Title is probably self explanatory, after 6 months I am still perplexed every time my Octavia starts, it always starts on half a turn (I understand how the PD engine can do that) but it always sounds like it would not have cranked for another turn, dead battery like.

 

I swopped the battery a Bosch some 5 years old for the 3 year old Banner battery I had on my previous Octavia and it sounds no different, both of them have a lower rested voltage than I would like but both seem OK on my discharge tester.

 

All I want to do is see if the engine will crank for a couple of minutes without running out of puff and I will be happy, if it does indeed only last a few seconds then I will buy the new battery before being caught out.

 

So what is the best fuse to remove or sensor to disconnect to make sure it does not start without causing any other electrical gremlins?

 

I have VCDS so erasing any fault codes is no problem.

 

It will be good to have some confidence in the battery and starter.

 

Thanks in advance

Unscrew the injector multiplug on the left side of the head, pop the red clip out then unscrew.

 

https://youtu.be/UoOextI9Y14

Edited 11 March, 20197 yr by MicMac

Brilliant, just what I needed!

 

Eyesight would have defeated me removing the connector without your words.

 

As I suspected the 3 year old budget battery struggled to weakly crank the engine for 30 seconds, I could get 10 minutes from a good battery on the MK1 before I worked out how to purge the injectors after running out of fuel, at one time the starter motor was smoking.

 

Put the older Bosch battery back on the vehicle, seemed much better but it had just come off the charger.

 

Time to invest in a new battery, I think the Bosch one has proved that a good brand may be worth the extra money.

Edited 11 March, 20197 yr by J.R.

I think it's a good probability that certain Bosch batteries are rebranded Varta items, save money on a brand name.

I had a good long life with a Varta on the MK1 which replaced the original equipment Varta, I replaced it with the non make Lion battery but after 3 years the cell voltage is down and it was I now realise only just starting the MK2 that I transferred it to.

 

The Bosch seems to be 8+ years old from the service history and  for the same reduced cell voltage it has a hell of a lot more starting power but is probably in need of replacement, I have learned now that cheaper brands are a false economy if you are keeping hold of the vehicle, an extra €30 is money well spent.

 

In the history file there is something to bear this out, the car was fitted with a new Banner 096 battery in 2011 and 3 months later it was pronounced dead by the RAC called out to the stranded vehicle, it was replaced under warranty with the Bosch that is still working fine 8+ years later. Unless thatw as changed and the reciept not kept which I doubt as the PO had a comprehensive file of everything, enquiries into the code number also indicated 20011 but were not definitive.

 

I am going to change it for a new Bosch or Varta.

New Varta E44 ordered!

 

I remember now where the Lion battery came from, Eurocarparts less than 3 years ago, I had air in fuel problems and kept breaking down needing lots of cranking, as a precaution I bought the battery but as it was over the counter I'm sure it was real expensive, the fact that I have forgotten tells me it was, had it been a good deal I would have recalled.

 

So a less than 3 year old non brand battery is nowhere near as good as an 8 + year old Bosch, the new higher spec Varta is costing a lot less with delivery than ECP are still charging for the Lion battery.

Edited 11 March, 20197 yr by J.R.