9N3 GTi Power/Engine Cutoff

**Johnliew** · 13-06-2013, 04:03 PM

Hi all,

Just want to share my experience. I have a 07 9N3 GTi and last week the car started to stall / cutout for no reason. It would happen while I am pulling away from the lights, or even while in neutral waiting for a set of lights.

In the last few occurrence, I would lose my clock/trip computer settings, and my radio went into "SAFE" mode.

Called the RAC battery guy thinking it's battery related, but the battery charge level and alternator charge level came back OK. He plug in his OBD computer and came back as "engine stalled", and he suggested probably due to clogged fuel filter due to bad fuel quality in WA, although I only pump RON98 from Shell or Caltex. I thought that was not logical as it would not explain the clock/trip/radio reset.

I've sent it in to VW Osborne Park and they have come back saying that the battery cable is "shorted" - whatever that means. It has to be replaced and waiting for parts to fly in from eastern states. The car is no longer safe to drive until the replacement battery cable is put in.

It's just my luck that this happened when VW is at it's most busy. I'll update on how it goes.

**h100vw** · 13-06-2013, 04:14 PM

Originally Posted by Johnliew

Hi all,

Just want to share my experience. I have a 07 9N3 GTi and last week the car started to stall / cutout for no reason. It would happen while I am pulling away from the lights, or even while in neutral waiting for a set of lights.

In the last few occurrence, I would lose my clock/trip computer settings, and my radio went into "SAFE" mode.

Called the RAC battery guy thinking it's battery related, but the battery charge level and alternator charge level came back OK. He plug in his OBD computer and came back as "engine stalled", and he suggested probably due to clogged fuel filter due to bad fuel quality in WA, although I only pump RON98 from Shell or Caltex. I thought that was not logical as it would not explain the clock/trip/radio reset.

I've sent it in to VW Osborne Park and they have come back saying that the battery cable is "shorted" - whatever that means. It has to be replaced and waiting for parts to fly in from eastern states. The car is no longer safe to drive until the replacement battery cable is put in.

It's just my luck that this happened when VW is at it's most busy. I'll update on how it goes.

Sounds like something has rubbed through the battery lead, maybe to the starter motor? Shorting it to earth and dragging all the power down with it?

**Johnliew** · 13-06-2013, 04:23 PM

Originally Posted by h100vw

Sounds like something has rubbed through the battery lead, maybe to the starter motor? Shorting it to earth and dragging all the power down with it?

I did take a quick look at the battery leads before sending it in, (so did the RAC guy) and could not spot anything obvious. Could it be from the bunch of wires (around 5 I think) connecting to the positive lead via a small box?

**h100vw** · 13-06-2013, 04:46 PM

Originally Posted by Johnliew

I did take a quick look at the battery leads before sending it in, (so did the RAC guy) and could not spot anything obvious. Could it be from the bunch of wires (around 5 I think) connecting to the positive lead via a small box?

Could be something in there melted through, wouldn't be too unusual.

Gavin

**geoff_gti** · 13-06-2013, 09:40 PM

Originally Posted by Johnliew

I did take a quick look at the battery leads before sending it in, (so did the RAC guy) and could not spot anything obvious. Could it be from the bunch of wires (around 5 I think) connecting to the positive lead via a small box?

There's a small secondary fuse box on top of the battery so it could be something shorting in there as Gav said rather than the main line. Hope you get it sorted quickly mate

**Johnliew** · 14-06-2013, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by geoff_gti

There's a small secondary fuse box on top of the battery so it could be something shorting in there as Gav said rather than the main line. Hope you get it sorted quickly mate

Thanks mate, I hope so too. Still no news from them, and my car is sitting in the workshop...

**Johnliew** · 18-06-2013, 01:07 PM

Hey all,

Just a quick update, the car is now back from the shops and problem fixed. It was the "battery cable harness" - whatever that is. Lucky I had AutoAssure Advantage extended warranty, all labor fees and parts were waived.