Possible Battery undercharging Fault code 00447

[dimexi]

Hi guys,
Just for a bit of insight, I first started this conversation with the late great RW1 a few months ago, topic is located here.

Basically, I followed his advice and got a VCDS cable for myself to monitor the fault. I have had my cable for about 2 months and I've run an autoscan each month to check for a recurrence of the fault.
Each month, I have found instances of recurrence - I will insert the latest autoscan of my central electronics module after my post.

Basically, the weather has warmed up, so my battery shouldn't be dropping down in charge for it to trigger the fault so often.
Has anyone else experienced this problem?! My warranty runs out in a month, and I am thinking of getting VW to replace the battery before I run into real trouble during the winter. Let me know what you think, if anyone has experienced this fault on an autoscan:

Chassis Type: 1K0
Scan: 01 03 08 09 10 14 15 16 17 19 25 2E 42 44 46 52 56

VIN: Edited out

01-Engine -- Status: OK 0000
03-ABS Brakes -- Status: OK 0000
04-Steering Angle -- Status: OK 0000
08-Auto HVAC -- Status: OK 0000
09-Cent. Elect. -- Status: Malfunction 0010
10-Park/Steer Assist -- Status: OK 0000
14-Susp. Elect. -- Status: OK 0000
15-Airbags -- Status: OK 0000
16-Steering wheel -- Status: OK 0000
17-Instruments -- Status: OK 0000
19-CAN Gateway -- Status: OK 0000
25-Immobilizer -- Status: OK 0000
2E-Media Player 3 -- Status: OK 0000
42-Door Elect, Driver -- Status: OK 0000
44-Steering Assist -- Status: OK 0000
46-Central Conv. -- Status: OK 0000
52-Door Elect, Pass. -- Status: OK 0000
56-Radio -- Status: OK 0000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Address 09: Cent. Elect. (J519) Labels: 1K0-937-08x-09.clb
Part No SW: 5K0 937 086 C HW: 5K0 937 086 C
Component: BCM PQ35 M 011 0029
Revision: BC011001
Coding: 48100A38F027E100400800803400812643513B88536D89605C8000000000
Shop #: WSC 00020 790 12345
VCID: 3449FED297CA0CB8F43

Subsystem 1 - Part No: 1K8 955 119 E Labels: 1KX-955-119.CLB
Component: Wischer 30011 22 0614
Coding: 009795

Subsystem 2 - Part No: 1K0 955 559 AH Labels: 1K0-955-559-AG.CLB
Component: RLS 260310 05 54 0403
Coding: 0730ED

Subsystem 3 - Part No: 1K8 951 171
Component: DWA-Sensor 00 001 0104
Coding: 000000

Subsystem 4 - Part No: 1K8 951 605 A
Component: LIN BACKUP HO H11 9004
Coding: 000000

1 Fault Found:
00447 - Function Limitation due to Over-Voltage
001 - Upper Limit Exceeded - Intermittent
Freeze Frame:
Fault Status: 00100001
Fault Priority: 6
Fault Frequency: 4
Reset counter: 242
Mileage: 42418 km
Time Indication: 0
Date: 2099.14.13
Time: 07:59:36

Freeze Frame:
Term 15 On
Voltage: 14.35 V
ON
ON
OFF
OFF
OFF


-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[ZephyR]

I'm afraid none of that means anything to me. However I had a similar problems with my battery to Chris (was getting the low voltage bonging sound quite often especially in winter) and doing mainly short runs.
Interesting reading that other thread. I got the failed bulb warning light a few weeks ago and found the the front left side light was out. I gave it a tap and it came back on and the warning light went. The problem came back again in a few days and although tapping it again worked I thought I would take the bulb out to have a look at it so I could get a new one. I was quite surprised to find that the bulb was tinted a very dark blue (black ??) but just thought it was a VW specification.
The wiring to the bulb holder seemed a bit tight so I pulled some slack through and the bulb warning light has not come on since. However a week ago I noticed that I was getting a message on the MFD telling me to check the front left side light, even though it is working.
This darkened bulb would now seem to be linked to Chris's advice about the alternator current and the battery. All very interesting.

Chris was an amazing chap. His knowledge on cars was incredible.

[salsajoe]

Not seen this fault code before. Cant find a fault code 00447. Fault code 00446 is if the voltage is undercharged.

The fault code checks are as listed below

00446 - Function Limitation due to Under-Voltage: Lower Limit Exceeded

Possible Symptoms
Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) ON

Possible Causes
Fuse(s) faulty
Supply Voltage low
Battery faulty
Generator faulty

Possible Solutions
Check Fuse(s)
Check Supply Voltage
Check/Replace Battery
Check/Replace Generator

00447 seem to indicate overcharging in your readout- can't find that code in the list of fault codes. Possible causes will be the same though. You can check the charge rate by putting a multi-meter across the battery terminals with the engine at fast idle it should read about 14.4v if the alternator is working correctly and there is a load (eg headlights and aircon on) on the battery. Could be you have a small battery drain if the alternator is working correctly or fault with the battery. If there is an internal short in the battery this could lead to alternator overload on occasions. Have you had any of the fuses out at any time or changed components such as radio that could cause a battery drain? Could check that the fuses are all pushed fully home particularly those in the engine bay and the relays are fully home.

If the above does not show a fault or work then need to get it checked at the stealers before the end of the warranty.

[dimexi]

Salsajoe - I looked at the code list on rosstech when I first saw it as well, and didn't find 00447. But it makes logical sense that it follows on from 00446, so I just read that code and related it to Chris' (RIP) response.
I havent had anything changed out at all, everything is as I got it. I will definitely check out the fuses and all the items you mentioned, thanks for that.
I will still keep an eye on it though for the next month - I intend to extend my warranty, so I should be ok (I'd hope).
Funnily enough, I haven't had the electrics cut out on me since I first mentioned to Chris. Mind you, it happens sooo quick, I only noticed because I was looking at the dash.

ZephyR - Are you going to take it in to the dealers and diagnose the fault? Maybe you should try and get a VCDS autoscan if you have anyone local to you, see if it's registered the fault before.
Chris' knowledge of VW was nothing short of astonishing. To think he was just an enthusiast - he's missed.

[john250666]

Hi, had this problem ... The dealers fitted a new Varta battery under warranty , not had a problem since... according to the late chris, (RW1) Varta batteries are the best! who am i to disagree!!

[ZephyR]

Hi, had this problem ... The dealers fitted a new Varta battery under warranty , not had a problem since... according to the late chris, (RW1) Varta batteries are the best! who am i to disagree!!

[dimexi]

Hi, had this problem ... The dealers fitted a new Varta battery under warranty , not had a problem since... according to the late chris, (RW1) Varta batteries are the best! who am i to disagree!!

Thanks for that John. Warranty only has 2 weeks left in it! I better get on the blower.


Thanks all for the help