When I went to start my car this morning it tried to start for about a second and then started clicking. I thought I left something like a light on or something and then called someone to start it with jumpers. Well, got to work today and just had lunch and now getting the same thing. It seems that within the 30min it takes to get to work that the battery would have charged. Anyway, I am thinking that the alternator has gone out. Do they noramlly give a warning before going out? Whats that cost to have replaced?
2002 Volkswagen VR6
thanks
2006-06-06 16:14:45 · 12 answers · asked by VDubJason 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Check system in the order shown below. No light on the dash came on?? Do not jump to conclusion that alt. is faulty. A waste of a lot of money if alt. not the problem and you replace it first.
1)poor battery cable connection
2)short which is causing battery to drain when car is off
3)battery bad
4)starter faulty
4)faulty alternator
2006-06-06 16:25:12 · answer #1 · answered by ½«gumwrapper 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check the battery post first, make sure that they are clean. Next , if you are fortunate enough to have a Multi Meter. Check to see what your battery voltage is, With the engine off you should read 12.5v dc. With the engine on, 13.5v - 14.0v. No meter, go to AutoZone they will check it for free with the battery still in the car. They should let you know that the batt and alt. is good. I am with you, 30 min of driving should have charged you up. But remember even if the battery is hot as fire, dirty or loose terminals will cause the starter to click, click,click. Note after all is checked, the starter may have a dead spot. You can check this by having someone turn your key to start, and if you can reach it, whack on the starter with a hammer.
Good Luck
2006-06-06 23:29:53 · answer #2 · answered by NEWBEE1 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
the alternator is probably ok-especially if the vehicles drives for 30 minutes after just "jumping it"a faulty alt. would most likely not provide enough voltage to power the vehicles electrical systems and get you to work....sounds like you may have a parasitic draw on the battery after the car is shut off-a malfunctioning control component in one of the the vehicles subsystems--give the battery a good charge and then disconnect the battery when you park it for the night-if the next morning after reconnecting it the car starts ok-then you can be fairly certain its a parasitic draw--which can be diagnosed by a vw professional--good luck.
2006-06-06 23:26:26 · answer #3 · answered by harperboy1 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For some reason your battery is dead or, at least, has lost its charge, Try charging the battery overnight with a charger. If it takes a charge, then I would be very suspicious of the alternator. If it does not take the charge, you may simply need a new battery.
2006-06-06 23:22:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO. No warning before the alternator goes out.
2006-06-06 23:19:00 · answer #5 · answered by Ask Dr. Dottie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Have the battery and alternator tested. Autozone does it for free.
2006-06-06 23:21:20 · answer #6 · answered by R1volta 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like you have a bad ground that is negative side of bettery check if it is lose if it is your battery will not charge correctly and it will act like the car is almost dead tighten it and then start your car
2006-06-07 09:36:47 · answer #7 · answered by jebbertoya 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most auto car battery have a life of around 2 years.When was the last time you changed the battery???
2006-06-06 23:20:17 · answer #8 · answered by leo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
battery may have a bad cell, get a volt meter and check for more than 12.5 volts if not you have a bad alternator
2006-06-06 23:20:28 · answer #9 · answered by redc41991 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
OH JESUS WHAT THE HELL. LOOK THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO! 1ST MAKE SURE THERE IS NO CORROSION ON BATTERY CABLE. 2ND LOOSEN BOTH - AND + MOVE THEM AROUND AND TIGHTEN THEM BACK UP. IF STILL NO START. THEN GET BOTH BATTERY AND ALTENATOR CHECKED. THATS IT.
2006-06-07 01:46:45 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋