Testing the water

[gninnam]

Looking to sell my D3 A8 as a project as it ain't well and got to ****ed off with it

As you know, was off work for 7 weeks due to a ruptured tendon and couldn't drive. Left the car for about 4 weeks and then wouldn't start.
Charged the battery and OK.
Didn't try it for around 4 days and guess what, battery dead again.
So bought a new battery. Connected up and car started OK.

Again, didn't use it for a good few days and flat again

Well, since then a few things have now failed.
Keyless entry and start
Climate control (no blower)
Light for the air ride comes on after 10 minutes or so
When cold, squelching noise from the front (suspect top control arms)

Other than that a nice car.

Today, after not using for 2 days, wouldn't start - battery showing 11.5V which should be enough but ODBII showing 10.4...........
Removed battery to put the other fully charged battery in and noticed water underneath
Bailed it out but wondering if this could be the cause of some issues (anyone know what the 2 modules are under the battery?).

So what's it worth as it is (most of you know the spec - I think)

[Sir WIll]

"When cold, squelching noise from the front (suspect top control arms)"

That's the one! I have a rattle also from the front so replacing all the top suspensions arms anyway.

I was trying to work out and diagnose that "Squelch" for ages!!

[PsYcHe]

Not sure what the modules are, but if there's water there, then that would likely cause stuff to short out, draining the battery.

[gninnam]

Originally Posted by PsYcHe

Not sure what the modules are, but if there's water there, then that would likely cause stuff to short out, draining the battery.

Cheers - that was my thought too.....

[gninnam]

Any idea what I should be asking for her (I know I am going to lose a lot of money but feed up with the old girl )

[Architex_mA8tey]

I know youve fallen out of love with her Andy but I'm sure you can get to the bottom of these issues and get them fixed -

Blocked drains somewhere causing the electrical issues, sort then dry everything out and replace any relays that have gone etc.

A lot of the other electrical gremlins will be being caused by the battery management module issue, which may need the module replacing plus software updating.

If those 2 issues were resolved im sure it could be turned around and despite what I said it IS a nice car!

[The_Laird]

Originally Posted by Architex_mA8tey

I know you've fallen out of love with her Andy but I'm sure you can get to the bottom of these issues and get them fixed -

I was going to make some comment along the lines of not dumping someone you love just because they wouldn't get going a few times when you wanted ..... but I thought better of it!

[PsYcHe]

Appreciate you're down with the car Andy... I was like that when my PF D3 had all the issues, but if you can find the source of the water, that'll probably fix all the other issues, though maybe one or two modules may need replaced and you should be back to trouble free motoring.

[gninnam]

Originally Posted by Architex_mA8tey

I know youve fallen out of love with her Andy but I'm sure you can get to the bottom of these issues and get them fixed -

Blocked drains somewhere causing the electrical issues, sort then dry everything out and replace any relays that have gone etc.

A lot of the other electrical gremlins will be being caused by the battery management module issue, which may need the module replacing plus software updating.

If those 2 issues were resolved im sure it could be turned around and despite what I said it IS a nice car!

Originally Posted by PsYcHe

Appreciate you're down with the car Andy... I was like that when my PF D3 had all the issues, but if you can find the source of the water, that'll probably fix all the other issues, though maybe one or two modules may need replaced and you should be back to trouble free motoring.

Probably right, but these issues have been going on for several months now (went to replace the climate control module and the current one is coded to the car and Audio refused to take the component protection off so scuppered that quick and cheapish fix).

I think I know how the water may have got in - a few pics:

Picture of the rear window with the boot open and the plastic insert - notice on this shot that the edges do not meet:



In the next 2 shots, on the off-side, they are curled up and don't go under the rear window:





These are the 2 modules that were splashing about in water (not checked the other side of the boot as yet):


Cheers

[mannyo]

one of my rear window trim looks exactly the same Andy, but those plastic trims are just decorative and nothing to do with keeping water out, they are simply there to improve appearance. If you have etka you'll see that under those trims is the bodywork just like on the D2. Mine also have the gap in the centre, but my boot is completely dry. I'd be checking where the boot lights are mounted to the boot to make sure they are sealed properly, and the same with the wing mounted lights. If your spare wheel well is dry, and it was just the drivers side that was wet under the battery my bet would be on the outer tail light not sealing properly.