electrics | Ask Honest John

Ask Honest John

Most recently answered electrics questions

I have owned my 03 Berlingo HDi from new, now done 125000 miles. The horn works with the ignition off perfectly, but will not work with the ignition on! Clearly an MOT failure but my garage - an independent...

Electromagnetic interference on the M1

I am very curious about an electrical fault which affects my Insignia. When I pass a particular spot on the M1, the temperature gauge goes to zero, and the dashboard displays the message "air con not working...

Peugeot 406 electrical gremlins

The fault seems to be triggered by the extreme cold weather but has lasted longer this year. The car randomly locks/unlocks when the ignition is on. The lights also randomly flash but this is now occurring...

Left indicator turns itself on

My left hand indicator keeps coming on randomly and is getting pretty anoying. Can anyone help or have they experienced this problem before. I drive a Vauxhall Vivaro.

307 blowing lots of bulbs

My daughter owns a Peugeot 307 and it gets through light bulbs like they are going out of style. Headlights, rear lights etc. I know other owners with the same problem but it is not restricted to this...

Does the use of jump leads damage modern car electronics?

A relative recently had to call a rescue service to start her car. She was told that jump starting, either the car to be started or the car used to start would damage computers and electronics featuring...

My City Rover battery runs flat

I left my City Rover on the drive for 3 days and the battery is now dead. Had an auto electrician look at it and he can't find the fault. Also happened last year when I went on holiday and didn't use...

Land Rover Discovery electric parking brake problem

Why does the electronic park brake make a screaming noise and stick on?

Electrical issues

I needed a jump start on my car recently, and now the 2 rear doors wont open or lock with the key (only manually) and the 2 front electric windows wont work, do you know why?

Hazardous substance

I have a 2006 Peugeot 407 Executive 136 HDI which I bought from a main dealer when it was 3 months old, it's done 40,000 miles without any problems until recently. Now when I turn on the ignition, the...