ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS 1998 VW GOLF 1.9 TDi

[Tim Watkinson]

Yesterday my 1998 Golf would not start. A battery check indicated that the battery was in good condition but only had 30% charge. It would not start with jump leads from another car.

The battery has probably now also lost more charge in my attempt to start the car - e.g. digital clock now reads 00:00.

In attempts to start it there is a ticking sound (like the indicators) and all the warning lights (e.g. glow plug display) flash on and off.

It may be a coincidence, but over the last few days I have noticed the lining of the boot is damp on the rear left hand side - but all the tailgate seals are intact - which suggests this could be a leak from the wash/wipe. This might have caused some electrical short?

Anyone any thoughts as to what is causing this problem - and how it might be fixed? Just what you need late on the Saturday before Christmas!

The car is a 1998 VW Golf 1.9 TDi SE with 90 bhp engine and with 186,000 miles on the clock.

[Eshrules]

when you insert your key and turn for ignition, do all the dash lights come on in sequence? also, does your glow plug light come on and go off as it ought to? this sounds like your immo may be failing to recognise your key?

[Tim Watkinson]

eshrules

Thanks. When I turn the ignition on the usual set of dashboard lights come on together - then after a couple of seconds they begin to fade (suggestive of low power) then the glow plug and other lights flash on and off, with the indicator ticking sound in the background.

Tim

[Eshrules]

have you actually tried recharging the battery or fitting a new one to it? i know it sounds obvious, but this would be my first step....

[Tim Watkinson]

Thanks to all who have replied. Took the Golf to a local garage that tested the battery again. It initially recorded it was in good order, thentold the truth and confessed it was shot. One new battery later and the car works again. Phew!