What do all these wires do?

[TheBeaver]

I have been trying to diagnose some starter problems we have been having and in that process removed the passenger seat to get at the battery. In this process I found a few loose wires, while they probably aren't at the heart of my starting problem they do worry me. Can anyone tell me where they should go? Two of them looked like they were originally connected to the starter battery, but one of them looks like it got pulled out of the the black Bosch box, but from where?

[bigherb]

It was part of an alarm system.
And your battery clamp is upside down it should be like this.

[Born Too Late]

It was part of an alarm system

Beat me to it! Looks like my clamp is upside down too, I'll be changing that then.

Try tracing the other odd wires back to where they come from. They don't look original so could be a previous owner's mod that's been removed. Have you got any electrical gadgets that don't work? Could be something like that, hard to tell from a picture.

As for the starting problems, what are the symptoms? Lots of more knowedgable people than me on here who could give you some pointers with a bit more info. Lots of sluggish starting problems linked to corroded main cable from starter to battery:

https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/VW ... ain_cables" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://club8090.co.uk/wiki/VW ... ry_to_dash" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Good luck

Wes

[richlaz]

I don't want to state the obvious... But ensure any bare wires are covered when you've finished playing...

[TheBeaver]

Thanks guys for your fast reply. Window stickers do indicate an alarm system but functional it is not...
(All bare wires now covered)

[Oldiebut goodie]

And your battery clamp is upside down

Are you sure? They don't normally stamp the markings on the underside - to me it just isn't pushed fully down before tightening. The narrowest part of the tapered cone is usually to the marked side. If he turns it over it will only clamp on at the top of the battery post. At present they are correct just not fully down the posts.

[bigherb]

And your battery clamp is upside down

Are you sure? They don't normally stamp the markings on the underside - to me it just isn't pushed fully down before tightening. The narrowest part of the tapered cone is usually to the marked side. If he turns it over it will only clamp on at the top of the battery post. At present they are correct just not fully down the posts.

Yes I'm sure.
You better go and fit yours properly as well.

[Oldiebut goodie]

Cross purposes! I was reading it as battery cable clamps hence the content of my reply not making sense with your battery clamp.

[TheBeaver]

Ha ha ha! Both my battery clamps are the wrong way up then another thing learned today

[scottbott]

and mine is the wrong way round as well,been like that for 8 plus years