[T3] cool weather idle hunt
Jim Adney
jadney at VWType3.org
Wed Jan 11 09:46:56 PST 2017
On 11 Jan 2017 at 9:32, Daniel Nohejl wrote:
> I didn't drive the car this morning, but when I got in yesterday
> morning, I plugged the mini voltmeter into the charging port and got a
> reading of 12.5. Since voltage at the charge port has tended to read
> either .1 or .2 volts below the battery, I figured the charging system
> was working. I should still get the battery tested though.
That's very good for overnight with no loads applied. Your battery is
probably fine, but, as William says, it's possible, but rare, for the
battery to have an odd internal problem.
I assume you've checked all the connections around the engine,
including on the generator. Also check the tightness of all the
connections under the backseat: battery, VR, FI power relay. Make
sure the FI relay attaching screw is tight. Check both ends of the
battery ground strap. Make sure the battery posts stick up above the
tops of the battery clamps. Check the wire from the battery +
terminal to the VR and the + terminal to the FI relay. Don't remove
and replace those connectors, just wiggle them to make sure they are
snug. Don't get out the steel wool; it doesn't help and the steel
bits can cause problems elsewhere.
The AAR can't open and close rapidly, unless the adjustment screw has
come loose or fallen out (not good, because you have to wonder where
it went.) But it can get sticky and not respond to temp as it should.
I'm assuming that you don't hear relays clicking when you have this
idle problem. If you do, that's a VERY important clue.
Does this problem appear ONLY at idle and never appear to cause
jerkyness while driving? Seems pretty odd, but this has certainly
been the "poster car" for odd problems.
--
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Jim Adney, jadney at vwtype3.org
Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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