SEAT Alhambra 2013 - Battery/Door lights flashing - Alhambra | Technical matters | Back Room Forum

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Mon 8 Mar 2021 12:08

SEAT Alhambra 2013 - Battery/Door lights flashing - Alhambra - F M

Hi all, having thought it was on its way out, I've tested the EFB battery in my 2013 Seat Alhambra...my KW600 says its good and needs recharging. Its been charging on and off via a Ctek XS 0.8 over the last week and its holding very little charge even after 13-14 hrs and also after a 50-60 mile trip. After the last charge both automatic door opening lights on the dash are now flashing.

If i can, I want to sort this issue(s) myself to keep costs down as gf is v likely to be made redundant imminently, that said we have nearly 2yr old triplets so time is at a premium. Also, my experience with cars is limited tho I'm a keen pupil...my questions are:

Is there enough info here to get an opinion on whether this is easy for me to sort?

If not, would anyone recommend garages/mechanics in the Bedford area with experience of diagnostics on Seats or similar?

If the battery needs replacing then I'd buy myself and get someone to fit it either way. As far as i can tell, the battery is the original, car has done 65k miles.

Btw, Im not 100% sure my charger is up to the job on the 720A battery so I'm looking to buy a new charger, Ctek MXS 5.0 is most likely.

Any thoughts on any of this would be great to hear. Many thanks in advance.

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Mon 8 Mar 2021 12:27

SEAT Alhambra 2013 - Battery/Door lights flashing - Alhambra - bathtub tom

If not, would anyone recommend garages/mechanics in the Bedford area with experience of diagnostics on Seats or similar?

I thought EFBs were supposed to be more durable then lead/acid, but it would appear yours is failing after eight years when my lead/acid lasted seven.

Does the car actually need an EFB, or would a lead/acid suffice? I should imagine it'll be cheaper.

I've always found Bedford Battery company to be excellent and is my first stop for all car parts for the last forty-odd years. I'm sure they'll test yours.

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Mon 8 Mar 2021 12:55

SEAT Alhambra 2013 - Battery/Door lights flashing - Alhambra - F M

Thanks for your reply Tom.

From all I've read, replacing like with like is essential on start stop vehicles. I forgot to mention that it's a start stop in the original post.

I had a look at Bedford Batteries when I initially thought the battery was on the way out tho then the charger Ive recently bought told me otherwise. I doubt it but have you had experience with BB in terms of diagnostics?

Thanks again.

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Mon 8 Mar 2021 13:45

SEAT Alhambra 2013 - Battery/Door lights flashing - Alhambra - elekie&a/c doctor

If it’s the original VW battery , then it needs replacement. You can do this yourself , but the power/ battery management system may need to be reconfigured .

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Mon 8 Mar 2021 14:14

SEAT Alhambra 2013 - Battery/Door lights flashing - Alhambra - bathtub tom

I doubt it but have you had experience with BB in terms of diagnostics?

I thought I needed a new starter motor. Took the old one and they offered to test it, diagnosed the 'freewheel' and replaced just that part. Much cheaper and I was well chuffed.

I have no connection to them, other than being a satisfied customer for decades.

I did once ask for a clutch kit for a very old car. They went and checked and found one on their shelves. Asked full price and when I asked for a discount on the basis I'd be buying something they'd otherwise have to throw away, they replied they're charging me storage cost. I paid full price.

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