Hello everyone , looking for some help. I have a 2012 1.4 vrs dsg, have the usual problem of using oil and the occasional power steering problem if the car isn’t used for a few days .

So , after sitting a couple of days , this time the power steering fault won’t clear. I’ve charged the battery which normally clears the fault. It’s a new battery. 
On start up, without touching the throttle, it’s showing 11.6v across the battery , rev the engine once ant it’s up to 14.4v and remains like that. 
I’ve checked the power feed to the power steering pump and it’s showing 14.4v . 
Also the oil level warning light is comes on even though the oil is at the max level on the dipstick.

can anyone give me pointers what to try next?

thanks. 
 

11.6V is a very dead battery, it should read 12.7V if it's new.

I'd replace the oil pressure switch to rule out a fault but good oil level is no guarantee of good oil pressure and if it's using a lot of oil it must be going somewhere.

Check power steering fluid level. Reservoir is under battery so level does not get checked regularly. A few days should not result in a battery needing charging and 11.6V over a time suggests a constant discharge, or defective new battery. Maybe try disconnecting battery over those few days if practical. Have you had it scanned with a VAG compatible system. The VRS specialists will give you deeper checks and more advise.

 

Thanks , I’ve checked the steering fluid , slightly low but not much. 
the 11.6 v is what was reading across the battery with the engine idling, goes to 14.4v and stays at that once the engine has been revved. 

11.6V is the reading from your battery, 14.4V is from the alternator.

 

Your battery voltage is far too low, if it's new take it back under guarantee but please stop making me repeat myself, there's something wrong with it.

Check for something draining the battery overnight. Also see if battery light illuminates at ignition on.

@Steviehaythe battery is just an energy store and even if it's new it can be depleted, take the advice you have been given.  New  batteries generally tend to be very good and very reliable and the faults come from the vehicle (or often vehicle owner but I'm not suggesting this in your case).

 

Figures from my neighbour's Ring battery charger/tester. -

 

12.7v - 100%

12.5v - 90%

12.4v - 80%

12.3V - 70%

12.2v - 60%

12.1v - 50%

11.9v - 40%

11.8v - 30%

11.6v - 20%

11.3v - 10%

Put a different battery on it , 12.6v at idle , still doesn’t go to 14.4v until the engine is revved

12 minutes ago, Steviehay said:

still doesn’t go to 14.4v until the engine is revved

 

12 hours ago, Breezy_Pete said:

see if battery light illuminates at ignition on.

 

Sorry , missed the last bit. No, the battery doesn’t illuminate at ignition on. 

You don't get much charging at idle and some multimeters aren't that accurate or consistent, try turning your headlights and blower fan on full at idle and see what readings you get.

Check for broken wires at the alternator signal (2 pin) plug interconnect which is usually on a bracket near the starter motor. Possible blue wire broken.

3 minutes ago, Steviehay said:

Sorry , missed the last bit. No, the battery doesn’t illuminate at ignition on. 

So charging system, possibly hence new battery, I'll leave you with an expert.

 

ETA: Another of my cross posts.

Edited 30 June, 20223 yr by nta16

Cheers. Will try those suggestions 

1 minute ago, Steviehay said:

Cheers. Will try those suggestions 

You can ignore my suggestions now and follow Breezy-Pete's last post.

 

 

Apparently it goes via pin 4 of a four-way connector pair on CAVE engines, 'front left of engine bay' (right as you look in from front bumper)

CX1 is your alt. Blue wire is what helps it start up correctly, which it seems not to be doing.

Alternative to visual inspection is to measure voltage at pin 1 of the two-way at the alt, with connector disconnected, ignition on. Should be about a volt below battery voltage.

 

Edited 30 June, 20223 yr by Breezy_Pete

Thanks. I can’t get near the alternator without removing a load of bits so will get it my next day off. I did replace the steering pump , got one from the local breakers yard. 
it’s as if the steering is partly working , warning light is still lit. Strange thing now is that the pump keeps running even when the ignition is switched off, only way to stop it is disconnecting the battery. 

Seems to mainly point the finger at the angle sensor or its wiring/connections.

 

Thanks. 

Whilst the two batteries are disconnected and off the car do take the chance to fully recharge them, you don't want a low charged battery messing and hindering your diagnosis and progress.

 

You have to fix the charging system and battery first, the pump you bought may be faulty as well.