Hi,

 

I have just replaced my battery as it had reached the end of its life. I had to do it quickly as I have already had to call the RAC out once to rescue me and I need the car for work.

 

Maybe stupidly, I thought that I would save myself a few pounds by doing it myself and it was only once I had done it that I realised that all of the fuel consumption data has gone. Prior to the battery actually failing I was unable to use a single click on the driver's side front window to bring it up and this also happened on the near side front window. I had assumed that this was battery related.

 

The question is, what else have I lost and how do I get it back?!

Loss of trip computer historic data is normal with a battery change. Auto windows also often require re-calibrating by fully extending down and then up and normally recover functionality. Can't really think of anything else that would concern you.

Loss of trip computer historic data is normal with a battery change. Auto windows also often require re-calibrating by fully extending down and then up and normally recover functionality. Can't really think of anything else that would concern you.

Ok, thanks very much.

Its worth noting that, as the weather becomes colder and more demands are put on the battery, poor batteries need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

Poor batteries place excessive demands on to the alternator, and this, in turn, can lead to premature alternator failure. Costly business compared to a decent new battery.

The MK 2, does go a bit crazy when the battery is a bit low, but not so low to stop you staring the car.

No more than any other modern car with lots of electronics though, I'm sure.

Yep, as above, the fuel computer completely resets when the battery is disconnected. So you will need to reset the clock.

Windows are reset by using the switches to take the windows fully down, hold the switches in the down position for a couple of seconds, then take the windows fully up, and hold the switches in the up position for a couple of seconds.

You will get the red steering warning light on the dashboard, this is normal, and goes out after you have friven a few yards in a straight line.

Don't sorry about the radio code as this is stored in the instrument cluster, and is automatically retrieved by the radio when the car is started up. It won't even ask you for a code.

Hope this helps

Mike

Managed to get windows working properly apart F from front driver's side. Thanks this will not move up with one click, so will try what you have suggested by holding the switch for a couple of seconds in each position.

I am worried however that this might be due to the switch having got wet recently. Afraid I am a smoker and was caught off guard in a very heavy shower recently. If it is the switch, is there a simple fix?

The MK 2, does go a bit crazy when the battery is a bit low, but not so low to stop you staring the car.

No more than any other modern car with lots of electronics though, I'm sure.

Crazy in what way?!

Its worth noting that, as the weather becomes colder and more demands are put on the battery, poor batteries need to be replaced sooner rather than later.

Poor batteries place excessive demands on to the alternator, and this, in turn, can lead to premature alternator failure. Costly business compared to a decent new battery.

Have hopefully caught this early enough. Got a pretty decent price on a Duracell batty from eurocarparts ????

Have hopefully caught this early enough. Got a pretty decent price on a Duracell batty from eurocarparts ????

Emoji don't work on here then!

Try using key in the door turn anticlockwise till windows go down and hold few seconds then clockwise till windows go up hold same again

Try using key in the door turn anticlockwise till windows go down and hold few seconds then clockwise till windows go up hold same again

Crazy in what way?!

Using full beam would cause a low battery light, or a couple of times caused the dash to dim.

Using the power steering to manouver would cause the dipped beam to dim (A lot more than usual)

Odd warning lights from time to time and even a couple of engine warning lights.

VCDS scan and a new battery and all was good again.

Alternator was checked and ok, it just seemed to not like it in the depths of a cold winter (Not surprising).

To be honest will all the electrics, you are often lucky to get 5 years out of a factory fit car battery.

Try using key in the door turn anticlockwise till windows go down and hold few seconds then clockwise till windows go up hold same again

Didn't work. Driver's side front window switch still faulty

Yep - replace it.

Is there a guide how to do this?

To be honest will all the electrics, you are often lucky to get 5 years out of a factory fit car battery.

I am happy then as this was the original factory fit and the car is a 57 plate.