Started up the Cupra today after over 2 months....

[Dave&Nick]

Hi all,

As stated in the title, had the car jump-started today as it hasnt been driven for slightly over 2 months. Car was totally dead, but once started I took it for a short drive. Everything was fine, but I had to constantly give it revs or it just died, with the battery light coming on. When I brought it back to my house and stopped giving it revs it cut out. It starts up and runs fine, provided I get a jump and give it constant revs.
My question is- does this sound like I require a new battery, or does it sound like something more expensive (eg. alternator)? Bear in mind I drove the car for about 5 mins today, and that didnt give it enough charge...
Thanks in advance for any help guys.

 

[Dave&Nick]

...

 

[CraigW]

Could possibly be the battery. Best thing to do would be to take it for a good blast, enough to charge the battery up again and take it from there.

Also when its running, use a multimeter to check if the alternator is charging the battery up.

 

[suj]

does it start up fine, but not idle? if so it's a throttle body problem (i had the same, either 1 of the 2 switches on the TB)

it could also be a gunked up TB, so you could clean that too!

finally it could be battery/alternator, take her for a good run get some juice back in (next time just undo battery when not in use )

 

[Dave&Nick]

does it start up fine, but not idle? if so it's a throttle body problem (i had the same, either 1 of the 2 switches on the TB)

it could also be a gunked up TB, so you could clean that too!

finally it could be battery/alternator, take her for a good run get some juice back in (next time just undo battery when not in use )

Could well be that I didnt drive it for long enough, Ill give the car a longer run and see how I go. Have to say i was a bit worried after having not started it for so long and it sitting in this horrible weather, but it drove perfectly.

 

[puma]

Does sound like the throttle body

 

[Cupra Kid]

I'd guess that you've got some conjealed muck in your throttle body, the temperatures wont have helped, its a cheap and easy clean if you have a rag and some WD40 around.

Only other possibility is a temp sensor of some kind malfunctioning.

Wouldn't of though a dead batter would cause those issues as i've drive a car with a collapsed battery and it ran totally fine once going.

 

[Dave&Nick]

Well guys, sorry to resurrect an old thread, but the car just passed its MOT! So pleased, thought Id have to spend hundreds but all it needed was a wheel bearing and the headlamps adjusting.
The idle problem turned out to be the idle control valve, which was jammed apparently. We got round this by drilling a small hole in it to allow air in while I find a second hand one. car runs perfectly with a surprisingly even idle!
Even passed emissions with the decat fitted, all in all very successful. Now, where to find an idle control valve...

 

[Dave_R]

I had this problem with mine when I left it for 8 months. Sounds like th ebattery is dead so a new one or charge it up!

Cutting out problem I found it to me the air intake sensor on the air box/induction kit (which ever you have). I changed the sensor and it idled for 5 seconds then cut out, used my VAG Com and showed the sensor was faultly again???? Looked at the wiring and one of the wires had broken off, resoldered and engine idled perfect!

 

[Dave_R]

Even passed emissions with the decat fitted, all in all very successful. Now, where to find an idle control valve...

Funny enough because I've fitted throttle boides I don't use the idle control valve no more

And I know new from the Dealer is £200 odd

 

[Dolly_Gti]

Well guys, sorry to resurrect an old thread, but the car just passed its MOT! So pleased, thought Id have to spend hundreds but all it needed was a wheel bearing and the headlamps adjusting.
The idle problem turned out to be the idle control valve, which was jammed apparently. We got round this by drilling a small hole in it to allow air in while I find a second hand one. car runs perfectly with a surprisingly even idle!
Even passed emissions with the decat fitted, all in all very successful. Now, where to find an idle control valve...

i bought a valver which had been stood longer than 2 months and guess what same problem with cutting out at idle, and same fix.

Worth knowing