A hello from the lovely Garden of England

Thanks DS287, and all of you wonderful A2 enthusiasts. I was about to send a photo of the engine bay, just to be sure, as it seemed to look different from the photos that Howey had uploaded. I took out the battery and it was as flat as a dodo... So it's charging in the garage right now and in about 12 hours time I will know more :)
 
So, little update. Battery was dead, so charged it up today. When I tried to put it back, I connected the positive first, but as I wanted to put the negative back on, sparks were coming out... I disconnected everything hoping that anyone has some advice. Is it possibly the boot light which is causing it?
 
I also noticed that my local garage forgot to attach the hose for the gas venting system. It actually still has the plug in it... I have been driving like this for over 20,000 miles... Ai ai ai
 
So, little update. Battery was dead, so charged it up today. When I tried to put it back, I connected the positive first, but as I wanted to put the negative back on, sparks were coming out... I disconnected everything hoping that anyone has some advice. Is it possibly the boot light which is causing it?
Sparks were coming out of where? My experience is you often get sparks as you make the second battery connection, just electricity trying to complete the circuit by jumping the gap as the clamp gets very near the battery post.You need to put the clamp on briskly to avoid this, go for it, don't be timid or you will get more sparks.

Andy
 
The sparks are coming out of the negative terminal, as soon as the negative connector touches it. It almost feels as if they are melting together.
 
Make sure all car electricals are turned off. You will get some small sparks, just put it on briskly and firmly.
 
I wonder if the clamp is excessively loose from removal. Try this, remove the positive clamp and with imputinity adjust the nut and bolt on the earth clamp so that it is a good fit and just slides on the battery post by hand. Take it off and connect positive post and try connecting earth again briskly, once on possibly tugging gently on the cable to gain a better connection while tightening the nut and bolt. Wear gloves!

Andy
 
One thing is certain. If you are worried about the negative terminal sparking as you connect it to the battery - it will NEVER start. :)
 
Another update, car passed its MOT with no advisories :) and is back on the road... How I missed driving this marvel of German engineering. Only downside is that I have the issue with the heater which only emits hot air... Guess I will have myself a little projects between Christmas and Nea Years's
 
Back
Top