HELP! Alternator/Battery

[s3jmc]

Hi all,

Just bought a 2002 nogaro blue s3 after 5 years of saving and searching...

Had it a week with no probs until today when I was cleaning the cream leather seats (which had 127k worth of dirt on them) and the the battery light came on the dash display with a long 'bleep'

I was listening to the radio at the time but had only been on for about 20mins?!

Now when I turn ignition the battery logo comes up on dash display and it wont start.

Have I run it flat in space of 20 mins?!?!

Thanks in advance!

 

[s3dave]

Yes sounds like it, is it used much? if so its prob new battery time...

 

[s3jmc]

Thanks for this mate,
I've only just bought it but its been sat doing nothing for 3 days?
I've just tried it again and it failed to start, but once id taken keys out I popped the bonnet and the alternator was making a fast ticking noise for quite some time!?
Does this not point to a problem with the alternator itself?
Thanks again

 

[[Dave B]]

I'd bet on the battery, mines just had a new one after having similar problems to what you describe (after only a few days standing it would fail to crank).

 

[s3jmc]

Cheers mate,
I hope it is just battery but does anyone know why the alternator would be making noise even when the keys are out??
thanks

 

[s3dave]

The ticking you describe sounds like the evap system, very close to the alternator

 

[DavidW]

The battery on my van is on it's last legs, 10 minutes listening to the radio kills it pretty much stone dead. They don't last forever, either get a new one or get it tested. problem is anywhere that tests it will tell you it's ****** cos they want to sell you a new one!

 

[steve bain]

if your on a budget most scrap yards will sell you a battery for a tenner. my local one even gives 6mth guarantee with them!

 

[Agric04]

I'd say the noise you're hearing is likely to be the after run water pump as suggested by s3dave which runs for 10-15mins every time you turn the ignition off regardless of temperature.

I had to replace my battery last month. i used these guys and the battery turned up the next day:

Car and Van Batteries, Car Battery Supplies, Buy Online, Delivered throughout the UK, Full Nationwide Guarantees