[Vwdiesel] Cont'd Electrical gremlins - bad ground?

[Nate Wall]

<<<< The other real possibility is that your starter is not up to snuff. I'm
assuming that the symptom is slow cranking speed as well. The fix for that
is often a set of brushes.>>>>

Yes it is! for $35 I did it. Also cleaned and lube dthe starter at the same
time! Good as new and did not spend $200!

--Nate

Lee Hillsgrove wrote:

>  The problem is that my car is often losing the charge
> >at the battery. Went out this morning and the battery is putting out about
> >11.85 volts, not quite enough to crank it with a long glow plug cycle (I'm
> >in Southern Maine, it's cold enough all ready at 6:45 AM)
> >I had my alternator rebuilt at a  local shop a few weeks ago, so I'm going
> >to assume it's okay now. The alternator light has been lit up recently when
> >the engine speed goes up before I shift, then it goes off.
> <snip>
> >The alternator is putting out the proper voltage when it's running (right
> >around 13.9 volts). The battery is getting a proper charge when the car is
> >running as well from my multimeter testing results. I had the battery
> >tested and it is good according to the Autozone guy that tested it.
> >
>
> <snip>
>  I'm suspecting it's just a really bad ground not
> >allowing the battery to fully charge, but am not really sure. Any ideas?
> >Thanks in advance.
> >
>
>   It almost sounds like a light may be getting left on or something else is
> draining the battery. If you are getting 13.9 V while it's running, and the
> battery is indeed good, it should maintain a charge overnight. On the other
> hand, almost 12 volts when not running isn't that bad, so you may have some
> other problem.
>  After the battery is charged, I'd do this:
> While cranking the engine over, measure voltage between the negative battery
> post and the engine. You can pull the stop solenoid wire to prevent the
> engine from starting  while you do this. If the negative side of the circuit
> is good, you should see almost nothing for a voltage. Do the same between
> the large terminal on the starter and the positive battery terminal to check
> the other side of the circuit.
>  You could also (with the engine off) disconnect one terminal of the battery
> and measure voltage and/or current between the battery and cable to see if
> there is a parasitic drain while the car is off. The trunk light has been
> known to stay on in some cars. Sorry, I don't remember what you have for a
> vehicle.
>  The other real possibility is that your starter is not up to snuff. I'm
> assuming that the symptom is slow cranking speed as well. The fix for that
> is often a set of brushes.
>
>  Pretty nippy here in central NH this morning, too! You should see how the
> TDIs start in this weather - no fuss whatsoever. Mighty clattery until it
> warms up, especially with the timing set to the top of the range.
>
>  Good luck, and let us know what you find.
>
>   Lee
>   Oo-v-oO
>   PP-ASEL
>   KB1GNI
>
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