It appears that either my battery is not getting charged or there is no charge getting to the battery.

Details:

Car:

Skoda Fabia Estate 1.9TDi Elegance, '54 reg, c.68k miles.

Symptoms:

Dull/Dim dashboard lighting when car first started, then it brightens up after a mile or so (NOTE, this has nothing to do with the rheostat/dash illumination switch, which works fine). Headlights may do the same, but not easy to tell.

When really cold (-15C over winter), car would start, but then display warning lights after a couple of miles if headlights and/or rear heated screen was one (remember frosty mornings etc) in spite of the car being stood to warm up for 5-10 mins beforehand. In terms of warnings, I mean first the ABS light, then the Power Steering light (then the steering would go heavy). At this point the headlights have also dimmed. After stopping, 'giving it a minute' then re-starting the car and keeping the revs up a bit (c.1500 revs, this is a 1.9TDi remember) it would run fine, as if nothing had happened.

Checks:

I have had a mechanic armed with a Multimeter to test the battery and alternator. After repeated tests he said all was OK with the battery (it had been replaced just 1 yr earlier) and the alternator was still 'producing' OK. He also put his diagnostic reader onto the car and that came up with a non-related fault code. He suggested that I wait for it to happen again and he would be back with his reader to get any codes produced. Of course this has not happened again, as the weather has warmed up.

Seemingly, when the temperature is above 5C all is OK. And I may not have any more bother with it until I really need the car for something next winter - when it undoubtedly fails!

I have rooted through the forums and there are many posts/replies regarding power steering issues and power loss, but I only get bother with the power steering once the lights have dimmed and my electricity has gone. I am no expert, but I do not think the steering is the issue - unless someone knows otherwise.

Helpful suggestions gratefully received!

It appears that either my battery is not getting charged or there is no charge getting to the battery.

Details:

Car:

Skoda Fabia Estate 1.9TDi Elegance, '54 reg, c.68k miles.

Symptoms:

Dull/Dim dashboard lighting when car first started, then it brightens up after a mile or so (NOTE, this has nothing to do with the rheostat/dash illumination switch, which works fine). Headlights may do the same, but not easy to tell.

When really cold (-15C over winter), car would start, but then display warning lights after a couple of miles if headlights and/or rear heated screen was one (remember frosty mornings etc) in spite of the car being stood to warm up for 5-10 mins beforehand. In terms of warnings, I mean first the ABS light, then the Power Steering light (then the steering would go heavy). At this point the headlights have also dimmed. After stopping, 'giving it a minute' then re-starting the car and keeping the revs up a bit (c.1500 revs, this is a 1.9TDi remember) it would run fine, as if nothing had happened.

Checks:

I have had a mechanic armed with a Multimeter to test the battery and alternator. After repeated tests he said all was OK with the battery (it had been replaced just 1 yr earlier) and the alternator was still 'producing' OK. He also put his diagnostic reader onto the car and that came up with a non-related fault code. He suggested that I wait for it to happen again and he would be back with his reader to get any codes produced. Of course this has not happened again, as the weather has warmed up.

Seemingly, when the temperature is above 5C all is OK. And I may not have any more bother with it until I really need the car for something next winter - when it undoubtedly fails!

I have rooted through the forums and there are many posts/replies regarding power steering issues and power loss, but I only get bother with the power steering once the lights have dimmed and my electricity has gone. I am no expert, but I do not think the steering is the issue - unless someone knows otherwise.

Helpful suggestions gratefully received!

Check the fuses on top of the battery. Make sure none are cracked. Also, try checking the wiring to the alternator.

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/192022-battery-drain-suspects/page__view__findpost__p__2290671

HTH

J.

Do you get the battery light when the ignition is on but the engine is not?

If you don't it's almost certainly the voltage sense lead to the alternator.. If ya handy with a tool kit & solder then it's a DIY fix.

Do you get the battery light when the ignition is on but the engine is not?

If you don't it's almost certainly the voltage sense lead to the alternator.. If ya handy with a tool kit & solder then it's a DIY fix.

I don't get a battery light when the ignition is on - first time i've noticed that!

I've had a look at the lead/plug going into the side of the alternator, and there doesn't appear to be any break or fraying there. Is there anywhere this would be, if there was a fault in this lead (which I assume to be the voltage sensor lead).

Thanks

I don't get a battery light when the ignition is on - first time i've noticed that!

I've had a look at the lead/plug going into the side of the alternator, and there doesn't appear to be any break or fraying there. Is there anywhere this would be, if there was a fault in this lead (which I assume to be the voltage sensor lead).

Thanks

Take the engine undertray off and look for a plug connector under the starter motor.

It has two wires one is blue the other is brown and red, the problem is usually with the plug or the wires either side of it.

Best bet is to cut the plug out and solder in two new bits of wire.

HTH

Bill.

Take the engine undertray off and look for a plug connector under the starter motor.

It has two wires one is blue the other is brown and red, the problem is usually with the plug or the wires either side of it.

Best bet is to cut the plug out and solder in two new bits of wire.

HTH

Bill.

Thanks Bill

I'm going to go see my mechanic tomorrow and he should be able to put the Fabia up on the ramp - should make the job easier!

Fabia been on the ramp and, as diagnosed, the lead was jiggered under the radiator. It has been repaired and the battery light now comes on at pre-ignition.

With any luck, the dim lights etc should be a thing of the past.

Many thanks for the help!