Galaxy 04 tdi charging issues

[pete1234]

I have recently purchased an 04 plate Galaxy ghia TDI. I knew it had a charging fault when I bought it, and assumed it was the alternator wire in the fuse box by the battery.

There has been some heat issues but not as I expected





As you can see from the photo's, the top alternator wire seems to be in tip top shape. It is the bottom one which has been severely affected. The outer cover has broken and the inner cable is clearly visible. I do not know where this wire goes and if this could be the cause of battery trouble.

I do know that while taking a look it seemed to short and activate the central locking.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[Chrispb]

Hello Pete and 

Looks like it's had a new fuse box and alternator lead although ideally the new lead and the lead adjacent would be better soldered to prevent further oxidation, the lead showing signs of burning is the supply for glow plugs and auxiliary heater.
I would start by fitting a new crimp to the damaged lead, have not seen this lead suffer before but unlikely to affect charging.
Make sure the battery is fully charged then check the alternator is charging correctly, should show over 13.5volts+ with engine running and lights heater etc on.

[pete1234]

If i do not use the car every day and leave it, after 48 hours the car will not start and need a charger.

I even have  a quick release fitted to the battery  terminal  to disconnect when not in use.

I am ordering a new battery tomorrow and will sort the damaged lead. Also check the voltage with the engine running

[Mirez]

Check the draw, see the reference library for "testing parasitic drain" for details

[pete1234]

Ok. Done some tests this morning.

Battery is reading 12.8v

With the engine running, wipers, lights and heated screen 13.7-13.9v

Tested for power drain following the instructions as per the parasitic drain thread. when in sleep mode 30-40 milliamps.

I have not changed the damaged cable yet, now on my to do list for this afternoon.

any other circuits I should test?

thanks for the advice

[pete1234]

The damaged cable was repaired this afternoon. I re checked the battery voltage after it had been stood a while. It had dropped to 12.5.
The battery is coming up to 4 years old and has been discharged, so is not in the greatest of shape. I have ordered a new one and will put on tomorrow.

Is there any other circuit that can be tested for power drains?

[Mirez]

You can test all of them, its not unknown for the alternators rectifier to fail and cause a discharge but sounds more like your battery has just had its day