I have just swapped the battery in my 200Tdi for a new one and the battery light stays lit on the dash. The new battery is a 12v 96Ah 700CCA lead acid battery and is a similar size to the one I removed. However the one removed has no info on it other than its make (Motto Gold - Heavy duty).
The ammeter needle points to the usual place but the battery light stays lit.
What is the likely cause of this?
Any help greatly appreciated.

Regards

Max

Take a reading across the battery terminals with the engine off, and the engine on, is it up about 13.2V - 14.4V when charging?

Also, if you give it a few revs does it go off? Or just on constantly.

Thank you for your quick response!
After starting it is 12.5v at idle then with revs it climbs to 13.98v and then sits at 14.4v at idle.
I cleaned the terminal clamps and and tightened them up fully and the light no dims and goes out after a few revs.
My old battery used to quickly loose charge if the engine was not running. (Very embarrassing in town having to bump start with the wife pushing the 110 and not always possible). I assume that something is shorting to earth and I am obviously worried that it will quickly affect the new battery.
How do I go about tracing the fault? I realise this might be a bit difficult to describe but would appreciate any pointers or links to suitable info on the web.

Cheers

Max

If the light goes out once you rev it and doesn't come back on, they all do it.

At least all mine have.

And iff the battery goes flat that quickly its dead. I doubt itll be a short, cos with that sorta discharge on a good battery youll probably have a fire.

I would get an ammeter and meter out the current draw with the everthing off. If you only have a clock then the draw should be really low, like 5mA!

If there is a bigger draw then start looking for causes, could be the diode pack on the alternator, start by pulling fuses (let you determine what circuit the leak is on), if no drop, disconnect the thick wire from the alt... if you can determine there is NO leak on the vehicle, then I would say the battery is goosed.

Thanks guys. I will take some readings and investigate this weekend.
You have been very helpful.
Thanks again

Max