Battery problem or weird electrics

[Tom Ford]

Hi Guys,

Hoping you guys can help me out with this. About a month ago I recently purchased 2005 MK5 2.0 TSI which is in great nick.

Over the Xmas break I didn't drive it all that much, (5 days) and when I started it one morning, I got nothing, and thought it may have been the battery. I tried again (15 mins later) and it kicked over, and since has started first time with no problems. I was driving yesterday and for no reason the electric sunroof popped up? No adjustment on my behalf, however I simply touched the controller without having to turn it, and it came back down again? That's the second time that's happened. Lastly the driver side electric windows has been playing funny buggers of late, basically it won't work, while all others do. I need to turn the window lock off & back on to get it working. Could it be a faulty button?

So, is the battery on the way out, or are the electrics in the car on the way out? The battery is a Varta, and from my understanding is the original battery. I also need clarification on whether the battery is rechargable?

Any help and or advice would be appreciated.

[triode12]

Hi Guys,

Hoping you guys can help me out with this. About a month ago I recently purchased 2005 MK5 2.0 TSI which is in great nick.

Over the Xmas break I didn't drive it all that much, (5 days) and when I started it one morning, I got nothing, and thought it may have been the battery. I tried again (15 mins later) and it kicked over, and since has started first time with no problems. I was driving yesterday and for no reason the electric sunroof popped up? No adjustment on my behalf, however I simply touched the controller without having to turn it, and it came back down again? That's the second time that's happened. Lastly the driver side electric windows has been playing funny buggers of late, basically it won't work, while all others do. I need to turn the window lock off & back on to get it working. Could it be a faulty button?

So, is the battery on the way out, or are the electrics in the car on the way out? The battery is a Varta, and from my understanding is the original battery. I also need clarification on whether the battery is rechargable?

Any help and or advice would be appreciated.

VAGCOM the car and you will be able to see what the faults are. And yes, electrical gremlins are common in the golfs - even the new MkVI.

[Tom Ford]

Sorry I'm a newbie, what does VAGCOM the car mean? Where do I do this?

[triode12]

Sorry I'm a newbie, what does VAGCOM the car mean? Where do I do this?

It is 3rd party vehicle diagnostics for VWs.

Ross-Tech: VCDS

You'll have to have the cable for it. Hopefully someone in Melb will be able to loan you the use of the cable if you don't want to purchase one. Otherwise, you may have to take the car to an independant VW mechanic and have it done there. Can't help you mechanic recommendations in Melb I am afraid - perhaps someone from Vic might pipe in on some recommendations.

[cdogg]

i have the same problem with my sunroof and a similar problem with the drivers door glass...
oh and a new battery didnt help

[Tom Ford]

It is 3rd party vehicle diagnostics for VWs.

Ross-Tech: VCDS

You'll have to have the cable for it. Hopefully someone in Melb will be able to loan you the use of the cable if you don't want to purchase one. Otherwise, you may have to take the car to an independant VW mechanic and have it done there. Can't help you mechanic recommendations in Melb I am afraid - perhaps someone from Vic might pipe in on some recommendations.

Thanks triode12, much appreciated.

[jessv3]

I think changing the battery will help with the starts. My 06 GTI was slightly stubborn to start some mornings (took sometimes 2-3 cranks) but then other days it was completely fine, i even went on holidays for 3 weeks and came back thinking my battery would be gone but it started first crank, this went on for about 3-6 months, until i thought fine ill go to a battery place to get them to see what the condition of my battery was like, it was the original so i gathered it should be on its way out. They said it was certainly stuffed and replaced it (cost of $170) ever since then Ive had a lot less issues with it starting, i would say 98% of the time it starts straight away, where as before it was like 80% of the time.

[Idle]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that MkV's (at least early ones) can suffer problems with driver's door lock, glass and remote central locking because the leads from the body into the door are fitted too tight, don't flex properly and eventually stress crack — in the process there are all manner of weird effects.

Might be worth having it investigated (only entails opening the door trim and checking the integrity of the loom, I should think.)

If the car starts OK and the starter's not struggling, it's highly unlikely to be the battery.

It could also quite easily be the switch, the driver's one gets the most work.

If you're anywhere close to me, I have a Micro-Can cable — not all that smart with it yet, but I mostly get there.

PM me if you'd like the car scanned.

[HiTorque]

Hi Guys,
Lastly the driver side electric windows has been playing funny buggers of late, basically it won't work, while all others do. I need to turn the window lock off & back on to get it working. Could it be a faulty button?

It sounds like another case of damaged driver door harness - pls look here: How to repair or replace a cracked or broken door wiring harness wires on VW Golf Jetta Sportwagen TDI
I was able to fix the harness just pulling the black boot towards the door and solder damaged wires and then put heatshrink or insulation tape around. I have posted about this issue here previously. VWA just ignored me, so either DIY or go and see the dealer. Good luck.

[Tom Ford]

It sounds like another case of damaged driver door harness - pls look here: How to repair or replace a cracked or broken door wiring harness wires on VW Golf Jetta Sportwagen TDI
I was able to fix the harness just pulling the black boot towards the door and solder damaged wires and then put heatshrink or insulation tape around. I have posted about this issue here previously. VWA just ignored me, so either DIY or go and see the dealer. Good luck.

Thanks for the info and resources.

[Tom Ford]

I seem to remember reading somewhere that MkV's (at least early ones) can suffer problems with driver's door lock, glass and remote central locking because the leads from the body into the door are fitted too tight, don't flex properly and eventually stress crack — in the process there are all manner of weird effects.

Might be worth having it investigated (only entails opening the door trim and checking the integrity of the loom, I should think.)

If the car starts OK and the starter's not struggling, it's highly unlikely to be the battery.

It could also quite easily be the switch, the driver's one gets the most work.

If you're anywhere close to me, I have a Micro-Can cable — not all that smart with it yet, but I mostly get there.

PM me if you'd like the car scanned.

A BIG thank you to Idle for scanning my car with the Micro-Can cable.

From the diagnostics, there's nothing wrong on that front, so it must be a sensitive switch or the wiring is beginning to crack. I'll have that checked at its next service, which isn't too far away. Idle also established the battery is pretty low, so I'lll look at investing in a charger, or having it replaced. I thinks its 5 years old (car's original battery), so its hasn't done too badly.

[hooba]

5 years from a battery is very good, time to get a new one before this one leaves you stranded somewhere.