[jsmills]

Ok guys, this morning when driving the car the message "Consumers have been switched off" or similar popped up. Now i know it does this to protect the battery charge so i looked at the volt meter, its doing 14+ under load but drops to 12V when standing (traffic lights etc.)

It would appear to need a new alternator to me.. is that right or could it be the batt.

please help fast, dont think it'll take much more before it stops on me....and its ****ing cold today :shock:

 

[jsmills]

Ok seems to have dissapeared. I blame the cold :roll:
Didnt come back again so fingers crossed. Im willing to ignore it unless it happens again. When i rang VW they couldnt see me till Thursday and couldnt give me a courtesy car till next Wednesday, rather handy then! Just as well it didnt break down cos id have been stuffed without a car for several days.

 

[Scottie]

If it was me I would be checking the battery to see if it is holding the charge before deciding about the alternator.

I think clue is in the "cold weather" comment sounds like your battery is on the road out.

 

[pilgrim]

Check the volt meter before engaging starter should read around 12 volts if it is below then the battery could be suspect, on starting/running the volt meter should read between 13/14 volts that should indicate the alternator is OK. If very short journeys are the norm then the battery will read low so as a realistic check perform the above after reasonable run and after standing possibly for a couple of hours.

 

[jsmills]

Reads 12v with engine off and just above or below 14v when running. Only messed up the one time.

I would like to give the batt a check, but it seems a lot of hard work to get to it being under the passenger seat and all! I figure im gonna leave it unless something else happens to make me suspisious.

 

[Tregtech]

9 out of 10 times the voltage show 12V but in fact its only 11.7V or so . Then the battery is classed as flat. During cranking it cause all sorts of problems due to the big voltage drop.

If you relace it out of warrenty put a bosch battery in, if you can. They are better and cheaper than the VW ones.

D

 

[jsmills]

cranking is ok, thanks for the advice, will remember that one.