V2L without the lights on

[Bee701]

Hi all, sorry if this has been answered elsewhere, I have struggled to find it.
Does anyone know if it is possible to use V2L without having the ignition/ lights on? We are going camping and I want to be able to use the car to run the fridge etc.
When we have tried this previously, the V2L ran for a few minutes and then shut off.
If this is possible, what do I ask for from the dealer?

Thanks!

 

[gus]

You need an update from the dealer, my ZS could run the V2L with the car locked off and dark. Just one thought you do have the 2nd gen ZS

 

[Bee701]

You need an update from the dealer, my ZS could run the V2L with the car locked off and dark. Just one thought you do have the 2nd gen ZS

Yes we have the Mk2 - it was a preorder so before they stopped giving access to v2l automatically.
Do you know what the update is?

 

[gus]

I just asked for the V2L update that allows me to use it when camping and could lock the car, sorry I don’t know the update number/code.

 

[Gadget Geek]

If you use the search function and type in V2L, you should find the answer on here somewhere.

 

[dnx]

I've recently acquired a V2L cable and found the same with my mk2 ZS EV. Really frustrating, and I'm concerned that leaving this running while not in 'Ready' mode will drain the 12V battery from the lights usage (not being able to fully turn lights off is already an annoyance). Not being able to lock it is a concern also.

Called the dealer this morning and they're not aware of an update (and I had a service late last year), but booked in to have them plug in and see. Not feeling highly confident in this update being available.

 

[T1 Terry]

My MG4 runs with the car locked, but I do have to set it up in the centre touch screen, otherwise it turns off when I lock the car .... took a few false starts until I found that one, and it was freezing cold out near Braidwood in the river gully known as Wari Reserve. A very quick walk from the motorhome to the MG4 on the trailer to do battle with the touch screen, but once I mastered it, easy every time after that. Powered the rooftop HVAC all night on heat and the kitchen appliances in the morning, plus the 3 way fridge ..... that was probably keeping stuff warmer than outside, and the hot water heater .... a great camping battery for over night, it actually did 3 over nights before we recharged it when we reach Wollongong

T1 Terry

 

[DudeMG]

I have the 2nd Gen ZS and the V2L works, but only when in the On Ready state. This is a real pain as the DRL, (Daytime Running Lights) are on all the time.

I've tried all sorts but to no avail. I have managed to get the lights off while discharging... but it's not ideal. Under the hood of the car, in the fuse box, fuses F10 and F11 are the 10A fuses for both lights. Removing those gets them off, but you MUST put them back of course.

I just had to get a new light cluster due to the indicator light doing very dull, hardly see it. Failed its first MOT due to this, at which point I had to then take it to an MG dealer to get it replaced on warranty. You would not want to replace it after this, looking at £600+ for each!

I do wonder if leaving the lights on the DRL for numerous hours while discharging caused this thou. Anyway, fuses removed and no more bloody lights being on all the time. Not an ideal solution at all.

I'm disappointed that the V2L does not work as it should. Its there to be used, so why design it to work this way?

 

[dnx]

I took the car to my dealer and they've advised no updates available - so it'll only work in this state.

Like you @DudeMG I'm thinking of physical solutions to the lights situation - a manual switch somewhere - although that might cause warranty issues. The fuses are a good tip.

Still won't be able to lock it though.

V2L was a major reason for choosing this vehicle so I'm pretty disappointed in the way this works. Ridiculous.

 

[Lovemyev]

I took the car to my dealer and they've advised no updates available - so it'll only work in this state.

Like you @DudeMG I'm thinking of physical solutions to the lights situation - a manual switch somewhere - although that might cause warranty issues. The fuses are a good tip.

Still won't be able to lock it though.

V2L was a major reason for choosing this vehicle so I'm pretty disappointed in the way this works. Ridiculous.

There is an update that WILL allow the ZS EV to conduct V2L and NOT have the DRL’s still running, it was carried out on my car.
It was linked in with the update that will allow you to stop the car charging from a A/C wall box, when you press the open button on the key fob and remove the cable.
It is likely that your car is the same if on the factory software.
If when charging from your wall box and you open the car with the fob, does the car unlock, but not allow you to remove the type 2 lead ?.
My guess will be yes.
After the update for the V2L was done successfully, this was possible.
The update was carried out by the lads at Chorley.

 

[DudeMG]

I had an update on mine about 40 days ago, but the V2L is the same, DRL on and cannot turn off. Locking the car stopped V2L after a minute or two.

I have given up and resorted to looking at the fuse diagrams, which yielded the two fuses F10 and F11 as seen in picture attached. I also put my pliers and the two fuses in a place that forces me to remember. Not ideal at all, but the DRL lights are off! (No errors or anything on the dash either. Curious!).

On a side note, I think u can lock the car from the inside by opening driver window, go outside, press central locking button, then putting the window back up. You can apparently use the button on the car door handle to unlock on the door while have the key, but worst case u can use the hidden key in the fob. I've not tried, so do at your own risk!

 

[Lovemyev]

Below is a screen shot of my post dated on the 17th May 2023.
The update applied to our early Gen2 ZS EV LR and it necessitated an update to the BCM ( Body Control Module ).
As you can see, the main aim of this update was to cure a problem of early models “bricking” and preventing the car from being driver, after charging from certain rapid chargers.
I am not sure if it was this update that allowed us to V2L when the car was locked and no DRL’s being on.
But what ever the Chorley dealer did, it certainly worked fine after.
I am not the only person on the forum who was able to discharge with the doors locked after an update.
I am puzzled why your dealer is unable to locate an update ?.
If my car could do it, then others cars should be able to do it !.
It’s not classed as a recall, it’s a service bulletin.