MK4- Golf 1.6 Stalling in reverse and battery dying

[craftybunny]

Hi my Golf 1.6 - mileage 130k, 2003 model stalls every time in reverse if a lot of gas is not pushed. And every time the car stalls, its almost impossible to start it again and usually after couple of times turning the key the battery goes flat.

When the car is in first gear and reverse it seems to need a lot more gas than you would normally imagine.

I am thinking the battery needs replacing but I also have a feeling that something else is wrong with the car as well. Any advice?

[Mr2Mike]

Is the clutch dragging?

[freddytin]

Mr2Mike said:

Is the clutch dragging?

Surely, it would grind when engaging reverse ?

Put a voltmeter on the battery at tickover and check it's 13.5 ish

A lazy alternator / charging problem would produce your symptoms

[paintman]

Assuming it's manual, if it stalls after you select a gear whilst stationary & holding the clutch pedal down then likely issue is either the clutch not fully disengaging or the gearbox input shaft binding in the spigot bearing.

Assuming the alternator isn't ECU controlled (I've no experience of those) put a voltmeter across the battery. With all lights, heater, radio etc turned off start engine raise to around 2000 rpm. Looking for around 14.4 volts.

If the battery has been flattened then fully charge with a battery charger.

[Mr2Mike]

freddytin said:

Surely, it would grind when engaging reverse ?

Assuming there's is no reverse synchro on this box, then yes.

freddytin said:

Put a voltmeter on the battery at tickover and check it's 13.5 ish

A lazy alternator / charging problem would produce your symptoms

Why would a lazy alternator allow it to idle perfectly until it's put into gear?

[freddytin]

Mr2Mike said:

Why would a lazy alternator allow it to idle perfectly until it's put into gear?

The extra load of spinning the box full of gears in a gloopy transmission oil .

Not immense I grant you ,but possibly enough ?

Edit to add..The extra load reducing the rpm , which reduces output from the weak alternator, which in turn produces a weak spark and fuel pump pressure.

An easy first step to check alternator output before over complicating what might be an easy fix.

If the alternator is serviceable then a replacement battery would be my next action.

Edited by freddytin on Tuesday 28th June 12:01