ATTEMPTING TO START MY REVUELTO THAT LAMBORGHINI SAID WAS IMPOSSIBLE

Lamborghini Revoltto: The Struggle to Start

Overview of the Lamborghini Revoltto

• The Lamborghini Revoltto, purchased for £425,000, has never been successfully started since acquisition.

• It features a V12 naturally aspirated engine paired with an electric motor at the back and two at the front, powered by a 300-volt battery.

Issues with Starting the Car

• The car lacks a traditional starter motor; it relies on the rear electric motor to start the engine.

• After an accident, crash data prevents power from reaching the car's systems due to safety protocols. Lamborghini has not yet developed software to reverse this data.

Proposed Solutions and Challenges

• Lamborghini's current solution involves replacing the entire battery system for £35,000, which may not guarantee success.

• The ECU (Electronic Control Unit), which controls battery functions, is shut off due to crash data; this is identified as the main issue preventing startup.

Technical Investigation

• A junction box controlling crash data cannot be purchased separately from Lamborghini; thus alternative solutions are sought.

• Accessing the ECU reveals that it contains critical crash data that blocks starting attempts. An OBD reader cannot clear this due to security measures.

Expert Assistance and Findings

• An airbag specialist arrives to assist in accessing and potentially resetting the ECU chip responsible for crash data.

• The chip used in other electric vehicles may allow for direct communication to wipe crash data; however, access remains locked.

Final Decisions and Implications

• Despite efforts, no one can unlock or reset the system without specific software from Lamborghini. This creates a dilemma regarding vehicle value and repair options.

• Faced with limited choices, purchasing a new battery management system becomes necessary despite previous assurances that only minor repairs were needed.

Lamborghini Battery Replacement Challenges

Overview of the Battery Replacement Process

• The speaker discusses the risks involved in replacing the Lamborghini battery, noting that Lamborghini may not have developed the necessary software to code it to their car.

• There is uncertainty about whether the control module is coded to the battery, which could explain why Lamborghini does not sell the Battery Management System (BMS) separately.

• The speaker identifies multiple components and connections related to the battery, including hoses and coolant systems, indicating a complex setup requiring careful handling.

Steps for Removing the Battery

• The removal process involves unbolting 16 bolts securing the battery and disconnecting two major electrical plugs connected to front and rear motors.

• The presence of electrics inside the battery is confirmed; a white plug indicates communication lines beyond just power supply.

• Only specially trained high-voltage technicians should perform this task due to safety concerns associated with handling electric vehicle batteries.

Safety Precautions and Technical Considerations

• The speaker emphasizes removing coolant temperature sensors and draining coolant before proceeding with further disassembly.

• Safety latches on electrical plugs must be carefully removed; precautions are taken by covering terminals with tape for safety during disconnection.

Successful Removal of the Battery

• After successfully lowering the battery onto a toolbox, there’s a sense of accomplishment as they reflect on completing this challenging task without formal training or assistance.

• Discussion arises regarding environmental implications of disposing lithium-ion batteries after crashes, highlighting concerns over sustainability in automotive practices.

Next Steps: Replacing and Testing New Battery

• Plans are made to swap out batteries while considering whether starting without coding from Lamborghini might trigger crash data issues.

• Emphasis is placed on reversing previous steps for reinstallation while ensuring all connections are secure before testing functionality.

Installation and Testing of a Revolto Battery

Installation Steps

• The process begins with tightening all 18 bolts in place, followed by reinstalling grommets and ensuring the ground strap is connected to the battery.

• Two coolant hoses are attached along with temperature sensors, a wiring bracket, and electric plugs, including a black plug for communication wires to the car's body.

• The trays are not yet installed as further testing at Lamborghini may be required before coding the battery to the car.

Initial Power-Up Attempt

• The speaker connects the 12V battery and prepares to top up coolant from a separate reservoir to prevent overheating if the car starts.

• A humorous moment occurs as one person hesitates to press the start button due to concerns about airbag deployment; another takes on this responsibility.

Diagnostics and Fault Clearing

• After attempting to start, a drive system fault appears. The battery shows minimal charge and lacks mileage communication, indicating potential issues with connectivity.

• They decide to clear faults using a diagnostic tool since many errors may have arisen from disconnecting the battery.

Further Troubleshooting

• Upon clearing faults, they check for critical errors like crash shut-off; good news arises as this fault is no longer present.

• Despite efforts, attempts to start fail again. A gearbox fault prevents shifting into first gear, complicating matters further.

Charging Process

• They explore charging options after multiple failed attempts. A borrowed charger is used at the front of the car for this purpose.

• One participant expresses unease about using an electric charger on a Lamborghini but remains hopeful it will help start the vehicle.

Final Observations

• Concerns arise regarding various unplugged components that might trigger warning lights but should not prevent starting.

• After charging for half an hour, they note achieving 50% charge with only 2 miles of electric range available.

Lamborghini Troubleshooting and Battery Insights

Initial Issues with the Lamborghini

• The car is showing a range of two miles, but it fails to start. A coding issue is suspected due to lost communication with the hybrid system.

• Lamborghini technicians are called in for coding assistance while the speaker prepares the car to avoid any excuses related to unplugged components.

Assembly and Curiosity About Components

• The speaker begins assembling various parts of the car, including parking sensors and trims, which were previously left unfinished.

• Curiosity leads to an exploration of the Lamborghini battery's internal structure, revealing multiple individual cells rather than a single unit.

Discoveries Inside the Battery

• Upon opening the battery, six individual cells are found connected in line, each contributing to powering the electric motors.

• The discovery is somewhat disappointing as expectations were higher regarding what could be inside; however, it highlights how much power these small batteries can output.

Final Assembly Steps

• After reassembling components like screws for the battery cover and fixing wiring issues, final adjustments are made on bodywork elements such as spoilers and bumpers.

• Despite completing most assembly tasks, concerns remain that none of these actions would impact starting procedures.

Progress Towards Starting the Car

• With everything plugged in correctly, there’s progress: now able to shift into neutral without issues. However, battery levels are low.

• Attempts to start result in a gearbox malfunction warning; still able to engage neutral but reverse gear remains unavailable.

Charging and Further Attempts

• The speaker considers charging options as they suspect rolling might help "bump start" the V12 engine.

• After charging attempts yield some responsiveness from controls (like revving), there's hope for further progress despite ongoing challenges with movement.

Troubleshooting an Electric Lamborghini

Initial Observations and Issues

• The car is not moving despite registering throttle input; it indicates "creeping not available" and lacks reverse gear functionality.

• The front motor appears to be malfunctioning, with multiple invalid data messages from various drive motors indicating potential issues.

• Battery charge is at 40%, while fuel is at 90%, suggesting that the issue may not be related to power levels.

Attempts to Move the Car

• A moment of excitement occurs when the car lunges forward after removing the handbrake, but this movement cannot be replicated afterward.

• Despite repeated attempts, they are unable to get the car to move again, leading to confusion about what caused the initial movement.

Calling for Professional Help

• They consider contacting Lamborghini for assistance, humorously noting a potential high cost for service.

• Lamborghini technicians arrive to code the battery and perform safety checks on high voltage wires before proceeding with repairs.

Updates from Technicians

• Technicians conduct thorough tests on wiring integrity before attempting any coding of the battery system.

• After a long wait, they receive disappointing news that initial coding attempts have failed.

Unexpected Turn of Events

• Just as they prepare for a trip to Italy for further assistance, the car unexpectedly starts up despite previous failures.

• There’s disbelief among them as they realize that their plans might change due to this unexpected success.

Continuing Challenges

• Despite starting, the car still does not move; it shows "creeping not available," indicating ongoing issues with electric motors.

• They acknowledge slow progress in troubleshooting and express uncertainty about needing further help from Italy.

Reflections and Next Steps

• As lunchtime approaches, they discuss meal replacement drinks as a convenient option during their troubleshooting efforts.

• They highlight how these drinks can serve as meal replacements for busy individuals or those working away from home.

Car Troubles and Technical Challenges

Initial Frustrations with the Car

• The speaker expresses frustration over a malfunctioning car, indicating that previous attempts to fix it have failed.

• A mention of a discount code for food is made, highlighting the importance of nutrition while dealing with stressful situations.

• The speaker suggests trying various methods to trick the car into starting, reflecting their desperation and ongoing challenges.

Assessing the Situation

• The speaker questions the reliability of a car that starts inconsistently, emphasizing the unpredictability of its performance.

• A reference to "Hot Fuzz" illustrates a humorous approach to dealing with problems by suggesting they wait for issues to resolve themselves.

Mechanical Checks and Progress

• The speaker notes that all mechanical checks have been performed correctly, but now relies on computer diagnostics from experts.

• After confirming coolant levels are adequate, they focus on completing other parts of the car's assembly.

Attempting to Drive Out

• The next step involves attempting to drive the car out for the first time since it has been in repair; there’s uncertainty about its functionality.

• They plan to start the car quickly and shift into gear before system checks can intervene, showcasing their innovative problem-solving approach.

Successful Exit and Future Steps

• The attempt succeeds as they manage to get the car outside using an unconventional method; this marks significant progress despite ongoing issues.

• Although not fully operational yet, moving outside represents a major milestone in their efforts.

Next Steps Involving Lamborghini

• It is revealed that further assistance from Lamborghini is necessary due to unique technical requirements related to battery installation.

• There’s concern about potential costs associated with professional help as they prepare for transport back to Lamborghini for resolution.