Clues anyone ? Over the last couple of weeks my '59 plate Octavia 2 diesel has developed an intermittent fault on starting. On occasion I turn the key, engine tries to turn but doesn't seem enough power to do it and all dashboard lights are flashing on and off and lots of clicking noises. Asuuming battery flat I put charger on and car will start OK after roughly 20 mins. Then it'll be all right for a few days and then it's back again. Most likeyl battery, alternator, starter ?? Help !!

 

RogB

Given those symptoms I'd suspect the battery.

 

Any motor factors should be able to test the battery for free so you can at least rule it in or out.

Edited 20 March, 201412 yr by booke23

Does the engine almost catch & then stop with quite a violent rumble? These are symtoms I had, but only when attempting to start a warm engine.

Turned out it was the battery on its way out. I changed the battery and all has been good since.

Hope this helps & good luck.

FP.

The flashing dash and clicking is the clue to the battery being at fault. Not enough juice in the battery.

 

As has been suggested, get the battery checked as it could be an alternator fault causing the battery to be low on juice or just a battery that needs replacement. No point replacing a bettery for it to be ruined quickly by a faulty alternator.

If it's not the battery check all the main electrical connections, both those on the battery itself the alternator, fuse box and all the earth straps as apoor conection will result in a voltage drop across that conection and poor current delivery too.

Might be worth taking them off and checking there's no corrosion on the terminals. As above try one of the tyre and battery specialists first to see ifits the battery and go from there.

+1 for the battery.

Thanks for all the help and advice folks. Battery testing it is then ! Fingers crossed .