Unable to Start Engine and MFD Error Messages

[RoccoR]

Yesterday evening I went for a drive with a mate. We stopped for about ten minutes to watch distant firework display whilst sitting in the Rocco. During that time I forgot to turn my lights off. When I went to start the ignition there was a clicking sound and on the MFD a error message was displayed saying ‘ESC Stabalisation’ or something like that. I tried a few times and the same happened. We got out the car and locked it. Waited a few minutes and unlocked it got back in and tried to start the engine again, but got the same message as before. After a while a further message appeared saying something about the ‘Airbag’. We were unable to start the car and eventually had to get the car recovered to my local VW dealership who unfortunately are closed until Monday.

Has anyone experienced the same or similar? Or have any idea what may be wrong?

My car is a 2 year old (from new) Scirocco R and has 10,400 miles on the clock. I’ve not had any problems since taking ownership of the car. The recovery guy reckons it’s a battery problem, but I’m not convinced. Could having left the lights on for just ten minutes cause this to happen?

Would really appreciate your feedback.

Many thanks, J

[Jellybee]

I have the exact same issue since yesterday. Was listening to music for a few hours while changing the tail lights and suddenly while playing around with the navi audio settings the sound started to crack and fade away. Battery is 2 weeks old, when I try to start now only thing I hear is a really fast clicking sound and the MFD flashes. Checked the battery voltage and says 11.1v. Going to jumpstart it tomorrow and see if that helps

[RoccoTom]

I don't think it would have anything to do with the lights, as they would have switched themselves off automatically when you turned off the engine - assuming that you didn't sit there for 10 minutes with the ignition on unnecessarily or the engine running.

I'm sure it'll be an easy fix, but perhaps it's all fate's way of rewarding those who go out 'for a drive with a mate' sitting in their own car, one day after their country has gone into an enforced lockdown...

[RoccoR]

I have the exact same issue since yesterday. Was listening to music for a few hours while changing the tail lights and suddenly while playing around with the navi audio settings the sound started to crack and fade away. Battery is 2 weeks old, when I try to start now only thing I hear is a really fast clicking sound and the MFD flashes. Checked the battery voltage and says 11.1v. Going to jumpstart it tomorrow and see if that helps

Thank you for your reply. That really fast clicking sound was exactly what mine is doing. VW dealership are going to look at it tomorrow morning. It's still under warranty as it's 2 years old (from new).

Let me know how you get on with your rocco

[RoccoR]

I don't think it would have anything to do with the lights, as they would have switched themselves off automatically when you turned off the engine - assuming that you didn't sit there for 10 minutes with the ignition on unnecessarily or the engine running.

I'm sure it'll be an easy fix, but perhaps it's all fate's way of rewarding those who go out 'for a drive with a mate' sitting in their own car, one day after their country has gone into an enforced lockdown...

Thanks for your input. I will know tomorrow when VW look at it.

Just to clarify something (not that I need to), I actually went to a supermarket during my little drive to get essential groceries and pulled over to watch fireworks on the way back home. The friend who was with me is my carer and in my support bubble. Best not be so judgemental when you know nothing about me or the full circumstances!!

[2207]

Did the reocvery guy not jump it?

[RoccoR]

Hi 2207,
I tried that. I have a GB40 1000A NOCO Jump Starter kit, but it made no difference. I'm not convinced it's the battery. Anyway, it's with VW now and in the workshop, so will be interesting to see what's up. I'll let you know.

Cheers J

[Jellybee]

I managed to get mine on the road again by simply jumpstarting the battery with another car. I’m pretty sure it’s your battery or starter motor. You could’ve put a multimeter on your battery and check to voltage to be sure. Anyways if it’s in warranty you shouldn’t worry let us know how it ended up for you!

[RichZTT]

When you have the battery changed you tend to get multiple symbols on the dash, one should be a steering wheel. You have to reset the power steering/ESP by turning the steering wheel full lock left then to full lock right this should clear the symbol. Did you do this?

[Cuprabob]

When you have the battery changed you tend to get multiple symbols on the dash, one should be a steering wheel. You have to reset the power steering/ESP by turning the steering wheel full lock left then to full lock right this should clear the symbol. Did you do this?

You don't need to do the lock to lock. If you just take the car for a short drive the steering angle sensor will recalibrate and the steering / ESP / TPMS lights will go out..

[Jimjimjim]

I don't know if this is relevant but

Clicking is the sound of a relay. The battery has enough juice to run accessories but not enough CCAs to turn the motor over, you need a new battery. Batteries often die during a cold spell as CCA is related to temperature, in warmer weather an old battery can put out enough juice but when the cold hits it's just not strong enough.