2002 A4 Avant battery problem

**vipergrm** · 04-01-2010,07:36 AM

Hi guys,

I seem to be having a problem with my car not starting and I believe it may be the battery. When I try to start the car it kind of just dies, then the clock resets. The interior lights etc still come on so it's a little confusing. Am I correct? If so, how much is a new battery likely to cost? Can I get it replaced in Kwik Fit or Halfords? Thanks!

**GeorgeE** · 04-01-2010,12:37 PM

Either battery or a bad connection on one of the terminals. Basically as soon as you put the load of the starter on it the voltage drops (hence the clock resetting).

I am sure Halfords or Kwik Fit will be more than happy to take your money to change it for you :-) Simple enough job but make sure you have your radio code to hand as you MAY need it. Also, when you first restart it you may get a traction control error light, just drive a few hundred meters and it will go out. Lastly you may have to resync the keys before the remote central locking will work, easy to do and the procedure is in the manual.

**scooby_d0o** · 04-01-2010,01:13 PM

Originally Posted by vipergrm

Hi guys,

I seem to be having a problem with my car not starting and I believe it may be the battery. When I try to start the car it kind of just dies, then the clock resets. The interior lights etc still come on so it's a little confusing. Am I correct? If so, how much is a new battery likely to cost? Can I get it replaced in Kwik Fit or Halfords? Thanks!

most places should do a battery and alternator check FOC. they should drop test the battery which will determine if the battery is ok, and once running check the voltage (or amps with a clamp meter) back to the battery - should be 13-14v. does the car click when it tries to start? if so i suspect a flat battery - either due to it being old or the alternator not working.

**bez101** · 04-01-2010,05:09 PM

dont use ********* or idiotfit they will sell u a batt even if you dont need 1 go somewhere decent get it tested 1st b4 you buy

**vipergrm** · 04-01-2010,05:24 PM

Thanks for the replies guys

The other problem is that I cannot reset the clock to the correct time because the 'mode' button doesn't appear to work. The button just seems to fall off. I've never used this button since I bought the car about 6 months ago. Is there another way to reset the time?

Bez101 - Why do you assume all Halfords and Kwik-Fits are idiots? Both my locals seem to be really helpful. In fact, Kwik Fit have helped me on a number of occasions without even charging me at all so from my personal experience I don't see why I should avoid them. The other problem is that I am pretty limited for time and I don't have a great knowledge of local dealers. So long as it comes with a warranty I can always go back to them.

**bez101** · 04-01-2010,05:31 PM

i dont assume !
i know lads that work there managers and most ov the lads under them are training and the manager tells them to make as much as they can there not ***** if the batt is good they will sell u 1 cos u went in for 1 the tyres that they do 4 for price of 3 are marked up a few weeks b4 so they dont realy give 1 free and the deals not on any top brand and a warranty on a batt you may not need aint gona help you but if you know the guys then thats ok but what i was saying is get the batt tested 1st so you know its bad and dont try not to let the 16 yearold gofa use the tester more than likley he wont know ho to do the drop test

**vipergrm** · 04-01-2010,07:44 PM

Will do, thanks for the advice. Perhaps the parent company is PCWorld because it sounds exactly like them. They are the most useless retailer (including Dixons and Currys) that I have ever come across, by a country mile.

**vwcabriolet1971** · 04-01-2010,07:49 PM

A good battery voltage ( with engine off ) should be about 12.6/12.7V

**scooby_d0o** · 04-01-2010,09:12 PM

Originally Posted by vwcabriolet1971

A good battery voltage ( with engine off ) should be about 12.6/12.7V

battery voltage is not always a good indicator as to wheather a battery is good or not. it could show decent voltage but still be weak. ie sulphated plate inside

**mikeybutch** · 04-01-2010,09:20 PM

Agreed . I always use a hydrometer which shows up any weak cells It only takes one to fail to write off the battery.This cold weather shows that it is vital to keep the battery fully charged if you have the means Also good idea to have a spare but its not easy to swop on an A4.