(Semi) Urgent Request For Help.... Dash lit up like Xmas

[B.J.W]

Advice/Suggestions much appreciated in advance.....

I've been prepping my VW camper (T5 1.9 TD) ahead of a long weekend away this Easter. I started and moved the Van off the drive and back on again for a central position. At this point, everything was working fine.

I've topped up with fluids (oil was the only thing that needed doing - about a litre put in) and checked tyre pressures (using portable charger that plugs into the interior jack point on the dash. I decided to give the Van a little run - upon starting up the Red Warning (!) light started flashing and the ABS, Traction and Engine Management yellow lights came on. The fuel gauge started fluctuating wildly (between empty - the fuel light keeps pinging on - and half full). Bizarrely, the speedo does not work at all either. I've tried disconnecting the battery (power is still on the dash which is coming from the leisure battery), but nothing happens.

I'm at a loss as to what the issue could be. I'm guessing that there might be an issue caused by plugging in the tyre inflator? The inflator was switched on when I plugged it into the machine (ignition was off).

Any ideas? I've a few days to try and sort things out, but it's an important weekend, so if I can at least get an idea as to what I might have done it could save a lot of fannying around.

Thanks

[Crafty_]

check battery voltage. I'd disconnect the leisure battery for the moment.

[MG CHRIS]

Battery problem either the batter is dead or the alternator isn't charging the battery. If you have a voltmeter check the voltage of the battery with engine of then when the engine running with lights on etc.

Should be running over 13.8v with engine running anything below that problem with the alternator.

[B.J.W]

Thanks Guys.

I will take a look tomorrow when light (and patience) is on my side....

[MG0o]

Might not help but worth a try as the wifes old golf did a Christmas tree dash a while ago, even the handbrake light was flashing.

Basically the problem I found to be a plug connector on the battery which wasnt fully clicked into place, once I had done that it was all sorted again, the garage she took it to missed it as they couldn't read via the obd (it wasnt getting power D'oh!)

Anyway It might not help at all but as they are both VW perhaps a similar power connector is on near the battery that might have just moved enough to disconnect, like it did on hers.

GL sorting your problem out, the weather wont last forever!