Guest Jase&Stace Posted May 11, 2007 Hi All, I got in my beloved GTI last night after 6 months daily use with no problems whatsoever, only to find the car dead on the key. There were no dash lights and the immobiliser light wasn't flashing either. Now being very un-mechanical and/or knowledgeable I had a friend test the battery and this shows as fine. Any ideas where to start or is this a known fault with older cars - mine is on an 'H' with 119k on the clock and has been driving like a dream. Thanks for any help. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jackherer 543 Posted May 11, 2007 The main positive wire from the battery to the small black fuse (shunt) box on the slam panel is the first thing to look at, they can break at the ring connector where they connect to the shunt box. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Jase&Stace Posted May 11, 2007 Thanks for the quick reply there Jackherer (good nickname lol) - sorry if I have repeated questions asked before. I have just done a search on electrics and found a couple of previous threads on this so hopefully I have something to work against - my biggest problem is I know nothing about electrics...... If it helps I had no lights - either external or interior. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
welshpug 1,657 Posted May 11, 2007 sounds like a bat flattery. did you get any dash lights at all before attempting to start? if you did it's quite likely to be a jammed starter solenoid causing a constant open circuit, quite common if batteries are tired. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Richie-Van-GTi 71 2 Cars Posted May 11, 2007 Another thing worth checking is that the twist connector for the battery negative is making a good contact, they are also prone to being tempremental. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
matty_gti 20 Posted May 11, 2007 Deff the main power cable from the battery to the black box attached to the slam panel. My power cable broke when I came shooting over a bridge then 'boom' all my power went and all i saw was my battery light faid away!. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Jase&Stace Posted May 11, 2007 Thanks for the tips. I'm now off to have a look, armed with a mate and a large wad of printouts from these forums. Will report back....... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Guest Jase&Stace Posted May 11, 2007 Now purring like a kitten It was indeed a knackered ring connector - cheers for all the suggestions guys. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites