Can a dodgy battery cause engine management light to come on?

[davesimmo]

Hi peeps.

Just a quick question, I have a Dec 2008 A3 TDI 170, yesterday my coil EML started flashing, however the car runs fine and everything as far as I am aware is working ok.

This morning the EML was not on, and then activated after approximately 20 mins driving.

I have noticed on the cold mornings, it seems to turn over slowly when starting, but does start without a problem, so I am guessing it will need a battery soon, but the service is due in march so I was going to wait until then, until the EML decided to show.

My question is, can the battery cause the EML to come on. Or do you think it is another fault?

THANKS

 

[Sayam]

glow plugs maybe? what is the mileage on the car?

get battery checked, don't just change it for the sake of it.

 

[davesimmo]

Yeah I am going to get the battery tested tomorrow. The mileage is getting up a bit now, 112k

 

[leshkin]

Have you tried to scan the ECU for errors? First thing to always do is check that, as it will log the code which triggered the EML. If your car is starting and running fine, I doubt it will be the battery.

 

[davesimmo]

Yeah going to get a scan done on Thursday. I see what your saying about the battery. It's not gone into limp mode but still frustrating.

 

[Sayam]

Yeah I am going to get the battery tested tomorrow. The mileage is getting up a bit now, 112k

Glow plugs could be knackered at that mileage

Scan it with VCDS and check

 

[SAiLO]

Would scan with VCDS to check for errors.

 

[shadow1993]

I get the same light occasionally.. im on a 04 2.0tdi a3 on 106k miles.
had new battery, all 4 glow plugs still no change.. comes on randomly

 

[davesimmo]

yeah, I thought possibly glow plugs on the way out too. Got a scan booked in this Thursday, so will see what it comes up with.

Shadow1993, have you had a scan on yours mate? Just wondered with you saying it still comes on randomly after having those items changed.

 

[shadow1993]

yeah, I thought possibly glow plugs on the way out too. Got a scan booked in this Thursday, so will see what it comes up with.

Shadow1993, have you had a scan on yours mate? Just wondered with you saying it still comes on randomly after having those items changed.

Hi, yes i had mines scanned at VAG specialist because i had some starting issues, only thing that came up was the camshaft sensor, so i got that replaced along with the timing belt, water pump bearings pulleys etc...

I think mines also needs a new started motor but i still haven't figured out the issue with that annoying light.

When it does happen the dash either stays dark with no lights on ignition or the light flashes and i need to turn ignition off and on again to clear the light.

Not really a problem until it becomes a problem.. Don't want to be changing the plug/ injector loom at £100 for parts, on a guess only. But these are at fault quite often apparently.