T5 - starter battery not well and funny warning lights

[Izabarack]

Been watching a starter battery only holding about 12.45 -12.35 for a couple of weeks and casually checking out prices for a replacement in anticipation of needing to get a new one at any time. Well, the mighty T5 did start this morning but with some confusing warning lights illuminated. Just checked the starter battery voltage, BTW, 11.95.

Warning lights are ABS and Traction Control, steady, and the Glow Plug light is flashing, after start and engine running. Spanner symbol is also flashing. My understanding is that the spanner symbol simply says "go to the service centre". I figure first action will be to replace the starter battery. I also figure the next action will be a trip to the service centre for some kind of reset. I have only had the vehicle a short time so I'm looking for some comments from the more experienced. Is it reasonable to assume the buggered starter battery and the warning lights are connected? My logic is that low rail voltage at initial switch on, and before the actual start sequence, might result in some warning indications because self test was compromised?

Iza

[vdubmotorworx]

The spanner light does mean the service is due. A low battery doesnt make engine lights flash....looks like you might have a engine fault..Grab a new battery and get the codes checked....and a service

[Izabarack]

The spanner light does mean the service is due.

Had the 75,000 k service less than 200 k ago. I am pretty sure the spanner symbol is steady when a service is due so I am adding that to the list of warning lights. I will be putting a new battery in today and see what happens during first start after that. I will also ring the service centre today for some advice. I suspect they will simply tell me to bring it in.

Iza

[vdubmotorworx]

if you want a code check give me a shout..

[4wheels]

Hi Iza,

Early on in my 2007 Trakkadu's life I had a battery failure (a rare dud battery; replaced under warranty). It did cause all sorts of warning lights to come on when I tried to start it (presumably dragged the voltage really low). Quite scary in a new van. Mine didn't start on that occasion, and I was still covered by VW Assist, who came and replaced the battery in my driveway. Not sure if they had to do any resets, but it was fine afterwards. That battery is still there 7 years later.

Brian
2007 Trakkadu 4M

[Izabarack]

Appreciate the replies. Picked up a new battery today from the dealer. Tiny bit upspec from the one that has died. 95 Ah compared to the 80 and 750 CCA compared to 560. Physically longer but should slip in OK as dealer parts guy says that is the genuine item for the VIN. Service dept boss tells me to just change the battery and start as normal, then immediately go for a drive and ignore any warning lights initially. Service guy suggested the ABS and TC lights should go out within a couple of k, especially if I turn lots of left and right corners. Spanner symbol may require reset or I can just ignore if I want to. Battery in tomorrow and I will report what happens. For information, genuine battery from the dealer was $279 in my hands. Battery World and one other supplier reckoned they could supply a battery to do the job for just over the $200 mark, plus GST. In the end I did go for the bigger, better, and genuine for confidence as I intend to keep the vehicle for a long time in campervan conversion.

I also put a blade fuse socket in parallel with the negative to chassis/engine earth lead. I have a small amp meter that plugs into a blade fuse socket and want to check for any phantom drain when everything is turned off. I will only have to plug the amp meter in then lift the main earth connection to check what is going on while holding anything memory from disappearing.

Iza