Random Problem Battery Seems Flat When Starting Sometimes!

M

MGT

Member
For a while I’ve had an issue when starting that the engine turns over as if the battery is almost flat. I switch off the ignition, try again and after a few tries it fires up with a few warnings ie active cruise etc not working. Restart again and everything is fine, and can be so for weeks after.

Seems to be no pattern to how it happens, I’m not leaving lights on, radio etc.

Battery has been checked twice by dealers and they say it is OK.

I have stop / start nonsense on the van but i always switch it off as it’s annoying so I’m not having the van constantly having the battery under starting load.

Warrenty runs out soon and before it ends up being my problem anyone got any suggestions what i can ask the dealer to check?

Appreciate any tips / advice - maybe the battery has an intermittent issue?
 
Have you got any 3rd party kit fitted that might be draining the battery?

Dash cam, usb charger , audio amps, Etc Etc?

Some MOLL EFB+ batteries hav4 been known to have short life issues.

You can get your own van battery tester for about £25 now days to t3st your own battery.

Other possible issues may be a poorly starter motor causing a high currant drain on the battery.

Loose or coroded battery Terminal?

But the battery is the most probable issue... especially is it's coming up to the end of the 3yr warranty.
 
Last edited:
The only thing left in is my phone charger (phone not plugged in). No other things plugged in.

Also very careful about not leaving interior lights on.
 
How old is the van and what make is the battery?

This sounds precisely what I experienced before my battery decided that it had enough after 13 months ...
 
it is nearly 3 years old but has been doing it for a year. As for the make I'll have to check in the morning, I'd imagine it was the standard fitment. Its in a 2015 Caravelle 150 diesel if that helps
 
MGT said:
OK thanks, would one of these be useful?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vehicle-Battery-Voltage-Monitor-Checker/dp/B007FW9HFK/

I might get the guys who look after my wifes car to test the battery, that device looks great but can't imagine I'd use it much - don't mind replacing the battery I'm just concerned the dealers are fobbing me off
Click to expand...

Maybe, i use a similar one myself.. just for monitoring voltage.

i had one of those cheap ones but it stopped the RF radio reception . . . . . . it will show you the static battery voltage and charging voltage. but it wont test your battery.
 
The battery is a VW Original made by Varta.

000 915 105 CD
12v 75Ah 420A DIN
800 A EN/SAE/GS

Those numbers mean zero to me but thats what it says
 
Van battery life normally 3-5yrs for me so maybe it's just wornout and needs replacing
 
Oh it did sit around doing nothing whilst with the dealer for nearly 6 months whilst they slowly fixed a problem with it so I doubt it was started much in that time!
 
ha ha well 2 dealers have said it is OK - i guess as long as the alternator is OK then a battery replacement isn't such a big deal after 3 years
 
Hi guys sorry to drop line in here but just had VW ASSIST out to my T32 kombi for EGR ISSUE at 15.000 miles
and while he was checking out van he said my MOLL battery was one of the affected faulty batch
That wasfitted between 2016-18 on many VWs
And you can get FREE replacement u;dear Warranty if it’s duff
So check with dealer for year and moth codes if yours falls in like mine get it changed
For new VARTA this is what there fitting for replacement
Good luck guys thanks Royboy xxx
 
Well guys took van into Sheffield today vw assist mailed them I was to drop van in for EGR +new battery and engine warming lights sorting but on arrival 2,30pm they looked blank at me then said they had no courtesy vehicle to use while ours is in for work I’m disabled and they said we don’t have anything spare and they don’t have anyone to take us home I nearly blew my lid I marched into manager office and told him I’m takeing van home and they can kiss my ——s and if they want to do warranty work they can collect the van from my home this appointment was booked by vw assist they then said they don’t do customer collect on vehicle so I said what do you do for mobility customers.??. Then they then changed there tune and we got lift home and supposedly getting hire vehicle so Sheffield Van center not very happy with your service staff manager is a A—-hole but the garage staff are superb don’t be put off by service side there completely different departments you have been warned so I’m high and dry no motor will update when we get her back thanks for reading my moans but I’m the customer there nothing with out my warranty work xx Royboy
 
Loz said:
Check the earth strap between the chassis and engine (look down the left hand side of engine) and make sure it’s tight with no corrosion.
Click to expand...
any pics of this earth strap? About to charge the starter battery and need to find an earth point!
 
phoenixfc7 said:
any pics of this earth strap? About to charge the starter battery and need to find an earth point!
Click to expand...
more info here:



www.t6forum.com

Battery Charging - Main Battery Chassis Point -

Battery Charging - Main Battery Earth Point - so weve all be told NOT to bridge out the battery monitor on the neg side of the battery when charging it. This is so the ECM can correctly gauge the SOC (state of charge) of the starter battery by monitoring the current flow in and out of the...
www.t6forum.com www.t6forum.com



.
 
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