Club 80-90 Forums

Since buying our 1.6 diesel T25 we have had problems starting her if left for more than a few days. As battery was 9 yrs old we replaced it but the problem persisted, then we had system checked and a part of the alternator replaced, sure the issue was resolved we went on holiday only to have the same issue ( turn key after a few days and here a click, nothing else) it always starts immediately on a jump start. Driving home our battery light came on so we pulled over and we no longer had an alternator belt ( it squealed as we set off). Van was recovered and a belt is being fitted, could this have been causing the starting issue all along or is it a coincidence? Another VW mechanic said it could be a drain on battery causing starting problems but couldn't find one. Really just want to get issue sorted once and for all, could the alternator belt have been the problem all along?

By that description I'd say you have a bad connection at battery or starter, or starter itself has badly worn brushes, only operating correctly when the brushes actually make contact. Suggest the latter but its as well to check connections and that (importantly) earth braid between starter solenoid and starter (hard to see without starter off) hasn't corroded away. That alone would cause it.

The rest I thinkl is coincidental except to say, indicative of overdue work needed on battery/alternator/starter circuit. You can buy brushes for starters (about a fiver) if thats all thats gone awol.

^^^WHS.
You mean to say that you don't carry a spare belt in the van? That is one of the 1st spares to have I would have thought.

Thanks Covkid will definitely check this out, this sort of advice is invaluable as a first time van owner.

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

This might help you too, or at least give you some idea of how things should be in an ideal world. I added it to the WIKI a couple of weeks ago as T25s that have been a bit neglected can suffer from poor connections. You can beg, borrow and well, borrow the items needed to sort the circuit out properly. Definately do all this before winter. I keep meaning to put my video up on stripping down the starter to replace bushes but I've got so much on, I just haven't had chance.

Ralph

Next time you are leaving it for a few days before using, disconnect the battery and then see how that goes. That will tell you if there's a drain on the battery. Otherwise I'd say starter problem of some kind.

marlinowner wrote:Next time you are leaving it for a few days before using, disconnect the battery and then see how that goes. That will tell you if there's a drain on the battery. Otherwise I'd say starter problem of some kind.

I am with this one. If the problem only occurs after it has been left for a few days it certainly points to a battery drain to me.

How did you check for a battery drain ?

Anyway, if you do as marlinowner suggests, you will be able to determine if it is that, and then check again for the cause of the drain.

marlinowner wrote:Next time you are leaving it for a few days before using, disconnect the battery and then see how that goes. That will tell you if there's a drain on the battery. Otherwise I'd say starter problem of some kind.

I had (or still have) the same problem. I bought a new battery, but the problem persisted.
I got a garage to check it out. They said NO DRAIN - it's a duff battery. I got the battery checked out. They said BATTERY'S FINE - there must be a drain somewhere.

So - apart from carrying a power pack as extra insurance, I also fitted a battery isolator, and isolate the battery if I leave it for more than a few hours. The problem isn't solved, but it IS SORTED