VW Spacefox Battery Sensor Issues & Starting Problems

Having dealt with a similar issue on my 2004 VW Golf with the same 1.6L gasoline engine, I can share my experience. The symptoms match exactly what I encountered, dim lights and weak starting despite normal battery voltage readings. After some basic checks, the workshop diagnosed a faulty voltage sensor on the battery, which was providing incorrect readings to the car's electrical system. The repair involved: Complete diagnostic scan, Testing the battery charge system, Replacing the defective battery sensor, Recalibrating the new sensor Total cost was 315€ including parts and labor. Since the fix, the electrical system has been working perfectly with no more starting issues or dim lights. To provide more specific advice for your case, could you share: Current battery age, Whether check engine light is on, Any error codes from diagnostic scans, If alternator output was properly tested under load These details would help determine if your Spacefox has the same underlying issue. The battery sensor problems are somewhat common on these VW models from that era, especially when the original sensor reaches 8-10 years old. Given my experience with similar VW models, its worth having a professional workshop check the complete charging system, as replacing parts without proper diagnosis can get expensive.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My Spacefox has 40942km from the latest service and Im seeing identical symptoms. The battery sensor diagnosis makes sense as my voltage readings are inconsistent. The vehicle diagnostics showed no error codes, but the low voltage issues persist even after charging the battery overnight. Will definitely get the charging system professionally tested based on your feedback. The battery maintenance history shows its the original sensor, so it could well be showing its age after 17 years. The alternator output test was done but only at idle, sounds like I should get it properly load tested too before replacing any parts.

Thanks for the update on your Spacefox. After completing the repairs on my Golf, I learned that battery voltage readings can be deceptive when dealing with a faulty sensor. The load test is crucial, our VW models need proper alternator testing at various RPMs under load, not just idle. My original sensor lasted about 15 years before failing, so yours being 17 years old definitely raises red flags. The inconsistent voltage readings you mentioned were exactly what I experienced before the repair. During my repair process, the workshop found that inaccurate battery sensor signals were causing the electrical system to mismanage power distribution. This explains why your lights flicker despite having a charged battery. A quick tip from my experience: make sure the workshop performs a full charging system diagnostic. When they replaced my sensor, they also discovered minor alternator wear that wasnt obvious during basic testing. The combined fix of both issues completely resolved my low voltage problems. The lack of error codes is actually common with these sensor failures, my Golf showed clean diagnostics too despite having clear battery management issues. Looking forward to hearing how your repair goes. These VW electrical systems are quite reliable once the battery sensor and charging components are working correctly.

Thanks for the helpful advice. Just got back from the workshop and wanted to close out this thread with my final update. The full charging system diagnostic confirmed what you suggested, the battery sensor was indeed faulty. Load testing revealed the alternator was actually performing within specs, but the incorrect sensor readings were causing the car to mismanage the battery voltage. They replaced the battery sensor and recalibrated the system. Total repair cost was 290€. The starting power is now much stronger and all interior lights work perfectly with no more flickering. Battery testing shows consistent voltage readings across different operating conditions. Looking back, the symptoms matched exactly what others described, inconsistent voltage readings despite a healthy battery, and no error codes showing up in diagnostics. Would definitely recommend anyone with similar issues on these VW models to have their battery sensor checked, especially if its the original one from 15+ years ago. Thanks again for helping me diagnose this correctly and avoid unnecessary parts replacement. Case closed on this electrical issue.