Please take a loook at the following video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A-uGiygrIRQ

I went to start my car about 15 mins ago and I noticed that the time and my mileage (the one which you can reset manually) had reset.

Once you put the key in and turn it, there are 2/3 clicks before the engine actually starts... Well when my car reaches the one just before the key starting, it makes a really strange noise.

I have just noticed that my petrol gauge and oil temp gauge constantly have power to them, showing a reading on the dial. Once I turn the key 2/3 clicks it makes a horrible noise which it doesn't usually.

Can someone help me please as I think with it powering them two gauges it will slowly be draining my battery wont it? Does anyone know if I disconnect the battery, will it do anything?

Thanks in advance guys...

Tom.

Edited 26 June, 200818 yr by Smidley

other halfs kinda did this! Changed the battery as it was fooked. Alls well now.

:( Its a bit late for buying a new battery!! Shops will be closed. I'm buggered.

Would disconnecting the battery do anything?

Edited 25 June, 200818 yr by Smidley

I have called the AA to come out, hopefully they will be able to sort it. I've got the full wack on the AA card (joined my mums boyfriends membership) so might as well use it eh?

Good idea with the video. Had the exact same problem on our 6n when the battery failed. With that whirring sound....

The clues are the clock resets and try opening the door to activate the courtesy light and then start the car. I must admit the expert diagnosis was indeed by the AA. New battery later and all was sweet.

PoloD.

Sounds like the battery is FUBAR'd then!!

Bugger.

Lol.

@ PoloD & vwmk3jon - Was it possible for you to start your car? Or was your battery dead?

Oh and turn your radio off when starting the car!

Yeah, it did start....

Test with multimeter... 11v when off and 14v when car is on. Do not electrocute yourself!

Well... The AA man has just been.

I explained what was the matter, he had a quick look, said "Ummm looks like a faulty gauge!"

So I said, "Well why has it reset the clock and the mileage?"

He said, "Hmm I dont really know! But there is nothing I can do."

I then asked if the battery would go flat over night. So he checked with some device he got out of his van and said there is only mA's coming out from the battery, therefore it will not drain the battery over night.

Not very useful really...

Would this sort of thing happen if there was a short circuit? Would a short circuit reset the clock/mileage?

TYIA.

Oh and turn your radio off when starting the car!

WHY?

I got up this morning and the battery was fine. So thats good news.

One thing I did notice though, as it reset my clock/mileage, I obviously reset the clock on my journey to work this morning. When I arrived at work, I turned off my car. Then I just started it again to see what would happen.

And it reset my clock/mileage again! BARSTEWARD! There is definately something wrong, might it be a fuse or something?

I really really dont know.

Hey what happened to getting the AA out? Ideal opportunity at work!

Well... The AA man has just been.

I explained what was the matter, he had a quick look, said "Ummm looks like a faulty gauge!"

So I said, "Well why has it reset the clock and the mileage?"

He said, "Hmm I dont really know! But there is nothing I can do."

I then asked if the battery would go flat over night. So he checked with some device he got out of his van and said there is only mA's coming out from the battery, therefore it will not drain the battery over night.

Not very useful really...

Would this sort of thing happen if there was a short circuit? Would a short circuit reset the clock/mileage?

TYIA.

try the fuse box mine did that changed battery no change move fuse box and lost everything was advised to lock it up and walk away for ten (stressed) went back moved fuse box to right position now av no problem with it

You could always try resetting the ECU? Not sure if it helps but you never know, the clocks etc are linked to the ECU anyway are they not?

try the fuse box mine did that changed battery no change move fuse box and lost everything was advised to lock it up and walk away for ten (stressed) went back moved fuse box to right position now av no problem with it

what do you mean by move the fusebox? where is the fusebox located? thanks very much.

Thank the Lord! Problem is solved.

It ended up just being a 5A fuse that had gone in slot 27 in the fuse box.

So if anyone is having the same problem. Please try this before changing batteries or doing anything dramatic!!

Thanks everyone for your help!!

Tom.