ameliedunkel4
Seat Alhambra Weak Starts and Flickering Lights
Summary of the thread
A 2004 Seat Alhambra with a gasoline engine is experiencing weak starts and flickering lights, particularly at idle. The initial suspicion is a faulty battery sensor, which could significantly impact battery health. After diagnostics at a repair shop, it is confirmed that the voltage sensor is indeed faulty, while the battery remains in good condition. The issue is resolved by replacing the sensor, preventing potential further damage to the car's battery and charging system.
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4 comment(s)
ameliedunkel4 (community.author)
Thanks for the quick reply! I will check the voltage when the engine is off. But where exactly is the voltage sensor located? Is it integrated into the car battery, or is it somewhere else in the engine compartment? And would a standard OBD2 scanner show a specific error code for a faulty battery sensor, or would it be something more generic?
sarahfox1
Okay, given the symptoms and the information you've provided, it does strongly suggest a problem with the battery sensor. I am not completely certain about the exact location on your Alhambra model year, but I think it is best to take it to a workshop for proper vehicle diagnostics. They should be able to pinpoint the issue quickly and replace the faulty sensor. Ignoring it could lead to further problems with the car battery and charging system, and that would be much more expensive.
ameliedunkel4 (community.author)
Great news, and thanks for your insight! I took it to the repair shop, and after their vehicle diagnostics, it turned out that the voltage sensor was indeed faulty. The car battery itself was still in good condition, thankfully! Final repair cost was around 315€, including the part and labour. Considering the potential damage a failing sensor could cause, I'm actually relieved it's sorted. I appreciate your help in figuring this out!
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SEAT
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ALHAMBRA
sarahfox1
That does sound like a faulty battery sensor. Flickering lights and weak starts are common symptoms. Have you checked the voltage of the car battery itself when the engine is off? It should be around 12.6 volts. What readings are you getting? Also, is the battery warning light illuminated on the dashboard?