2004 Trans. TDI T5 2.5L - Stalling easily then unable to start - any ideas???

[alexinsydney]

Hello everyone,

I am wondering if anyone has had this issue with Transporter TDi t5 6 speed
turbo diesel model (2.5 Liter).

The engine stalls easily, I have to drive so carefuly as a minor mistake or being in wrong gear say a high gear and low speed will cause the engine to stall.

Usually I just turn the key and on it goes, but lately it has had a problem cranking over again and whilst I have no fault lights when I turn the key I can feel the battery does not have enough to turn crank the engine.

What is more bizzare the clock on the dash panel, the digital one, goes out of time,
almost as if a reset has ocurred. But hey?! how can a reset be had if, when It stall in middle of traffic I put on emergency lights and radio works etc...

I was talking to a VW mechanic who thinks its not the battery ( a replacement one costs around +$300) but he suggests taking it into a workshop and having it plugged into the diagnostics machine. Problem is they want the van for 1 or 1.5 days to diagnose. And who knows how much that would cost.

I am really scratching my head, today I've had a trouble free day and was even contemplating whether I am not driving a diesel van as it should be. It's my first one.

The van has 150K and I've owned it 3 years.

Has anyone had a similar problem with VW transporter TDI T5 2004 model?

Any help would be appreciated ,

Thanking you.

Alex.

[Transporter]

Welcome to the forum Alex,
It could be many things and better than trying to ques, is to mention that you could take it independent VW workshop, which could be cheaper than the dealer. You can try View Profile: Golf Loon - VWWatercooled Australia ,

If you have digital voltmeter (the cheapest one from **** Smith Electronics will do) you could test if the battery receives charge. You should see 14.2V across battery terminals with the engine running and when you turn the engine off the voltage should stay above 12.6V for many hours (with lights and everything off).
Also check the cables and battery clamps (must be tight, clean without corrosion).