Another one bites the snow

[Goops]

Greetings chaps,

Just thought id share my crappy morning!
Been off sick since thursday and the golfs been sitting on the drive..
Started up fine this morning, driving onto the motorway and my lights start dimming and the car revs high... judders to a halt and no power from battery..
Dim lights and couldnt start her up again, clicking starter motor etc.
Had to freeze for an hour before a mate brought a new battery to get me going again..

Problem is, this is a brand new battery from last month already in the car.
SOmething is draining the battery or alternator is not charging the battery on the go?

Electric gremlins is the last thing i needed, especially as this is my daily drive to work 

The wife is urging me to finally sell the golf on 

Despondent G

[Agreeable Slick]

Sounds like the alternator isn't charging the battery. Get a check done on it.

[rubjonny]

does battery light come on with the ignition, then go out once running? if so that means the blue wire is connected ok and that it should be triggering the alternator to charge. next step is check voltage at battery with engien off, then again with it on, should be around 12v off, 14v on. check again with lights, blower etc all on, if it drops below 13v this means alt is prob a bit tired

[Goops]

Cheers chaps,

Feels like a loosing battle!

John, the battery light does not come on with ignition ( This staretd a few months ago when i had an electrician bypass my immobiliser - had startup problems that time too).
Of the 3 lights on the dash only 2 come on, the water and oil on first key turn, once i start up all go off as per norm.

Curiously, when i put the blowers on is the point i noticed the dash lights dimming until the final drain..

Does this all sound like the alternator? Any ideas on costs to get this checked?

G

[rubjonny]

that's the cause of all your problems! the blue wire to the alternator runs the dash light, and if not connected the alternator wont charge properly.  find the problem with the blue wire, and all your problems will be solved

the blue wire is fitted to a small stud on the alternator labled D+, and it runs across to a spade connector close to the battery +ve connection. if that looks ok, you'll have to start delving under the dash

[Goops]

Thanks John,

Will have a look at tracing wires this weekend..
Dreading cost of an auto electrician!

G

[Goops]

The phoenix rises once again 
Had a look in the morning light, followed the blue wire and it was damaged underneath and broken clean off.
Fired up straight and got the alternator and battery checked, holding charge fine... wahooo!

Thanks for all the help,

G

[tech1889]

nice one bud.. glad its all sorted..

[Diamond Hell]

This staretd a few months ago when i had some butcher bu88er up my wiring