Should I have push started my scirocco?

[risingson]

Hello

Thanks to lack of use recently, and possibly one of those free VW connect devices (which I briefly tried out last week but left plugged into the OBD port - would that drain the battery?) , my battery went flat.

A mate push started the car for me. I was looking at the manual beforehand (under tow starting) - although it said jump starting was preferable the first reason it gave was the risk of an accident. So we were fine on that one.

The car went 10 metres at 5mph and started immediately in 2nd gear. But I now see in the manual there's a risk of damaging the catalytic convertor. Is that a serious issue? If so, my bad...



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[Cuprabob]

I wouldn't worry about it. Yes, the catalytic convertor can be damaged by unburnt fuel been dumped down the exhaust but it would take more than one jump start to cause any damage.

The dangle plugged into the OBD port shouldn't have flattened the battery as I'm sure the power to it is switched off with the ignition. More likely the cold ambient temperatures are reducing the charge in your battery. If the battery is over 5 years old I would consider replacing it before the real cold weather appears.

[risingson]

Thanks bob, to be honest I've noticed the battery charge was dipping recently - and given its a 59 reg on original batt that may be why! Strange VW didn't suggest that at the service last month.

Glad to hear 1 push start prob OK - I just won't make a habit of it. To be honest the instructions for jump starting seemed like there were a lot of risks there too!

I had the 1.4 tsi misfire problem for several years before it was fixed, so i wouldn't be surprised if the cat isn't tip top due to that either!


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[xjay1337]

Change the battery, at 8 years old it's well past it's best.

Bump starting will not damage the car.

The car does not piss fuel down the down pipe, when you bump start it will fuel according to the fuelling table in the ECU.

[skippy]

Perhaps I should consider changing my battery soon, still running off the original on an 09 plate, but mine is garaged which must help as it does not face extreme cold temps etc.

[SurgicalProcedures]

From what I read a couple months ago, when bump starting the 1.4 there's a risk of the timing chain slipping a tooth if your tensioner is faulty/failing (or if the chain has stretched over time).

[xjay1337]

There is no difference between bump starting and regular starting as far as the physical engine is concerned