Loopy Lupo

[Lupy lupo]

Hi - Lupo owner here, not too many comments about that please. I'm new and like cidermix, on the Why won't she start thread, found this forum. I hope it's ok to ask a question so soon.

Here's the story so far:

1. Lupo wouldn't start - seemed like battery flat!
2. RAC said it was possibly immobiliser
3. Garage said it could be ignition switch - another garage fitted new ignition switch.
4. Lupo worked for two short journeys.
5. Lupo wouldn't start - seemed like battery flat!
6. Same garage that fitted ignition switch said battery not holding charge - battery under guarantee, so replaced.
7. Lupo worked for two short journeys.
8. Lupo wouldn't start - seems like battery flat!!!

Is it definately/could it be the alternator? Just read something that mentioned fuses - checked those - seem ok on top of battery.

Please help if you can. I'm a novice so please spell out any jargon. Thank you very very much

L

[big dub]

Hello from a fellow Lupo owner.

That's an odd one! Just started with an annoying fault myself, bloody thing won't idle at start up till it gets warm.

Sorry I can't help you with a diagnosis, just wanted to say hi to another Lupo owner

[Lupy lupo]

Thanks for that. I actually share the car with a friend, drive a Peugeot 306 mainly. The Lupo has incredible class. When the doors shut, they shut, no nonsense, great sound! I love the way it drives too. It's a 1.4 and makes a move much quicker in town than my deisel car.

I'm hoping for someone clever to come up with a theory. This one's blue - how about yours?

[big dub]

Green 1.4S, check my profile. Love it!! Desperately want some phat 14" rims!

[chrisk]

My other half used to have a lupo, brilliant car, I got caught speeding in it and it was the 1.0!!

She had the same problem, I mentioned it to a vw specialist, he said it was a common problem with lupos/polos and will get worse over time - hers didn't get worse and then we sold it so we didn't need to repair it!

Anyway, it was ignition related and he said was an easy fix. Take it to a specialist and they should know of the issue (its common) and they can quickly fix it. I know of a good specialist in Stockport if you're local, PM me if interested.

[Lupy lupo]

Thanks Chrisk. A VW garage did say the ignition switch was a common problem on Lupos. The garage I used fitted a new ignitions switch. Are you saying there is another common ignition problem?

[weed]

How many miles has it got on it?
If 50k or above it could be worn brushes in the alternator making just enough contact to keep the charging light off, but not enough to deep charge the battery....with the engine running you should see a minimum of 13.6v across the battery terminals. You should see 14+ volts with a DVOM pos lead connected to the output stud on the alternator and the neg lead to an earthing point on the engine. If the brushes are bad you'll see a dithering and lower average voltage.

How old is the battery?
If it is close to the end of its lifespan, it may be failing to deep charge.... If it is weak, A load test will show it dropping below 10v while the starter is operating.

m

[Lupy lupo]

Thanks Weed. It's had a new battery fitted. I'm sending it to garage on Tuesday. Have failed miserably to determine problem. I'm stil suspicious of alternator, as you suggest. I'll let you know!