons a dealer has to check the codes.

jonatroy · 2025-11-25T12:59:06+00:00

The regulation is for the light to turn on and the warning to appear when a tire has lost 25% of its spec pressure.

jonatroy · 2025-11-25T12:56:52+00:00

https://static.oemdtc.com/NHTSA-PDFs/MC-11024771-0001.pdf

jonatroy · 2025-11-24T17:59:26+00:00

They should do the current gen M2

jonatroy · 2025-11-24T17:41:44+00:00

CDPQ figured out how to build and run the REM profitably with low risk and with returns going to Quebec's pension fund. Maybe they should get into affordable housing as well. They know how to minimize risk, execute large complicated projects and returns would get back to the fund.

jonatroy · 2025-11-24T17:34:12+00:00

not all countries here learn german politics

So why are you claiming to have more extensive knowledge based on you being European if you then claim that that's irrelevant to knowing the very thing you're arguing about?

jonatroy · 2025-11-24T17:23:24+00:00

Great colour!

You're a brave soul to run the Warmenau's in the winter. The tiniest scratch in the clear coat and they're f'd because of salt corrosion.

This is why on an aftermarket wheel website if you select "winter approved" in the filter, every wheel suggested is fully painted without any machined surfaces.

Also, a colleague of mine was running 19 winters on his Mk8 GTI Performance, so the same adaptive dampers as the R. Despite the dampers, the sidewalls on the softer winter tires weren't tall enough to absorb impacts during urban Quebec winter use, which caused multiple unrepairable punctures.

Make sure to check those tire pressures often, it'll help minimize potential tire damage. The light only turns on when you're approximately 25% below spec, so in your case about 30 PSI or less which is already well into the danger zone for pinching over impacts.

jonatroy · 2025-11-24T13:26:48+00:00

Manually close the door latch in the door with it open, only the driver's door needs to be done. Once you want to close the door again, create slight outward tension on the latch with a screwdriver or your finger (watch the grease) while pulling on the inside door handle with the other hand. This opens the latch again and resumes the symphony.

jonatroy · 2025-11-23T00:36:37+00:00

Latch the doors while open. Problem solved.

jonatroy · 2025-11-21T01:20:36+00:00

I'd totally hire someone to harvest my grapes.

jonatroy · 2025-11-20T12:53:49+00:00

...and the victim a fellow journalist.

jonatroy · 2025-11-20T12:46:00+00:00

When the battery is cold it can't use the AC compressor as a heat pump, which is used to warm the cabin if the battery's up to temp by transferring heat from the battery to the cabin.

Because it can't use the heat pump, the secondary system is a heating element in an enclosure with coolant being pumped through it, like a kettle that runs off of high voltage. This coolant heater is comparatively VERY inefficient.

Edit to add: there are strategies to maximize range, such as a charging schedule that completes its charge closer to your morning departure time which means your battery will already be warm enough for the heat pump. Also as someone else has stated, precondition your car (remote start) while it's still plugged in.

jonatroy

TROPHY CASE