Hi,

I have searched and found some useful info on batteries and power steering problems, but there are other issues involving my battery.

Last year the battery was replaced under warranty, and the battery they fitted to the car is a 61Ah 330A battery (part no. 000 915 105 AD). I thought at the time it didn't seem right, as it didn't occupy as much physical space as the previous battery.

Anyway, fast forward (through so many warranty issues including problems with the air con etc) to this year, and on the particularly cold mornings when the steering warning light comes on after I have started the car. I usually turn off ans start again and the light goes out. I assumed it was because of low battery 'reserves' in the cold.

This last Monday, I started the car and the light came on, the steering was very heavy this time, and so I stopped and then tried to restart the car, but nothing. Had to jump it from my wifes car.

Did some investigation, and found that the battery fitted is not what Skoda say should now be fitted as a replacement.

Spoke to tha garage I bought it from and paid them a visit, they insisted (even though I had calrified the battery type with SKODA UK) that that was the correct type of battery, (even though it was lower in output than the original) for the time that it was fitted as according to the dealer 'the goalposts keep moving and they update what should be fitted to the car'. PAh!! I am not amused by this type of antics. But I'm biting my tongue here.

So they reckon that the cause of all this hassle could be a drain on the battery, they ran up the dianostics and found (how come the dash warnings didn't show it) that there were faults with the AIRBAG, MAIN COMPUTER, AIR-CON AND POWER STEERING. Bizarre!!

Could a dead battery or the incorrect battry show these faults?

The dealer has not offered to replace the battery, (which would seem to be less hassle for them) as they now want the car for 2days+ to find the drain!!! I have been measuring the battery each time I start, and there doesn't seem to be too much of a problem in these milder mornings. Charging level is between 14.2 and 14.35volts, and standing it is about 12.2volts.

Anyone any ideas?

I'd guess that they've been stupid and either put the battery for the 1.4TDI on, or the battery for one of the petrol models on.

yeah, I thought I'd give them the benfit of the doubt. But now I'm not so sure, especially as two other Skoda dealers have stated that I need a heavier battery than the one they fitted, and also that Skoda UK quoted the same as the two dealers.

There is a good company around your area called 'TwoEightTuning' i think, they may be able to shed some light on it for you. Pretty sure i've seen them driving in a VRS.