Sudden Battery Failure!

[Fat Audi 80]

Hi Steve,

While this partiular problem was not a 'killer' problem that way some of them on here are, thanks for posting nonetheless as with everyone's contribution's we all learn something from every thread.

Which all contributes to making it 'easier' for all of us to run these cars as they get older and older.

Thanks again.

no problem. I like the easy ones....

[macspring]

Hi Steve,

While this partiular problem was not a 'killer' problem that way some of them on here are, thanks for posting nonetheless as with everyone's contribution's we all learn something from every thread.

Which all contributes to making it 'easier' for all of us to run these cars as they get older and older.

Thanks again.

[Taavi]

To charge totally empty batteries I just bought a "stupid" transformer charger. Does not cost a fortune. Everyday charging is made with Ctek.

[Tonybolony]

My ctek won't touch a totally flat battery. You can trigger them to get them going, can't remember how though!

If you have a boost pack- connect it to your Dead battery, connect the Ctec charger, and leave it for an hour or so, then disconnect boost pack Without disconnecting (or turning off) Ctec. Leave Ctec on for 3-4 days. (Even if it says 'Full').

I understand that all intelligent chargers have a safety feature built-in to protect from faulty batteries, and that is what is preventing them from charging if the battery voltage is too low.

I'm also guessing that your battery is goosed, but it's worth a go. (Maybe before doing this, I'd be tempted to connect Ctec to your New battery, whilst on the car, for a few days, as it may be that you're not doing enough mileage to bring the new battery up- and especially with () the onset of winter).

Oh, and if the old battery does retain a charge, don't store it on a concrete floor without something to insulate it from the coldness of the concrete in winter. (I've never really understood this, but it's something (as a leisure battery supplier) we've been told; by a battery manufacturer).

[kompressorgolf]

Had one last week go out in two different audi's. Started the B5 S4 no problem drove to my shop, shut it off to unlock door and open garage, get in and just clicks. Pushed it in and charges it low for a few hours. Still nothing, measured voltage and it was 12.8v but it had no amps, and replaced it. Few weeks later my CQ battery did same thing. Bad year for batteries i guess....

[Fat Audi 80]

Had exactly the same situation a couple of weeks back with my R26... it spent months on axle stands this spring/summer and started first time without a hiccup, but then decided after being left for a week since its last journey that it no longer wanted to work. The ctek didn't touch it either, so likewise, just got a new battery, and spot-on since.

I did put the removed battery on the ctek once off the car and it is reporting that it's charged... which is interesting!

Interesting.... I have fitted new battery and all is well. I might stick my "old" battery on long term charge on my ctek and see what happens. All is well for ADI tomorrow now.

[URSIMPO]

Every Audi both me and dad have owned: 90, 100, A4, TT and S6 have suffered 'sudden dead battery' syndrome. Strange....

[domas]

a section failed - went open

[Sonic]

Had exactly the same situation a couple of weeks back with my R26... it spent months on axle stands this spring/summer and started first time without a hiccup, but then decided after being left for a week since its last journey that it no longer wanted to work. The ctek didn't touch it either, so likewise, just got a new battery, and spot-on since.

I did put the removed battery on the ctek once off the car and it is reporting that it's charged... which is interesting!

[John.]

I think the technique is to use a conventional (old) battery charger to get some voltage into it first and then use a modern battery charger.

Yup, my "clever" charger needs the "good old charger" to give it a kick before the new clever one will start charging it.

[Colesy]

A sudden cold snap can kill batteries, had one go earlier in the week. You can sometimes get them to take charge by charging in series with a known good battery.

[twoqu]

Bite the bullet and get a new one. Not worth the inconveneince of being stranded somewhere. I think the technique is to use a conventional (old) battery charger to get some voltage into it first and then use a modern battery charger. Having said that if its been discharged to that kind of voltage its had it!
Agree with Alex, get a Varta from one of the battery companies. They seem to have better specs then the Bosch equivelent for some reason!

[Fat Audi 80]

When my last battery died the AA man that came out said the new technology batteries can go suddenly, unlike the old style lead/acid which tend to tail off and give you plenty of warning. Could be sales bullsh*t but does seem to stand true.

Well this one fell off the edge of a cliff, so it could well be true!

[AndyP]

Time for a new one. Keep your eye out for 45% discount at GSF every now and again.

Those offers are useless as all they do is put the price UP first. They have a 45% off today, but the battery they list for the S2 is £224

[SteveH]

My ctek charger won't touch it, doesn't even recognise it as a flat battery!

My ctek won't touch a totally flat battery. You can trigger them to get them going, can't remember how though!