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Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: Alec on 06 November 2009, 20:58
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Amongst the many problems I have had with my mk2 digi, the battery seems to be going flat every other day if not used, I dont use a silly boy racer stereo or anything (even though it has one). Alternator has probably only done about 5k tops, checked earth straps n whatever. I get smoke coming from the steering column cowling when the key is on the ignition notch, but it stops when the engine is running, could this be linked?. I am fast losing patience with the car as I also have idle problems, blowing (from a new exhaust) and oil pressure warnings on the dashboard haha.
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I get smoke coming from the steering column cowling when the key is on the ignition notch
:shocked: :shocked: :shocked:
Sounds like something's shorting out back there...
(Also your stereo will probably have a permanent live feed so it can retain presets+settings, so it will be drawing a little bit of power... shouldn't flatten the battery over 2 days tho!)
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Yeah deffo, the amp only seems to light up when the stereo is actually being used aswell. The ignition switch has been changed a couple of times at Lion garage in Burbage (VAG specialist) but they cant find any problem at all.
Only just had the bloomin thing sprayed aswell n ever since then it seems to be falling to bits.
Was supposed to be taking it to R-Tech tomorrow for Topher to have a look over it, but now it seems I aint going anywhere
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welcome to mk2 ownership, :grin:
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Make it to R-Tech and tell Topher about the battery going flat, he'll probably be able to find out what it is.
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I got the battery from CAS which is on the site next to r-techs site. Might aswell just go in with the receipt n try n get it swapped on the way to see Topher. If I can get it started. I noticed that when it failed to start the rev counter went completely spaz going up n down the revs n everything lit up like the 4th of july, even when I took the keys out. Is this normal?? I should of kept the mini
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erm, no, its not normal :shocked:
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I think I need a beer. Its done it every time the battery has gone flat. Everything on the dash lights up and stays like it. rev counter goes all the way round and off the scales. It hasnt caught fire yet though like my last mini and mondeo
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It sounds like it will catch fire soon if you don't get a look at the wiring behind that dash! Try and have a root-around for any wires that may have chafed up against something or other, and broken thru the insulation...
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Shame it didnt catch fire tonight, would of made a nice bonfire
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What a really odd thread?!
If smoke is coming from the dash - then start stripping the dash down to see what it is.
For your battery, just remove the +ve and put a multimeter (ammeter) between the +ve wire and +ve terminal on the battery and see what the draw is. Anything above 0.4A is bad.
I'd check the oil pressure with a manual gauge - or get a set of VDO's and keep an eye on it permanently.
I would certainly be inclined just to remove the stereo and amp and check what wiring they are really using.
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What a really odd thread?!
If smoke is coming from the dash - then start stripping the dash down to see what it is.
For your battery, just remove the +ve and put a multimeter (ammeter) between the +ve wire and +ve terminal on the battery and see what the draw is. Anything above 0.4A is bad.
I'd check the oil pressure with a manual gauge - or get a set of VDO's and keep an eye on it permanently.
I would certainly be inclined just to remove the stereo and amp and check what wiring they are really using.
Sound advice Ben..
Thom
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Could also try removing the stereo fuse. If it stops draining the battery, you've isolated your problem.
First things first though, get behind that dash!
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Do you have a sub woofer? If so, you probably don't need it all the time, so put a switch in the blue signal wire and make it switchable on or off, even when the radio is switched on. If as mentioned before, the radio retains a memory, then this could also be powering up the amp causing a voltage leak.
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I will deffo check it all out, I am retarded when it comes to electrics though, I seem to think shouting and acreaming at it might just solve the problem.
The stereo does save memory, tried to take it out today but it trys to bring half the dash out with it. Cant find the prong thats keeping it held in either which is a bit annoying. there is a power light on the amp which only comes on when the facia is inserted into the head unit. But I am guessing the amp is powered directly from the battery so could still be draining power. Will get the trusty haynes manual out and have a good long read.
Cheers for the suggestions, I'm pulling my hair out
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My amp kept pulling power with it all off done it 2 cars so i ended up pulling the fuse out of the live cable all the time.Definatly fault with the amp so i put a switch on the live to cut it completely.Know few people that sent them back but mine was past that.
Tried switching blue wire but that didnt work for me.
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take a reading without the stereo amp etc.. on then take one from the battery with it on see what its drawing. And strip down the steering column!
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has it got an alarm or immobilisor, or the remains of one? #1 suspect for draining battery. could also explain smoker and nutty dash if wiring to it is failing.
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Its got a laserline alarm/immobiliser but I dont have the transponder key as the previous owner lost it. Its apparently disconnected but the green light on the transponder socket is on all the time. It only smokes when on ignition, when the engine is running the smoke goes away. Had a few different ignition switches installed at a vw specialist and they cant find any problems with it at all.
I have noticed inside the plastic panel (got central electric) on it, there are some wires that have been cut and spliced and also a black box with a few connectors coming out of it, looks aftermarket. I cant remember what they are called, a relay??
I got a quote from a laserline dealer to remove the alarm at the cost of £80 quid, but if i can remove it myself without causing any more problems then I would rather do that, cus I cant really afford £80 quid at the minute. Will the alarm be wired up into the loom or just to the ignition circuits?
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Usually wired to both the indicator circuits, ign switch, door switches.
Then surplus bits might be horn, headlights, fuel pump.
If its a thatcham alarm (ie. all black wires), I'd be inclined to pay someone else unless you're handy with the electrics.
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Dunno about the alarm but it says thatcham on the certificate. It has sensors inside the car n all that jazz aswell. Bummer
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My battery drain was a Sigma Thatcham Cat 1 alarm, was draining the battery but took about a week (even with daily use), nowhere near as fast as yours, try and find a make and model for your alarm and google google google looking for the pinouts, thats what i did to mine and spent a day stripping all the sensors and siren out and resplice the loom back together, was more time consuming than difficult but i took it out 2 months ago and haven't had to charge the battery since. Well worth looking into, how long have you had the stereo and amp in? Could also be some faulty wiring there.
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I'm afraid I can't help you, but I can sympathise.
My battery goes flat every two minutes as well. Also, one time I was on the motorway and smoke started coming out of my steering column area. It's never happened again and it didn't seem to break anything (and I wasn't burned to a crisp) though so I just forgot about it.
I've got a Clifford 600 which has a knackered battery of it's own so I think that's what's causing the battery thing in my case.
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I have had all these problems - battery running flat, smoke from the dash and the dodgy rev counter. Managed to fix 2 of the 3.
1. Battery
Tried swapping the battery with another and it was still going flat after 3 days or so, even if i left it running for an hour or took it for a long drive to charge it up. The issue was the alternator belt was slipping so the battery wasn't being charged properly. My local mechanic came over and took a look and said you shouldn't be able to turn the metal disc attached to the alternator with your hands. If the alternator disc is slipping the battery won't charge properly and the battery will keep going flat. Had the belt tighened, gave the battery a full charge with a charger I bought off eBay for £15 and it has worked fine ever since (probably half a year now).
2. Smoke from steering column
Took off my steering wheel and both of the stalks. The indicator stalk had cracked. I could see that the plastic had melted and where there was a crack there were scorch marks on the steering column. Bought a new stalk off the forum for £15, fitted it. Job done, no more smoke from the steering column.
3. Dodgy rev counter
Still working on that one! :)
Like I said, these are just the problems/solutions I came across for my own mk2, but both are easy enough to test out for yourself without a trip to the mechanic so may be worth a look.
Hope that is of some help,
Dave.
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Cheers dude, will have a look tomorrow. Battery was fine today after not using it for a couple of days. (strange). Its got a new alternator and I made sure it was all done up tight.
I aint seen any smoke for a while (maybe cus I get in it, spark a ciggy or a marley and then just hope for the best).
I'm gonna seek help from my mot tester mate and get back to you all.
Thanks everyone