TDI won't start - slow crank [video]

[r1ch]

Hey, so I took a video of the problem.....anyone wanna have a look and then give me a verbal tongue lashing for not knowing enough about cars to figure this out for myself? Haha, feel free...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lyJJiBc40v4

To those who can't see the vid, I'll explain. My '04 Mk5 TDI105 wont start. Turning the ignition i hear the fuel pump engage behind me, the dash lights up with the engine, battery (and light bulb) warning lights then when I try and start the engine the engine cranks slowly but never starts. While cranking, the electrics go funny, the door locks engage and release on each crank and the yellow spring light and red steering wheel light come on (not sure of their technical names). After I stop and take the key out, there's an long audible beep from the engine bay toward the back which lasts for a good 30 seconds or so before stopping. I've tried jump starting it with my Dad's '10 Jetta, but that didn't help apart from allowing it to turn over and crank slowly for a little longer.

Obvious suggestion is battery - I've had the car from 40k and it's now 77k and as far as I'm aware it hasn't been replaced. I'm not sure if it's the starter motor though, I've always had the warm start issue where it takes 3-5 seconds to start but only after it's been running and is warm (250rpm etc and all that I guess).

Help much appreciated. General banter and ribbing encouraged.  Cheers guys.

[bez101]

from what you say and your video
id change the battery

[richw911]

I would say the cold has shown up a weak cell in the battery.

The noise you hear could be the throttle body resetting because there is so little power. 

[r1ch]

Yup, you were both right - it was the battery. Now the car starts first time! 

Old battery:
Varta 1J0 915 105 AF
12V 72 Ah 380A DIN 640A EN/SAE

New battery:
Bosch Silver S4 096
12V 74 Ah 680A EN/SAE

Also, the alarm went off when i removed the connectors from the old battery - stopped it by unlocking the car with the key fob and then pressing both the buttons that are on the left as you get into the drivers door i.e behind you to the right as you're sat down, think they're the manual alarm overrides for motion sensing and stuff. Is that normal?

Also, I've now got a few more lights on the dash....

Igniton on:


Engine running:


The bulb one I know of, I just need to work out the bulb I need to get. What does the yellow steering wheel light mean? It's red at one point - not sure if that's straight after putting the key in before it goes yellow or it it's yellow and then goes red while the ignition fires and then goes back to yellow?

ESP light doesn't go off normally after putting the key in and doesn't go off after starting the engine either.

Any suggestions? Are there some systems I need to reset or something?

Cheers guys.

[r1ch]

Ok wow, just found these two amazing step-by-step guides:

Replacing the battery -
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/a5/battery-replacement-Jetta-Golf-TDI.htm

Resetting the steering, ESP and one-touch window sensors -
http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/a5/steering-adaptation-VW.htm