I have an 01 v6 4motion (b5) and the past 3 mornings it was having a hard time to start and finally this morning it didnt want to start. And now the battery wont even hold a charge. Its not even 2 years old , what can be draining it ?? Are these cars known for draining issues ?
Battery issue
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Perhaps the battery won't hold a charge because it's dead or dying, even at a young age. Batteries fail. Perhaps it's not holding a charge because there's something wrong with the car's charging system. While these cars have some parasitic drain to maintain various memories, the drains aren't large - a healthy battery correctly connected and properly charged should be able to sit for weeks or months at a time.
To assess the battery's condition, have the battery load tested. If the battery doesn't the load test, replace it. if the battery does pass, then the car isn't charging correctly.
To assess the battery's condition, have the battery load tested. If the battery doesn't the load test, replace it. if the battery does pass, then the car isn't charging correctly.
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If you have a Monsoon Sound System, try unplugging the amplifier (in trunk) for a few days to see whether that solves your current draw issues. Not as common as post-2000 Passat coil packs were (in 2002/2003) for spark-related issues.
Step one, as far as I'm concerned, is to remove a battery cable, either one, then jumper between the cable end and battery post a small instrument bulb, such as the common 2W and less that these cars have. It should not light up with everything turned off- the current which keeps the alarm and door lock sensors active is normally too small. If it lights up, then something is still on; that amplifier, a vanity mirror light, trunk light, and so forth.
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Another thing you can do is test voltage at the battery with a meter.
See what voltage the battery is putting out with engine off and no loads (doors closed so interior lights are not on).
Switch on the ignition (don't start it) and headlights and blower motor and see what the battery is able to put out with some load.
Start the engine and let it run a minute then measure again to see what voltage the alternator is producing.
See what voltage the battery is putting out with engine off and no loads (doors closed so interior lights are not on).
Switch on the ignition (don't start it) and headlights and blower motor and see what the battery is able to put out with some load.
Start the engine and let it run a minute then measure again to see what voltage the alternator is producing.
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Charliedog in England, I am not sure if i am on the right forum but here goes. My car a VW Passat 2004 Tdi highline is refusing to start. I have recently been doing some work on the vehicle and had it laid up for about 3 weeks without starting. When i went to start, the instrument panel lights lit up and went off as normal but as soon as i tried to turn the engine over, just a click. I have tried jump starting using 2 sets of jump leads but same with the same outcome, no start. I have jump started many different cars in the past but not a VW Passat. Any help would be appreciated. Apologies once again if i am on the wrong forum.
You're in the right forum, Charliedog.
This is a classic symptom of an almost-flat battery: there's enough juice to light up the panel, and not enough to turn the starter. However...
The same outcome (assuming a good jumper battery and good jump leads and good connections with the jump leads) suggests that the problem isn't the Passat battery (or is not only the Passat battery), but is instead something in the Passat's starter circuit that prevents battery current from reaching the starter motor.
You'll have to find out how the starter primary circuit works, and what's awry with it. There may be a duff relay, or an open fuse, or (less likely, I imagine) a bad switch or wire.
My battery on my 2003 4Motion measures 12.6 volts when car is off, and 14.3 volts with engine running.
I thought I might need a new battery due to dim low beams. I have a few questions:
I thought the problem was a relay because both lamps went dim and then out at the exact same time. Tested the relay, which was fine. Turned out both bulbs did burn out at the exact same time!! Never had this happen before.
- both of my batteries for my Passat Turbo and this 4 Motion lasted 12 years !! (one battery was the German OEM, the other was this current AC Delco)! Had my 4Motion battery tested, and it still has 600 CCA (had 615 when new, so it seems like it is still good)
What is the recommended CCA, Ah and amps for a battery for my 2003 4Motion? The dealer said the recommended battery for my 4Motion was 80 Ah and 340 amps, but could not find a CCA rating in the specs. As I said, my current AC Delco battery is rated for 615 CCA.
Thanks. Dave
I'm confused. Why have you settled on the battery when your Voltage measurements look normal? Did you try the high-beams- were they dim too? I assume that you installed new bulbs; are they still dim, especially when the engine is running? Does the car have difficulty cranking to start?
Literally Same issue I am having. Will Check mine as well. <3
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