Dead LEAF at 69k miles?
Discussion
Hi all
Looking for thoughts and advice.
I own a 2018 Nissan Leaf with about 69k miles on the clock. The car is worth something like £6500.
A couple of weeks back, it failed to start, giving the error "Service EV system. Failed to restart after power off." Got it on a transporter to the nearest main dealer, who told me that the last time they saw this on a similar aged Leaf - around 3 months back - they did their diagnostics (£288) then were told by Nissan that they had to send it to a Swindon facility for further diagnostics (£440). This facility, after doing these diagnostics said they needed to look into the high voltage battery - which cost around £2000. Having done this, they determined that the battery needed to be replaced, at a cost of around £13k.
So, with joy in my heart, I told them to carry on with the initial diagnosis and let me know what they found. What they found was a dead-ish 12V battery, which when replaced, resulted in the car working. However, it also needed a couple of new tyres and a new wiper blade. On the positive side, they said they'd only charge for 1 hour diagnostic not two, and the total bill came to £550 as I told them to go ahead with the other bits as the car was now working.
Drove the car home, and around the next day.
Two days later, I'm driving the car, and the same message comes up. Suspecting (correctly, as it turned out) that although the car was running fine, if I were to turn it off it wouldn't restart as per last time, I drove the car straight back to the main dealer (in the middle of the night!) and got a lift home from our neighbour.
The dealer tells me that Nissan are now saying that the car has to go to the Swindon facility, and that the diagnosis fee for that facility will be £450. Clearly I'm on the path to the same place as last time this happened with the other Leaf. I got them to give me the error codes they've found, which are as follows:
P0AA6 - High Voltage Isolation Fault (P0AA6) This code is set when the BMS measures an isolation breakdown between the high voltage battery and the 12 volt system.
P31E7 - DTCs P31E7 (RESTART INHIBITION) and P0AA6 (HV BATTERY VOLTAGE SYSTEM ISOLATION) are stored in the EV/HEV Control Module. Follow the SERVICE PROCEDURE in this bulletin to: 1. Perform ESM diagnosis for DTCs P31E7 or P0AA6 to determine if a Li-Ion battery module triggered the DTCs.
I've phoned a couple of local independent EV "specialists" who both told me that they don't have the equipment and expertise to help.
I've got in touch with Nissan UK, who tell me that the vehicle needs to go to Swindon - nothing I didn't know - but provided no other information. I'd specifically asked whether the battery is covered under warranty, which they haven't answered, but the local main dealer assures me that it isn't - as battery failure is only covered for 5 years.
So my question is this: what would you do? Spend the £450 and send it to Swindon, bringining my total current spend to £1000 on a non-moving car? If I do that, and they then say they want to "look into the battery" would you spend the additional 4-figure sum and let them? Or do I now say that the £550 I've spent is enough, I know where this is going, and scrap a vehicle that's done less than 70k miles, rather than throwing more money after it?
Your thoughts are welcome!
Looking for thoughts and advice.
I own a 2018 Nissan Leaf with about 69k miles on the clock. The car is worth something like £6500.
A couple of weeks back, it failed to start, giving the error "Service EV system. Failed to restart after power off." Got it on a transporter to the nearest main dealer, who told me that the last time they saw this on a similar aged Leaf - around 3 months back - they did their diagnostics (£288) then were told by Nissan that they had to send it to a Swindon facility for further diagnostics (£440). This facility, after doing these diagnostics said they needed to look into the high voltage battery - which cost around £2000. Having done this, they determined that the battery needed to be replaced, at a cost of around £13k.
So, with joy in my heart, I told them to carry on with the initial diagnosis and let me know what they found. What they found was a dead-ish 12V battery, which when replaced, resulted in the car working. However, it also needed a couple of new tyres and a new wiper blade. On the positive side, they said they'd only charge for 1 hour diagnostic not two, and the total bill came to £550 as I told them to go ahead with the other bits as the car was now working.
Drove the car home, and around the next day.
Two days later, I'm driving the car, and the same message comes up. Suspecting (correctly, as it turned out) that although the car was running fine, if I were to turn it off it wouldn't restart as per last time, I drove the car straight back to the main dealer (in the middle of the night!) and got a lift home from our neighbour.
The dealer tells me that Nissan are now saying that the car has to go to the Swindon facility, and that the diagnosis fee for that facility will be £450. Clearly I'm on the path to the same place as last time this happened with the other Leaf. I got them to give me the error codes they've found, which are as follows:
P0AA6 - High Voltage Isolation Fault (P0AA6) This code is set when the BMS measures an isolation breakdown between the high voltage battery and the 12 volt system.
P31E7 - DTCs P31E7 (RESTART INHIBITION) and P0AA6 (HV BATTERY VOLTAGE SYSTEM ISOLATION) are stored in the EV/HEV Control Module. Follow the SERVICE PROCEDURE in this bulletin to: 1. Perform ESM diagnosis for DTCs P31E7 or P0AA6 to determine if a Li-Ion battery module triggered the DTCs.
I've phoned a couple of local independent EV "specialists" who both told me that they don't have the equipment and expertise to help.
I've got in touch with Nissan UK, who tell me that the vehicle needs to go to Swindon - nothing I didn't know - but provided no other information. I'd specifically asked whether the battery is covered under warranty, which they haven't answered, but the local main dealer assures me that it isn't - as battery failure is only covered for 5 years.
So my question is this: what would you do? Spend the £450 and send it to Swindon, bringining my total current spend to £1000 on a non-moving car? If I do that, and they then say they want to "look into the battery" would you spend the additional 4-figure sum and let them? Or do I now say that the £550 I've spent is enough, I know where this is going, and scrap a vehicle that's done less than 70k miles, rather than throwing more money after it?
Your thoughts are welcome!
I'm pretty sure there's at least one small company in the UK which specialises in repairing Leaf batteries. I remember watching a YouTube video about them a couple of years ago.
You certainly won't need a "new" battery. They are extremely modular and fundamentally repairable. The Leaf doesn't even have to liquid cooling to worry about.
ETA: I think it might have been Cleevely in Cheltenham. Might be worth giving someone like that a ring and see what they think?
You certainly won't need a "new" battery. They are extremely modular and fundamentally repairable. The Leaf doesn't even have to liquid cooling to worry about.
ETA: I think it might have been Cleevely in Cheltenham. Might be worth giving someone like that a ring and see what they think?
Edited by kambites on Tuesday 6th May 17:12
No affiliation but these chaps might be worth contacting…
https://cedarelectric.co.uk/evs-enhanced-distribut...
Chris
https://cedarelectric.co.uk/evs-enhanced-distribut...
Chris
This guy sorts out a battery fault for his neighbour, using this company https://thevehicleworkshop.com/ev-workshop/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhNM4oNOEbs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0yOBNmqqziI
Might be worth getting the 62kWh upgrade?
Worth a shot?:-
Subject: Request for Goodwill Support – Battery Isolation Fault on 2018 Nissan Leaf
Dear Nissan UK Customer Service,
I am writing to formally request goodwill support regarding a serious issue with my 2018 Nissan Leaf (VIN: [insert VIN here]), which has approximately 69,000 miles on the clock.
Recently, the car displayed the error message “Service EV System. Failed to restart after power off”, and was later diagnosed with DTCs P0AA6 (High Voltage Isolation Fault) and P31E7 (Restart Inhibition). I understand this typically relates to an isolation breakdown within the high voltage battery system. I have already paid £550 for diagnostics and minor repairs, but the issue has returned, and I’ve now been advised that the vehicle must be sent to the Swindon facility for further investigation at a cost of £450.
Given that this is a major fault involving the high voltage battery, which is a core part of the vehicle’s powertrain, I am requesting that Nissan consider covering part or all of the repair costs as a goodwill gesture. Although the 5-year defect warranty has expired, the vehicle is still within the 8-year/100,000-mile capacity warranty period and has not shown signs of battery degradation. It seems disappointing that a high-voltage fault of this nature would occur at this mileage and age.
I have been a loyal Nissan customer and have maintained the vehicle properly. I believe that assistance in this situation would reflect Nissan’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
I would be grateful for a prompt review of my case, and I’m happy to provide any additional documentation or service history as needed.
Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Registration Number]
Subject: Request for Goodwill Support – Battery Isolation Fault on 2018 Nissan Leaf
Dear Nissan UK Customer Service,
I am writing to formally request goodwill support regarding a serious issue with my 2018 Nissan Leaf (VIN: [insert VIN here]), which has approximately 69,000 miles on the clock.
Recently, the car displayed the error message “Service EV System. Failed to restart after power off”, and was later diagnosed with DTCs P0AA6 (High Voltage Isolation Fault) and P31E7 (Restart Inhibition). I understand this typically relates to an isolation breakdown within the high voltage battery system. I have already paid £550 for diagnostics and minor repairs, but the issue has returned, and I’ve now been advised that the vehicle must be sent to the Swindon facility for further investigation at a cost of £450.
Given that this is a major fault involving the high voltage battery, which is a core part of the vehicle’s powertrain, I am requesting that Nissan consider covering part or all of the repair costs as a goodwill gesture. Although the 5-year defect warranty has expired, the vehicle is still within the 8-year/100,000-mile capacity warranty period and has not shown signs of battery degradation. It seems disappointing that a high-voltage fault of this nature would occur at this mileage and age.
I have been a loyal Nissan customer and have maintained the vehicle properly. I believe that assistance in this situation would reflect Nissan’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
I would be grateful for a prompt review of my case, and I’m happy to provide any additional documentation or service history as needed.
Kind regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Registration Number]
Cristio Nasser said:
Why are you paying for warranty work? 8yrs 100k miles warranty on the battery and electric drivetrain system. Tell them to FRO as its covered by warranty and to refund 100% what they've conned out of you so far.
The Leaf has an eight year battery capacity warranty. The battery is only warrantied against faults for five years and 60k miles.Unfortunately (his word) the 8 year warranty is against the battery not being able to charge to 9 bars. Not against the battery being knackered.
According to their website "The Nissan EV lithium-ion battery state of health guarantee protects against battery capacity loss (less than 9 bars out of 12) as shown on the in-vehicle capacity gauge for a period of 8 years "
Whereas
"EV DEDICATED COMPONENTS WARRANTY -
Includes: lithium-ion battery, Motor, Inverter, VCM, Reduction Gear, PDM, Charge Connector and Cable 5 years warranty or until 60,000 miles"
Of course, when we purchased 6.5 years ago, the sales bloke shortened that to "And the battery's covered for 8 years..." But try proving that as mis-selling 6.5 years later.
I spoke to the guy at the EV workshop, and he seemed much more positive, so that was a really helpful recommendation. Now to find the best way to get the vehicle there, which is a journey of around 75 miles....
According to their website "The Nissan EV lithium-ion battery state of health guarantee protects against battery capacity loss (less than 9 bars out of 12) as shown on the in-vehicle capacity gauge for a period of 8 years "
Whereas
"EV DEDICATED COMPONENTS WARRANTY -
Includes: lithium-ion battery, Motor, Inverter, VCM, Reduction Gear, PDM, Charge Connector and Cable 5 years warranty or until 60,000 miles"
Of course, when we purchased 6.5 years ago, the sales bloke shortened that to "And the battery's covered for 8 years..." But try proving that as mis-selling 6.5 years later.
I spoke to the guy at the EV workshop, and he seemed much more positive, so that was a really helpful recommendation. Now to find the best way to get the vehicle there, which is a journey of around 75 miles....
Cristio Nasser said:
kambites said:
The Leaf has an eight year battery capacity warranty. The battery is only warrantied against faults for five years and 60k miles.
It effectively now has zero capacity within the 8yr 100k warranty period. Should still be covered by warranty.From what have seen the error could relate to the battery connection, these have been known to fail causing the isolation error. So if you get Nissan to sort it, they may well recommend replacement of the battery.
I have seen ed china of wheeler dealer fame has started utubing about Nissan leaf battery repairs. So he would definitely be worth a google and email.
I have seen ed china of wheeler dealer fame has started utubing about Nissan leaf battery repairs. So he would definitely be worth a google and email.
andrewmrichards said:
I spoke to the guy at the EV workshop, and he seemed much more positive, so that was a really helpful recommendation. Now to find the best way to get the vehicle there, which is a journey of around 75 miles....
It would be a bit odd if someone specialising in fixing dead EV batteries didn't have a way to get an EV with a dead battery to wherever they fix them. 
kambites said:
It would be a bit odd if someone specialising in fixing dead EV batteries didn't have a way to get an EV with a dead battery to wherever they fix them.
Hmmmm.... when I spoke to him he said he'd be able to take a look if I can get it to him....I'm wondering if I can persuade the Nissan dealer (who I've used for about 5 years) to reset the fault code to let me start the car for one more journey. After all, that's pretty much what they did when they "repaired" it last time.
The AA etc can clear the fault to let you drive again. It’ll come back on though.
It’s a faulty cell in the battery usually. Happened to our 62kWh under warranty - they trailered it to Swindon, repaired it in situ.
Have you tried calling Fish Brothers Swindon directly to see what they say? I’m sure they’ve done a few so could give you a reasonably realistic quote over the phone
It’s a faulty cell in the battery usually. Happened to our 62kWh under warranty - they trailered it to Swindon, repaired it in situ.
Have you tried calling Fish Brothers Swindon directly to see what they say? I’m sure they’ve done a few so could give you a reasonably realistic quote over the phone
essayer said:
The AA etc can clear the fault to let you drive again. It’ll come back on though.
It’s a faulty cell in the battery usually. Happened to our 62kWh under warranty - they trailered it to Swindon, repaired it in situ.
Have you tried calling Fish Brothers Swindon directly to see what they say? I’m sure they’ve done a few so could give you a reasonably realistic quote over the phone
No, I've not called them. But whereas it's about 70 miles from the car's current location to The EV Workshop, it's about 150 to Swindon...It’s a faulty cell in the battery usually. Happened to our 62kWh under warranty - they trailered it to Swindon, repaired it in situ.
Have you tried calling Fish Brothers Swindon directly to see what they say? I’m sure they’ve done a few so could give you a reasonably realistic quote over the phone
This topic has made me think.
When I bought my EV, I was told the main battery will last for the life of the car.
I am now realising, that if a main battery does fail, at that point it must be what they mean by 'life of the car'.
I couldn't cope with repeatedly going round in, "Go to Swindon' circles.
Jon39 said:
This topic has made me think.
When I bought my EV, I was told the main battery will last for the life of the car.
I am now realising, that if a main battery does fail, at that point it must be what they mean by 'life of the car'.
I couldn't cope with repeatedly going round in, "Go to Swindon' circles.
Doesn't need maintenance, apparently, lasts the life of the car. Snaps on the m5, ending the life of the car.
So in a way, they were accurate
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