Battery dead - my fault?

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xbaboon
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Joined: Fri Aug 12, 2005 3:59 pm

Battery dead - my fault?

Post by xbaboon »

I bought my Mk4 3 months ago (M Reg, 40k miles) and it's been fine so far, but this morning when I came to turn it over for work - nothing. It tried the first time, but then nothing. The clock has reset, and I got in to work with a rolling bump start (it didn't die when I put the clutch in so I assume the alternator is fine).

The only changes I've made is installing a JVC headunit - still using the stock speakers. The only reason why I wondered if it might be my fault is because of the way I wired it. I only had a few wires available on the wiring blocks, and I notice that I can turn the headunit on when there's no key in the ignition. If I leave the fascia on the power light stays illuminated when I lock up, so I assume it's wired to 'always live' (or whatever it's called, I'm not the most technical with this stuff).

Could the battery being drained be my fault because of the way the headunit is wired, or is it just an old battery? My father-in-law who gave me the push this morning thought it may need the water in the battery topping up. I've noticed that it's never 'instantly' turned over as long as I've had it, it's always needed a second or two and occasionally there's a slight 'whirr' noise after it turns over (similar to the noise if you keep the key turned after the engine is already running). I just put that down to the starter or something :)
mitty
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Joined: Fri Nov 04, 2005 9:36 am
Location: london

Post by mitty »

my 6n polo did the same thing few days ago.apparently it wos because i wos "excesively using the fan" and burned the battery out.i dont use the fan much now and a drove round for a while to change the battery.its fine now.
the sound you described reminded me of the polo i wos gona buy but didnt.it had that noise you described,i showed it to my dads mechanic and he sed dont go near it.clutch problem.beta get that sorted but try not to go direct to vw.
Black Dub
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Location: Reading

Post by Black Dub »

The whirring noise usually heard after the key is turned in the ignition, is the starter motor cog that has stayed onto the flywheelfor too long. just replace the starter motor and the fault should be cured.
ModifiedMadness
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Location: Bedford Drives: MK5 Golf R32

Post by ModifiedMadness »

Yeah, you want it wired to the Ignition, so it's only powered when the ignititon is on, and isn't when the ignition is off.
inder
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Joined: Sun Feb 27, 2005 8:37 pm

Post by inder »

My headunit does not turn off when the key is removed, it needs to be connected for the security led to flash
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