Hi everyone.

First off, apologies if this has already been covered. I did take a look but couldn't find anything specific.

For history, it's a 13 plate TDI vrs Octavia (MK2) was rattling like a good un' so replaced clutch and flywheel (and slave cylinder) did do a SMFW conversion too.

Turns out, that WAS a problem, but the gearbox is also shot, so that's on my list to replace next.

Started and drove home fine that night.

Next day, I drove it to work (about 20 minutes) no problems.

On my way home, the gearbox was clattering as usual, but then the engine cut out? Managed to coast it to the bottom of a hill and stopped safely.

Turn the key and it just "clicked" and dash died (like a flat battery?)

No alt. Light on the dash until the engine stopped.

RAC guy turned up, and confirmed that: battery good, engine isn't seized, cam belt is good, oil is good, removed started motor and confirmed flywheel and clutch were turning good.

In the end I got it dragged home.

Had the battery on charge and now when I turn the key we get a couple of strained turns, but no start.

My working theory is that the alt. Has died (or more specifically a connection to it/earth?) and the battery died.

Maybe we damaged something when removing/fitting the gearbox?

Usual earth points checked and all good (recently replaced main earth to chassis and engine earth. Also added an additional earth to gearbox via starter motor bolt)

Those battery testers are notoriously inaccurate.

Have put the battery on recovery for now to see if we get any joy.

But was hoping maybe someone else has had this issue or can shed a bit more light on the situation?

Any clues appreciated 👍

Will hopefully have a better look at it tomorrow when I pick up tools from work.

TIA

Dave.

Does the battery charging warning light come on when ignition is on but not started. It could be a broken exciter wire if its not illuminated or you may have dislodged wiring when removin Gbox

Alasdair

6 minutes ago, Alasdair1 said:

Does the battery charging warning light come on when ignition is on but not started. It could be a broken exciter wire if its not illuminated or you may have dislodged wiring when removin Gbox

Alasdair

Hi mate, thanks for the response.

Yes, battery warning light comes on with ignition but no start.

Checked exciter to starter and all good.

I have now had two batteries that died like yours - one went open circuit. See if you can borrow a known good battery or, not as good, use jump leads from another car. If it still wont start then look to the starter motor.

If it does start then double check the alternator wiring as post above.

Cheers for the tips. So we have a new clue. I had it on charge the other day and tried to start it again... Got a good few whurrs out of her but still not enough to start it.

I took the charger off and noticed that the earth lead from the battery neg to the chassis was RED hot... Like.. burnt my thumb hot.

That says to me there is resistance somewhere. Have replaced that earth and done resistance test across the neg path from the battery and all looks good.

Waiting for another battery charge (currently sat at 11.8) then will try to for again and will update any progress.

It is not unkown for a large crimped cable to become high resistance after getting wet and corrosion inside the crimped connector. Mostly affects the cable to the alternator. The high temp is due the high resistance still able to carry some current but not enough.