Evening,

I have recently bought my second Octavia vRS (other was a Mk1) and have noticed a few problems. I think I know the answers already but would like to ask anyway.

First off, the interior lights... The main interior light as well as the backlight in the display between the speed and rev gauges flicker - it's quite noticeable. Also related to this when I close the window or windows the headlights dim slightly. They dim even if the windows are closed and I just press the window switch.

Even turning the steering wheel slightly whilst stationary will dim the lights.

I am thinking that it could well be the alternator but the car has only done 31k miles and is 5 years old. Having said that it has spent most of it's life thus far in the Isle of Wight so maybe the sea salt has got to the electrics - perhaps I'm just talking out my backside.

I've got a multimeter so will test the battery at some point but to save time does anyone know what the voltage output should be whilst the engine is on/off.

Other problems I've got is the nearside rear passenger window doesn't seal properly so either the window seal is broken or the window just doesn't go up all the way. Anyone else had this problem?

And finally, I think is just the tyres but holy moly they are incredibly loud. I can hear them droning even with the radio on. I've had Goodyear Eagle F1s before on one of my previous cars (Accord Type R) and didn't notice any excessive noise.

Evening,

I have recently bought my second Octavia vRS (other was a Mk1) and have noticed a few problems. I think I know the answers already but would like to ask anyway.

First off, the interior lights... The main interior light as well as the backlight in the display between the speed and rev gauges flicker - it's quite noticeable. Also related to this when I close the window or windows the headlights dim slightly. They dim even if the windows are closed and I just press the window switch.

Even turning the steering wheel slightly whilst stationary will dim the lights.

I am thinking that it could well be the alternator but the car has only done 31k miles and is 5 years old. Having said that it has spent most of it's life thus far in the Isle of Wight so maybe the sea salt has got to the electrics - perhaps I'm just talking out my backside.

I've got a multimeter so will test the battery at some point but to save time does anyone know what the voltage output should be whilst the engine is on/off.

Other problems I've got is the nearside rear passenger window doesn't seal properly so either the window seal is broken or the window just doesn't go up all the way. Anyone else had this problem?

And finally, I think is just the tyres but holy moly they are incredibly loud. I can hear them droning even with the radio on. I've had Goodyear Eagle F1s before on one of my previous cars (Accord Type R) and didn't notice any excessive noise.

Hi, I am on my second Octy. 1st Mk1 VRs modded to 250bhp, now a sensible Octy Estate 2.0TDi with Revo 185 chip.

Couple of points. Battery should be more than 12Volts static, around 14.4 with alternator running. So your description shouts duff battery to me. 5 years is a good life.

Window problem could be either you suggest.

Tyres are very subjective, but my car was noisy with Bridgestones on it when I got it. I have replaced with Michelin Primacy 225/45/17. They are pricy but good.

Hope this helps.

Cheers buddy - I suppose 5 years is quite a long time for a battery.

I really like my old Mk1 though it was standard and not 250 BHP!

Hello,

The battery is around 12.3v and with the engine running it was 14.2v...

That sounds about right for the voltages, I'm not surprised at the lights dimming a bit when you turn the steering wheel or flick the window swithes up. Both can, especially the steering, take a lot of power out of the battery. I think the fuse for the steering is rated at 60 amps! If you are concerned about it I would keep a regular check on the battery voltages and if there are signs if imminent failure then replace the dodgy component.

Ian

Can you measure the battery voltage on its terminals at the same as turning the wheel?

I think that if its the battery the voltage there will drop a lot. If it doesn't its probably something else.