Amarok Starting Issues: Weak Power at Terminal 30

Had a similar issue with my 2018 Atlas, sounds exactly like what you are describing. After some frustrating no-start situations, I found the charging system was not working properly due to a voltage drop issue. First checked all battery connections and cleaned the terminals, but the problem persisted. Took it to my regular workshop where they ran a complete diagnostic. They found the main power circuit had developed a short circuit affecting Terminal 30, which was causing inconsistent power delivery to the starter. The repair involved: Full battery test showing severely discharged cells, Testing the ignition switch and starter circuitry, Replacing the faulty battery (290€ total including labor) After the fix, starting has been consistently strong with no more issues. Before suggesting more specific solutions, could you share: Battery age and last replacement date, Whether you see any dashboard warning lights, If the problem happens more often in cold weather, Whether you notice dim headlights or other electrical issues This could help determine if you are dealing with just a battery issue or if there might be deeper electrical problems in the circuit breaker or charging system.

Thanks for sharing your experience. My Amarok has 139161km and was last serviced 3 months ago. After reading your response, I did some additional checks. The battery is just 8 months old and tests fine under load. No warning lights on the dash, but I noticed the voltage reading fluctuates between 12.8V and 13.9V when running. The sluggish starting happens regardless of temperature, but interior lights do dim significantly during cranking. Recently noticed slight flickering in the headlights at idle. These symptoms point more toward a voltage drop issue in the power supply rather than just a battery problem. Before dealing with a potential short circuit, I will have the main power cables tested for resistance and check the terminal connections again. Do you recall if your electrical fault was related to corroded ground straps or damaged wiring insulation? The charging system behavior sounds very similar to what you experienced.

Thanks for those additional details. Yes, my Atlas issue turned out more complex than initially thought. The voltage fluctuations you describe strongly suggest a wiring harness problem similar to what I faced. In my case, the root cause was actually damaged wiring insulation near the starter motor, creating intermittent electrical faults. The mechanics found several worn spots where the harness had been rubbing against engine components, leading to a significant voltage drop in the starting circuit. The voltage readings you mention match almost exactly what I saw before the repair. The fluctuation between 12.8V and 13.9V, combined with dimming lights during cranking, classic signs of poor power delivery through the main circuit. The repair required: Testing the entire starter circuit for voltage drop, Replacing sections of the wiring harness (380€), Installing new protective sleeves around critical wiring areas, Cleaning and securing all ground connections Given your description, I would strongly recommend having the complete starting circuit tested, focusing on: Continuity of the main power cables, Resistance at all connection points, Condition of the wiring harness near heat sources, Integrity of the fuse box connections The flickering headlights at idle particularly concerns me, as this was also present in my case before the wiring failed completely.

My Amarok starting problems are becoming clearer after hearing about your Atlas experience. I checked the battery ground straps today and found significant corrosion at the main connection point. After cleaning and tightening all terminals, the voltage readings stabilized a bit, but the starter motor still sounds weak. The symptoms do match your description of the wiring harness problems. I inspected the visible sections of the power supply cables and found some worn insulation near where they route past the engine block. This could explain the voltage drop issues affecting the starting circuit. Given the similarities to your situation, I will have the entire electrical system professionally tested before replacing any parts. The fluctuating voltage and flickering lights definitely suggest deeper issues in the circuit breaker or main power distribution. Since the battery tests good and the fuse box connections look clean, focusing on the wiring harness condition seems like the right approach. Will update once I get the starting circuit diagnosed properly. The repair costs you mentioned help set realistic expectations for what this might take to fix properly.