Multivan dash clock, trip computer and odometer keep resetting

[Silver Caravelle]

Hi Folks,

Firstly Happy Year for 2023.

Wondering if I can get your collective wisdom on a semi regular gremlin with my 2008 Multi? When starting or even just turning the ignition key on is resetting the clock, trip computer and odometer- sometimes the clock only! Has been occurring for some weeks now on and off. Battery is 12.3v to 12.4v at rest and charging normally at 14.4v when running. Cranks over normally to start. Could it still be a slightly weak battery that is causing the issue? No other signs of issues. I have also checked fuse for dash.

Cheers, Scott

[Silver Caravelle]

Bumping this for any thoughts. Cheers.

[MIG]

The cluster receives power on terminal 15 and terminal 30, so unless the battery is really dipping when cranking, I would not think it's that.

I would check the ground connections to the cluster, as it would share power with a few other things when you turn the key.

If you want to dig into the wiring diagrams, grab the €7 Erwin sub for an hour and download everything.

[Sunny43.5]

We experience similar issue when working with sunroofs , even just cranking the engine on a cold day with lots of things running at the same time can cause a momentary drop in power that can cause the memory to drop out . Battery is the first place to check to see what its doing on start up .

[Silver Caravelle]

The cluster receives power on terminal 15 and terminal 30, so unless the battery is really dipping when cranking, I would not think it's that.

I would check the ground connections to the cluster, as it would share power with a few other things when you turn the key.

If you want to dig into the wiring diagrams, grab the €7 Erwin sub for an hour and download everything.

Thanks MIG. Can you please point me to the location of terminals 15 and 30? Are you referring to fuse location?

It does it when the key is turned on prior to cranking.
Thanks, Scott

[Silver Caravelle]

We experience similar issue when working with sunroofs , even just cranking the engine on a cold day with lots of things running at the same time can cause a momentary drop in power that can cause the memory to drop out . Battery is the first place to check to see what its doing on start up .

Thanks Sunny. I am suspicious of the battery, but voltage is measuring okay. This happens occasionally when turning on the key prior to cranking. The voltage drops to about 10v for second or so when is cranking according to the V-Checker tool. Otherwise the voltage is as mentioned above.
Cheers, Scott

[Rebuild]

I'm presuming you've checked the tightness of the battery connections?

Do multivans have a second battery under the front seats?

[The_Hawk]

I'm presuming you've checked the tightness of the battery connections?

Do multivans have a second battery under the front seats?

Not that I am aware of, if votlage is sagging to 10V I'd be leading towards the battery or the connectors. How old is the current one?

[Silver Caravelle]

Thank you.
Battery terminals are clean and tight. I have loosened and re tightened a couple of times over the last few months to rule this out. Earth leads all seem good. Battery is three years old and cranks over normally when starting ( maybe insignifcantly less so). Dash clock and computer haven't reset in the last week when driving most days. Who knows this week! No second battery under the seat. Battery is 12.2 to 12.4 volts prior to cranking. I would think this is enough volts to maintain the memory with key turned on and not engaging starter.

[Silver Caravelle]

Hi all,
In addition to the intermittent issue, a couple of times now when driving off first thing, the dash lights flashing on and off and clock, trip computer reset, speedo, rev counter going crazy. Did it about 4 times this morning then nothing further. All warning lights such as ABS, stability control etc flashing as well. Vehicle driving normally and no limp mode. Should I put in a new battery to rule out a voltage drop?

Thanks, Scott

[Rebuild]

I'd think some intermittent wiring fault going by that.
Aren't there some earth points under the battery area(not sure).Check tightness/reseat

Can you get a code reader on it?

[Silver Caravelle]

Thanks Rebuild. Done those checks a number of times now. Earth straps all seem clean and tight. No faults logged on v-checker. Charging at 14.4 volts running. Battery as per readings in this thread above. Again unless it is slightly under done.Took it for good drive this evening, no issues. Unless it is moisture ingress somewhere disturbing something. But has also occurred on hot dry days as well.

[MIG]

Check if there is any voltage drop between the direct battery negative terminal and the ground to the cluster, it should only be a few mV.

It might be a good idea to get a free battery check at battery world etc., to get a health check on the battery.

[Silver Caravelle]

Thanks Mig. Will do re checking the battery. Re earth for Dash cluster, can you please advise where that is located, is it easy to access? I am also checking the battery voltages, plugging in my v-checker tool.

[Silver Caravelle]

Hi all, an update, I ended up fitting a new Varta battery from Battery World. So far, no further gremlins, but will monitor. At rest new battery is about 12.6 to 12.7v after a bit of a quick drive, but does go down to about 12.3 to 12.3v overnight. Is that considered normal with the battery catering for basic dash functions or would that fall into the category of a parasitic drain?
Cheers, Scott