Torch behind driver seat

Calibrator · Oct 19, 2023

Hi,
The little rechargeable torch behind the driver seat isn't working any more.
I think the rechargeable cells may have given up as they are 9 years old.
Does anyone know how easy is it to open up the torch and replace them?
Or can a replacement be purchased for a reasonable price?

WelshGas · Oct 19, 2023

Calibrator said:
Hi,
The little rechargeable torch behind the driver seat isn't working any more.
I think the rechargeable cells may have given up as they are 9 years old.
Does anyone know how easy is it to open up the torch and replace them?
Or can a replacement be purchased for a reasonable price?

Are you sure it is being charged when docked in holder?

Calibrator · Oct 19, 2023

Hi, no is the short answer.
I must admit have only used it a handful of times in 9 years!
How do I check?

Perfectos · Oct 19, 2023

If you are looking to replace the item :

they are used widely in VW vehicles, the part number of the Torch / light will be printed / embossed onto the item somewhere.

Google is your friend & Ebay

as far as checking the charging circuit a simple multimeter should tell you if you have 12v power at the charging connectors of the base.

similarly you can check the voltage of the battery Via a multimeter

Properjob · Oct 19, 2023

if it’s the same as mine then it has two modes: torch and low level light so you should able to find out more about the problem if it also doesn’t work in light mode (ie when it’s not using the battery)

Calibrator · Oct 19, 2023

Hi, I have now tested torch battery voltage and there is none.
When it is in holder the light works.
So there is power coming through to the holder so either batteries were not being charged or they are no longer able to hold charge.
It may be that I didn't put it back in holder properly when last used.
I will give it a day and see if batteries get charged.
Thank you all for advice.

montyburns1982 · Oct 19, 2023

Check the contacts. When I got my van the contacts in the torch were green and it wasn’t being charged. A quick clean with solvent and a bit of fine emery sorted it out.

Calibrator · Oct 19, 2023

Good advice. I will definitely try that. Thanks.

Calibrator · Oct 20, 2023

Update. I opened the torch and the three rechargeable batteries were flat. I replaced them with new fully charged batteries but torch still does not work. I can only conclude that there is some other electrical fault within the torch so will give up and replace the torch in its holder and use it as a nightlight.