Faulty wiring in the Lynk & Co 01 regularly causes problems with the electronics. This can lead to an open circuit or a short circuit. Loose or corroded connections to the battery are often the main culprit. Early models from 2018 to 2021 in particular suffer from these faults, which show up as starting issues, broken windows and dashboard warnings. In this article you’ll discover which faults you can expect and how to recognise and tackle them.
Common cable faults in the Lynk & Co 01
The Lynk & Co 01 combines advanced hybrid technology with modern electronics. It’s exactly this complexity that leads to specific problems with the power supply. The 12 V battery often goes flat when the car stands still for more than two to three days. This happens because the hybrid battery does not charge the smaller 12 V battery properly while parked, which can result in a completely dead system when you get in.
Wiring looms (bundles of electrical cables) in the doors crack due to repeated movement when opening and closing. These flexible harnesses operate the electrically adjustable windows, mirrors and lock mechanisms. When the insulation splits, faults occur that show up as windows that jam or mirrors that stop responding. Owners report that this defect mainly appears between 30,000 and 50,000 kilometres.
High-voltage cables (cables for the traction battery) show insulation problems in wet weather or with off-road use. Moisture penetrates through the cable grommets, causing corrosion and triggering warnings on the dashboard. These problems occur more often on models built between 2018 and 2021, where Geely used cheaper components.
‘ You can reset these codes using workshop software, but they often return if the underlying cable damage has not been fixed. ’
How to check the power cables for faults
Start by checking the 12 V battery voltage (the small on-board battery). Measure the voltage with a multimeter (a measuring device for voltage and resistance) while the engine is switched off. The value should be at least 12.6 volts. A lower voltage points to a battery that is not charging properly or is almost flat. In the case of repeated starting problems, owners recommend replacing the standard battery with an AGM type, which is better able to cope with the short charging cycles of a hybrid system.
Next, inspect the wiring looms in the doors. Carefully remove the door trim and look for cracks in the insulation of the cables that run from the door to the body. Watch out for discolouration or burn marks around the connection points. These signs indicate wear that will lead to failure in the foreseeable future. Some owners replace these looms preventively every 50,000 kilometres to head off problems.
Use an OBD-II scanner (a diagnostic device for fault codes) to read out error codes. U-codes in particular indicate communication problems in the electrical network. You can reset these codes using workshop software, but they often return if the underlying cable damage has not been repaired. Also consult the Lynk & Co app for notifications about system errors.
Solutions for corroded battery connections
Corrosion on the battery terminals forms when moisture and metal remain in contact for a long time. This increases resistance in the circuit, causing voltage to drop and systems to become unreliable. Check the battery terminals monthly for white or green deposits. Clean the terminals with a wire brush and, after cleaning, spray them with contact spray or coat them with petroleum jelly to prevent new corrosion.
Make sure the battery clamps are firmly tightened. Loose connections cause voltage spikes that can damage electronic components. Tighten the bolts by hand until they are snug, but don’t overtighten to avoid damaging the threaded sections. Good contact prevents many of the dashboard warnings that owners report.
If problems persist, you can seal the cable grommets extra well against moisture. Use silicone boots around the points where cables pass through the body. This is a cheap preventive measure that is effective against moisture ingress, especially for those who regularly drive in rain or mud.
Open circuit in the wiring: diagnosis and repair
An open circuit means that the electrical connection is interrupted somewhere. This can be caused by a broken cable, a loose contact or a blown fuse element. Symptoms include a function that has completely failed, such as a window that doesn’t respond or a dashboard that remains dark. First check the fuses in the fuse box under the dashboard and in the engine bay. Replace blown fuses with ones with the same amp rating.
Measure the resistance in suspect cables with a multimeter. Disconnect both ends of the cable and set the multimeter to resistance measurement. A properly functioning cable shows very low resistance, almost zero ohms. An open circuit shows infinitely high resistance, which means the cable is broken somewhere.
You can repair wiring looms yourself using aftermarket sets (non-OEM replacement sets) that are available for around 50 to 150 euros. Replace the damaged section by unclipping the old connectors and fitting the new loom in the same way. Make sure all cable ties are not too tight, as too much tension accelerates cracking of the insulation. A different approach applies to high-voltage cables. Never touch these yourself because of the risk of electric shock. Leave this work to an authorised workshop that is able to work safely on HV systems.
‘ Firmware updates sometimes fix software-related power issues that present themselves as physical faults. ’
Preventive maintenance and firmware updates
Use a trickle charger (a charger that keeps the battery topped up slowly) when the car is parked for more than a week. This device keeps the 12 V battery charged without overcharging it. Many owners experience fewer starting problems and a longer battery life as a result. Plug the charger into a socket in the garage and connect the clamps to the battery terminals.
Firmware updates sometimes resolve software-related power issues that present themselves as physical faults. Lynk & Co offers over-the-air updates (wireless software updates) that you can install via the app. For older models, a visit to the dealer is required to get the latest software version. After the recall updates in 2022, owners report fewer problems with the power supply.
Keep a log of faults with date, mileage and symptoms. This helps the mechanic with diagnosis and makes it easier to recognise patterns. Some problems only occur under specific weather conditions or after certain driving styles, information that is valuable for a quick solution.
Warranty and repair costs
The Lynk & Co 01 comes with a factory warranty of up to five years or 150,000 kilometres. Cable faults that occur within this period are covered by the warranty, provided the damage was not caused by careless use or DIY work. Keep all maintenance records to support warranty claims.
Repairs outside the warranty period cost between 150 and 400 euros for door wiring looms, depending on the number of damaged circuits. Battery replacement costs around 150 to 250 euros including fitting. For high-voltage cable repairs, dealers often charge more than 500 euros because of the specialist knowledge and safety measures required.
Consider taking out an extended warranty if you regularly experience expensive electrical faults. This gives peace of mind for complex defects that are difficult to fix yourself. Some insurers offer this as optional cover for hybrid models.
Experiences of Lynk & Co 01 owners
Owners of early models report repeated visits to the garage for dashboard warnings and faulty door systems. Most problems cluster around 30,000 kilometres, when the first signs of wear appear in the flexible wiring looms. Feedback on models from 2023 is more positive, with owners saying that battery upgrades and software improvements have resolved many issues.
A practical tip from user forums: when the 12 V battery is flat, jump start the car using booster cables connected to another hybrid or electric car, not to a petrol car. Petrol models produce high voltage spikes when starting, which can damage the sensitive electronics of the Lynk & Co 01. Hybrid and electric cars have a more stable power output that is safer for modern systems.
The electrical system of the Lynk & Co 01 shares many components with the Volvo XC40; both were developed on Geely’s CMA platform. Tips and solutions for electrical problems on the XC40 are therefore often applicable to the Lynk & Co 01. This makes the exchange of information between owner communities valuable.
On the Carnews website you’ll find much more information on electrical problems, maintenance tips and experiences with different car brands. Discover which other models suffer from similar faults and how best to prevent them.
Frequently asked questions
The Lynk & Co 01 has a relatively tall and boxy SUV body with a drag coefficient (Cd value) of around 0.32–0.34, which creates more air resistance than a lower, sleeker model. The blunt front end and limited underbody aerodynamics cause extra turbulence, especially at motorway speeds. As a result, consumption on the motorway is noticeably higher than in town or mixed driving, which makes the electric range drop more quickly. In practice, this means that at 120 km/h you will cover fewer electric kilometres than the official WLTP figure suggests.
On the Lynk & Co 01, repeatedly discharging 12 V batteries are often reported, leaving the car unable to start and various electrical systems failing. In addition, cable breaks occur in the door wiring looms, resulting in faults with windows, central locking and mirrors. Problems with the insulation of high-voltage cables can generate warning messages on the dashboard and temporarily limit the hybrid drivetrain. Finally, faults in infotainment and connectivity wiring or modules lead to screens cutting out, loss of app connection and navigation functions.
Yes, there are several known preventive measures and DIY tips. Regularly check the 12 V battery (optionally using a trickle charger if the car is parked for a long time) and consider a higher capacity/AGM battery to reduce discharging. Periodically inspect the wiring looms in the doors for cracks or kinks and give extra protection to cable grommets against moisture using tape or silicone boots. Also make sure the car is up to date with firmware/OTA updates to minimise software-related power and cable faults.
In terms of aerodynamic efficiency, the Lynk & Co 01 has an average to slightly above-average Cd value for a compact SUV, comparable with models such as the Volvo XC40 and Hyundai Tucson. As a result, there is no clear advantage in top speed, but there is a solid balance between stability and consumption at higher speeds. Compared with more aerodynamically optimised competitors (such as some coupé-style SUVs), consumption at motorway speeds is generally slightly higher. The aerodynamics are therefore adequate for its segment, but do not provide a distinctive edge in terms of performance.
Owners can first check the 12 V battery using a multimeter (at least around 12.6 V with the car switched off) and watch for starting problems or electronics cutting out. A visual inspection of the wiring looms in the doors (at the rubber grommets) for breaks, kinks or damaged insulation can reveal possible cable damage. Using an OBD-II scanner, fault codes can be read and noted down before going to the dealer. It is also sensible to check the Lynk & Co app and infotainment for software updates and to perform a full system restart once.