Hi there,over the last couple of days my 05 2.0 tdi octavia has been getting a bit lazy starting in the morning which isn't the norm usually one heater plug and flick the key.the other day it was very lazy and only just kicked up so I thought here we go cold weather battery on the way out but this morning very lazy and didn't start so got the jump leads out and got a jump of my lads car flicked up strait away does about 20 miles gets home tried to start it and same again so i am thinking duff battrery so put the baattrey of my lads car on mine same again like the battery is flat so now I am thinking oltinator or starter but bi putting the othere good battery on and it doing the same doesn't that rule out the oltinator and battery pointing towards the starter?

Cheers kev

I am no expert but I would be looking at the alternator.

 

Have you tested the voltage across the battery while the car is running?

 

It should be about 14-14.5v Any more or less than this would indicate the alternator isn't working as it should be.

Sounds like the alternator not charging enough, check with a meter on the battery terminals when engine running , you should get a reading of 14.5 volts at least

bad engine earth?

Thanks for replys but when I put a good battery on of my lads car shouldn't that of started her up even if the alternator was on the blink this is what's got me scratching my head a little ?

Cheers kev.

Hi All, just been out to have a look, still stumped! Have swapped the batteries over with my lads car again, both batteries will start his car, but not mine. Getting about 12.5/13v with the ignition off, rising to 14/14.5 with engine running. I'm guessing that this means the battery and alternator are both ok. Have checked the earth strap from the battery to the body and it looks good. Can't even see the main engine earth or starter motor. Can anyone point me in the right direction, where to find the earth straps and starter? Any advice much appreciated.

Cheers, Kev.

You have to test the battery and alternator under load, so switch everything on and do the test again.

I will only get chance to re test some time tommorow so I will put the results up for your opinions thanks kev.

Hi All, have been out to test again, the battery was only at 11.5v before starting. I'm guessing this is too low, pointing to a battery required. After a jump start, voltage across the battery was 14.4v. Even with everything electrical turned on, lights, radio, heated rear window, etc, voltage across the battery was still 13.9v which came back up over 14v when we brought the revs up a little. Another problem has also come to light this evening, have an amber electric stearing warning light on the dash???? I'm thinking (hoping) this is just due to poor voltage in the system, as ever, any advice would be much appreciated.

Cheers Kev.

Anyone ! Before I go out and spend my money on a new battery?

Cheers kev.

Sounds like your battery is struggling to retain its charge if it is 11.5v before starting. You need around 12.5v before starting for the battery to be ok so if it struggled to retain this after charging then your battery is probably on its last legs. Powering steering light is normal with flat battery and will go out once you go for a drive.

Cheers bud !

Sorry forgot to update thread I fitted a new battery (e44 varta 77ah / 780cca) she flicked into life as she should and all seams well (fingers crossed) thanks for the advice kev.

Just seen your thread, wife had similar problem with fabia vrs 04. took to garage, new alternator, battery still went flat after a couple of days. Voltage checked out ok when running. It turned out after the mechanic was left scratching his head for a full day that it was a faulty lead from the alternator to the battery, it looked ok from the outer sheathing but when cut into it, it has corroded through, thus not completing the circuit to recharge the battery. New lead fitted and not a problem since, in fact the car starts better now than when it was new.