Volkswagen Polo- electrical fault / dead battery

MyaP · 05-05-2015 08:13PM #1

Hi all, just got a car 2 and a half months ago, Volkswagen polo comfortline 2003, ran fine apart from some strange things that are now highlighting a problem that I hope can easily be fixed!

Sometimes the electrical windows don't work just happened twice but it worried me as cannot turn them down manual, twice I saw a small light in front lamps on even though I had turned off the lights, then by accident I left the full lights on and had to get the car jump started, it then ran fine but again I saw the little light on sometimes and would turn the car on and off, tonight I go out and car was running fine yesterday and now the battery is flat again! I don't run the car much but now wonder if there is some electrical fault as I try to turn that light off, also on the dashboard, the left and right don't click at all, no noise I mean, I just go by the light indicators, any ideas?
Ps also know good Volkswagen mechanics in North Dublin City ? Any recommendations as need to jump start this car tomorrow

emeldc · 05-05-2015 08:26PM

The little light you're seeing is probably a parking light which is activated by pushing all the way up or down on the indicator stalk. It would be enough to run the battery down if it's left on long enough. When you park up check that the stalk is in the 'off' position ( centered). This will all be covered in the manual if you have one.

flutered · 05-05-2015 08:26PM

i had a similar problem with a renault kangoo, i accidently found out that my ignition key was at fault, when i started to use the spare key (accidently) my grief ended, i am not saying that it will work for you

MyaP · 05-05-2015 10:54PM

Thank you both, yes it was a tiny parking light from stalk, still suprized battery went over night but it was over 24 hours, just in terms of battery jumping the car, I heard you have to run the car for a good while after is that right? Got exams so not planning to use the car, is it alright to leave it flat for a few days?

Feeling very stupid re the parking light but now I know !

emeldc · 05-05-2015 11:10PM

MyaP wrote: »

Thank you both, yes it was a tiny parking light from stalk, still suprized battery went over night but it was over 24 hours, just in terms of battery jumping the car, I heard you have to run the car for a good while after is that right? Got exams so not planning to use the car, is it alright to leave it flat for a few days?

Feeling very stupid re the parking light but now I know !

Once it's jump started the best way to charge the battery again is to drive it for a half hour preferably in daylight. This should be enough to get it started again the next day. A battery in top condition will still start a car after a month or two of lying up. A weak battery can run flat in a week of non use. The only way to find out how good the battery is, is to get it tested but if you're using it every few days it should be fine.

Volkswagen Polo- electrical fault / dead battery

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