2.0 TSI - electrical fault

[Syfer84]

Hi all,

Had a nightmare this morning when I tried starting my 2.0 TSI. As I turned the ignition, the dashboard lit up with a whole series of warning indicators. The engine didn't turn over and shortly after I started getting a airbag fault warning on the MFD. On checking the forums, it sounded like the connections for the airbags under the seats are a common fault so I checked these and they seemed okay. I then had a look a under the bonnet and immediately noticed one of the cables coming from the fuse box was corroded. Looking at the cable it's connected to the SA1 fuse (which is marked as 200) so I'm guessing this is for the starter motor. I've tried covering the cable with electrical tape to try and start the car just so I can get to the garage but still no luck (strangely the airbag warning seems to have now gone but the dashboard still lights up).

Any of you guys have any experience/advice/tips on this issue? Is there any way to figure out what part number it is, and could I buy and fit a replacement cable myself?

Any help would be much appreciated.

[chelspeed]

If the insulation is worn off have you checked the 200A fuse is OK? If it has touched anything likely the fuse has blown.

Also 200A doesn't seem enough for starter motor cranking current so I think your assumption is wrong, I've never worked on a car where the starter motor cranking supply is fused. The post above yours "Comprehensive fuse list" says the 200A SA1 fuse is for the alternator.

[Syfer84]

Thanks chelspeed.

Yes, that fuse was for the alternator. I think I've gotten to the bottom of it now. I checked the battery and it was down to 9.4v, I disconnected and charged it from a mains unit up to 12v and put it back in the car and everything looked to be working fine as I took it for a drive. Less than 24 hours later it's back down to 9.5v.

I think it's time for a new battery. The current battery is a Exide 72Ah unit but I'm thinking of going for a Bosch S4 60Ah. Anyone got any battery recommendations?

[Cuprabob]

If the current battery has a capacity of 72AH, I would at least replace it with one of the same capacity, not a smaller one. In fact I would fit the biggest Bosch one that would fit.

[dimexi]

I am thinking of getting a new battery too! Mine is so poor, it keeps tripping up 0447 errors in VCDS and I have had a few dash warning lights that were due to low batt before.

I was told by RW1 (RIP) that Varta is a good one to get installed in the car. That's the one I will be going after.

[Syfer84]

Do you have the part number/model of the suggested Varta one?

Using the part finder tool on Euro Car Parts only seems to provide me with batteries around 60AH.

[dimexi]

No i dont have that unfortunately.. You'd think there was a 72AH one though; I'll have a look

[salsajoe]

The part number should be printed on the top of the battery. On my Golf GTI it is 5K0 915 105D. That is a 60AH capacity.