Flat battery on GT Tdi 140 (55 plate)

**missilemary** · 30-04-2010,05:46 PM

Has anyone had a problem with flat battery on TDi 140? I left mine sat on driveway for 5 nights and today found that it won't start. I had a similar problem mid Dec 09 and changed the battery (Bosch HD type).
Is it likely to be an alternator problem and if so what would VW dealer charge for replacement. Any ideas?

**ChicksFan** · 01-05-2010,08:02 AM

Have you upgraded your radio/cd?

**missilemary** · 01-05-2010,10:29 AM

No, nothing changed at all. I've checked this morning and it seems fine (remote lunlock/lock). It will probably be OK until it sits for another few days.

**robster52** · 01-05-2010,11:44 AM

if you're in the aa or rac they will do a diagnostic for you to check if its charging. could be a dodgy battery, if you got it from halfords they come with 12/36 month warranties

**ChicksFan** · 01-05-2010,07:50 PM

Could be the alternator.

See post #4 in this thread:

https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...trical+leakage

Good luck,

Ron

**mbev51** · 02-05-2010,05:40 PM

hi
put a meter on the battery, it should be around 12.6 ish volts and record it again when engine is running it should go up to 14. something, not sure if its got a smart charging system. If it does, points to alternator working ok

**ChicksFan** · 08-05-2010,09:15 AM

Try leaving a CD in the radio/cd player.

Found this on the Honest John website:

"Battery drain caused by radio. If you don't leave a CD in the player, then it randomly thinks you've inserted one, then decides you haven't, and then switches the radio on. You then find the car in the morning either with with the radio blaring or the battery flat. Even if you switch the radio off before switching the ignition off, this can still happen."

Let us know how you get on.

Ron

**missilemary** · 07-07-2010,06:44 PM

Originally Posted by ChicksFan

Try leaving a CD in the radio/cd player.

Found this on the Honest John website:

"Battery drain caused by radio. If you don't leave a CD in the player, then it randomly thinks you've inserted one, then decides you haven't, and then switches the radio on. You then find the car in the morning either with with the radio blaring or the battery flat. Even if you switch the radio off before switching the ignition off, this can still happen."

Let us know how you get on.

Ron

Still having the same problems. I've left a CD in the radio and this has had no effect. We went on holiday for 2 weeks, came back and it started first time. Left it 48 hours this week (with CD installed) and it wouldn't start but there was some battery power left as the central locking worked and the dash lights came on OK. I'm still confused about this. Any ideas?

**ChicksFan** · 13-07-2010,09:48 PM

I'm sorry the CD trick didn't solve it.

My money would be on an alternator fault.

I think I'd be biting the bullet and having a new alternator fitted.

No doubt you've seen this thread on here:
https://www.vwaudiforum.co.uk/forum/s...t=19878&page=2

Good luck, Ron

**mbev51** · 14-07-2010,07:03 AM

hi
as I said in my previous post, test the alternator, it takes two ticks, you only require a very cheap meter. No point in forking out for an alternator you don't need.