2004 Alhambra Slow Starting/poss Battery Drain?

[atreyu]

My 04 PD130 Alhambra failed to start this morning, the volt meter was showing approx 11v and as expected it was very very slow cranking and soon wouldnt turn over.

 

I've had it 3+years and its never been lightening quick to spin over, however some days it does turn over fairly quick!! I put on a new battery about a year ago and it made no difference. Around that time I tried the battery off my other halfs Leon and that was just the same. 

 

I keep thinking its the battery, but I changed the fuel filter on saturday and it cranked over on the starter for ages until the diesel came though.... so I've essentially given the battery a capacity test doing that!

So now I'm wondering is it the starter motor itself? But then why would the voltage be low? I'm wondering if there is a battery drain? 

When I get home from work tonight I'll measure the voltage, and then put the battery on charge, if it is a drain is there a common problem? I wouldnt even know where to start looking!

 

 

[BrianH]

My 04 PD130 Alhambra failed to start this morning, the volt meter was showing approx 11v and as expected it was very very slow cranking and soon wouldnt turn over.

 

I've had it 3+years and its never been lightening quick to spin over, however some days it does turn over fairly quick!! I put on a new battery about a year ago and it made no difference. Around that time I tried the battery off my other halfs Leon and that was just the same. 

 

I keep thinking its the battery, but I changed the fuel filter on saturday and it cranked over on the starter for ages until the diesel came though.... so I've essentially given the battery a capacity test doing that!

 

So now I'm wondering is it the starter motor itself? But then why would the voltage be low? I'm wondering if there is a battery drain? 

 

When I get home from work tonight I'll measure the voltage, and then put the battery on charge, if it is a drain is there a common problem? I wouldnt even know where to start looking!

 

Check the link to the fusebox from the alternator - some of the mk2's start melting the box due to a bad crimp on the cable. You should be able to find info seraching for meltdown on here about it.

Edited March 27, 2017 by BrianH

[atreyu]

Could you tell me where to look for that wire you've mentioned?

 

I've noticed some corrosion to this positive terminal, although I'm not sure what its for? It does head towards the alternator I think but its hard to see where its routed as it goes down and across the front of the block

 

 

[atreyu]

pic attached this time

[BrianH]

Yep thats the same issue, you might have caught it in time.

 

The general repair method is to replace the crimped connector, soldering it in place to improve the connection.

 

Will see if i can find a post on here about it

[BrianH]

Can't find a post directly about it, but if you can get a replacement fitting then solder it that should help, You need to remove the connection and have a look at the box underneath to check its not damaged.

 

I think from those that have had to do it they had to use a blowtorch for the soldering, though a soldering gun should work (iron won't be able to put down enough heat quickly enough into the joint properly)