Experiencing electrical issues in a high-performance vehicle like the McLaren 570 GT can be particularly concerning. Owners expect seamless operation and any deviation can indicate a potentially complex problem. One owner recently encountered a perplexing situation with their 570 Gt Mclaren, reporting a range of symptoms pointing towards a significant electrical malfunction. This issue manifested as a non-functional instrument cluster accompanied by dimming in various interior lighting systems, including the center console, switch packs, mirror controls, and headlight switch. Adding to the complexity, the HVAC system was also cycling on and off in sync with the dimming lights.
This sudden onset of problems prompted the owner to undertake extensive self-diagnosis, leveraging numerous resources to pinpoint the root cause. Despite these efforts, the issue remains unresolved, particularly concerning the unresponsive instrument cluster. Further investigation revealed a series of fault codes across multiple vehicle systems, suggesting a broader communication or power distribution problem.
Here’s a breakdown of the fault codes retrieved during the diagnostic process on this 570 GT McLaren:
- PCCU (Powertrain Control and Communication Unit):
- U015587 – Lost communication with instrument cluster module
- C11A100 – APMU, EPHS Pump general fault (Steering pump)
- ESP (Electronic Stability Program):
- C150100 – APB button is pushed or pulled for a too long time
- ECM (Engine Control Module):
- U015587 – CAN instrument cluster time out
- P05BC00 – Start/Stop defeat button fault detected
- ORC (Occupant Restraint Controller):
- B1BB300 – CAN no signal communication instrument cluster powertrain CAN
- B1B8164 – Occupant classification system velocity information implausible
- TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System):
- U019287 – Reception fault on CAN
- U019487 – Reception fault on CAN for message IC powertrain CAN
- BC (Body Control):
- U015500 – Body CAN instrument cluster message missing
- U002903 – Powertrain CAN IC message missing
- B120314 – KL15 Ignition input circuit open or short to ground
- SCUG (Steering Column Upper Gateway):
- U015500 – Lost communication with instrument cluster
- U012200 – Lost communication with SDCP
- SBC (Seat Belt Controller):
- U015500 – Body CAN instrumental cluster missing message
- HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning):
- U015500 – CAN missing instrument cluster
- SAS (Steering Angle Sensor):
- U015500 – Powertrain CAN IC message missing
- EHPAS (Electro-Hydraulic Power Assisted Steering):
- U015500 – Lost communication with instrument cluster
- SCMR (Side Collision Monitoring Radar):
- B160A87 – CAN communication timeout
The prevalence of the U0155 fault code, indicating a “Lost communication with instrument cluster,” across multiple modules strongly suggests a central issue related to the instrument cluster or its communication network. However, a crucial step in the troubleshooting process involved swapping the instrument cluster with a known working unit from a similar 570 GT McLaren. Remarkably, the original cluster functioned perfectly in the donor vehicle, eliminating the cluster itself as the primary point of failure.
Further investigation focused on the power supply, ground connections, and wake-up signal to the instrument cluster in the affected McLaren 570 GT. Measurements confirmed the presence of adequate power (13V), proper grounding, and the expected wake-up signal. To examine the communication network, an oscilloscope was employed to verify CAN communication between the instrument cluster, BCM (Body Control Module), and Gateway (SCUG). These tests indicated communication signals were present, seemingly contradicting the “lost communication” fault codes.
Considering the dimming light symptoms, the diagnostic path led to the switch packs. An intriguing observation was made when a LIN (Local Interconnect Network) line was disconnected from a switch pack connected to the BCM. This action stopped the flickering of those specific lights, and they remained illuminated. However, the dimming issue persisted in other lights not connected via LIN, further complicating the diagnosis.
Currently, the McLaren 570 GT exhibits a peculiar state where the car starts and runs normally, but the instrument cluster remains mostly dark, only flashing the parking brake light. This combination of symptoms and fault codes presents a challenging diagnostic puzzle, even for experienced technicians familiar with the intricacies of the 570 GT McLaren electrical systems. The issue extends beyond a simple component failure, potentially involving a more systemic problem within the vehicle’s network or power distribution.
