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[Jimbob]

Just to clarify, is it sufficient to disconnect and leave in-situ, or should it actually be removed?

full removal is safest, Dave DND reported a box of them, that was too warm sat on the shelf, so get rid completely imho.

[Tony H]

It beggars belief why VX didn't give out an announcement of this problem let alone do a recall. After all it is a very serious problem. When you concider some of the recalls manufacturers have done in the past for reletively minor problems.

[Jimbob]

From what I can gather, this is all makes and models, not VW specific.

It would be interesting to know if a car went to VX all its life for services if they would ever mention it should be replaced (well ok, it wouldnt, we all know they wouldnt suggest it)

[Bent valve]

Its ironic that a device intended to protect the car should end up destroying it.
 Mine went in the bin a long time ago after reading reports of how dangerous they can be. I would urge everyone to chuck them away as they serve no usefull purpose.

[Entwood]

While I accept, and commiserate with those who have had,the serious problems, I wonder if the "disconnect at all costs" approach is correct ??

I replaced my PS 15 months ago after it started "chirping"... the built in warning of a problem. I wonder how many of the "fire" causing ones actually chirped at some time in the past and were ignored ??

The list of cars, so far, are 97, 98, 99.

If the problem was purely age .. why haven't the older ones all caught fire ?? Could it be there is a "batch" of PSs that are more prone to problems than others ??

[Bent valve]

While I accept, and commiserate with those who have had,the serious problems, I wonder if the "disconnect at all costs" approach is correct ??

I replaced my PS 15 months ago after it started "chirping"... the built in warning of a problem. I wonder how many of the "fire" causing ones actually chirped at some time in the past and were ignored ??

The list of cars, so far, are 97, 98, 99.

If the problem was purely age .. why haven't the older ones all caught fire ?? Could it be there is a "batch" of PSs that are more prone to problems than others ??

Why take the risk? just whizz it. Better it get nicked than set on fire outside your house.

[Ken T]

Mine started chirping some time ago,  (02 facelift ), so  I cut it open and replaced the batteries. Not a big job, I think I got them from Maplins or Farnell (?). Thing is if it takes 5-10 years before it starts to leak, that will be 2016 before its a problem for me.

Ken

[Bent valve]

Mine started chirping some time ago,  (02 facelift ), so  I cut it open and replaced the batteries. Not a big job, I think I got them from Maplins or Farnell (?). Thing is if it takes 5-10 years before it starts to leak, that will be 2016 before its a problem for me.

Ken

Why? what purpose does the powersounder serve? these cars are impossible to start without the correct key

[Kevin Wood]

If the problem was purely age .. why haven't the older ones all caught fire ?? Could it be there is a "batch" of PSs that are more prone to problems than others ??

I could very well believe that different batches of sounders (and, particularly, the batteries within them) behave quite differently at the end of their lives.

Kevin

[mantagte]

If the problem was purely age .. why haven't the older ones all caught fire

dont think they were fitted to the early 96 and earlier models
different alarm system if i remember rightly
my 95 does not and never  has had a power sounder fitted

[05omegav6]

I've two questions:

1. Can the ps be tested simply with the following sequence?
ignition on then off, wait 5 mins then open bonnet, wait another 5 then disconnect the battery.
presumably if neither of these actions don't set it off, then either it isn't there or it's fubared :-/

2. Were they fitted to the plod mobiles?
Mine doesn't have an alarm switch under the bonnet, so will it be less likely to have a ps?

I feel for your losses. Having a car nicked is bad enough, but having to watch it go up outside your home

[Chris_H]

As far as I can see from the Haynes wiring diagram, a few items are fed with no low-value fuses.

On FV5 (80 Amp) are the Powersounder, the alarm control module and the ignition key transponder.  I guess the powersounder with its failing NiCads is the only one that calls FV5's bluff.

I've not had a fire yet (quickly checks through curtains) but had disconnected my PS long before I joined this forum, so probably when the car was about five years old (2000 F/L).  This due to sporadic false-alarms during the night.  Replaced PS early 2010 when someone gave me a new, boxed one but this is now chirping so will go for either removal or new batteries and an inline fuse.

Sorry about the total loss.  Horrible.

[Kevin Wood]

1. Can the ps be tested simply with the following sequence?

I would regard any power sounder that hasn't been replaced as potentially dangerous for the moment. Whilst we haven't answered all the questions it seems likely that the problem is down to batteries leaking and causing a short. I have come across sounders that don't work, with perfectly intact batteries and also those that work perfectly with batteries leaking all over the board. I don't think it's safe to assume that if a sounder is working it's not dangerous. If you're concerned, replace it with a new one.

2. Were they fitted to the plod mobiles?
Mine doesn't have an alarm switch under the bonnet, so will it be less likely to have a ps?

Sounds like it doesn't have an alarm so probably won't have a power sounder either.

Kevin

[05omegav6]

I've a pair of insignia washer jets coming tomorrow, so I'll have a rummage while the scuttle is off and report back.