The dashboard lights dimmed, the stereo turned off and on and then when I turned my car off and went to star it again it wouldnt turn on. I still have power to everything else in the car except the engine. It makes a "clicking" noise when I turn the ignition but it wont turn over. I got it jumped but that only lasted me the ride home.
Is it the alternator? Any rough estimates on how much this stuff costs?
PS. The battery is only a year old...so I dont think its that
thank you so much!
2006-11-04 23:59:10 · 8 answers · asked by Sarah D 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Volkswagen
first check that the battery terminals are cleaned of corrosion, then go with the alternator.
2006-11-05 00:09:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like something drained the battery overnight, or the alternator isn't working properly. Also, just because the battery is only a year old doesn't mean it can't go bad. Sometimes a connection inside the battery can break not allowing the car to use all the power. It sounds like the alternator is the most likely culprit, though.
2006-11-05 08:24:43 · answer #2 · answered by carolinagearjammer 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
your battery is discharged and is 6 years old if it is origanal, three things can cause this condition,a battery that won`t hold a charge
a charging system that isn`nt working, or a short in the electrical system that id discharing the battery when the car is not running.
you will have to elimnate each of the above one at a time. remove the battery and have it charged and checked. eliminate the battery. with the car running the alt. output should be around 14.6 volts.disconect the neg terminal put a test light between the terminal and battery post, the light should be off. by turning on something headlites or something electrical the lite should lite
2006-11-05 13:36:17 · answer #3 · answered by stevet 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You got the right idea. It can be your battery if you left something on, and it drained. There's a good chance it's the alternator. Your best case scenario, it's the wiring to your alternator. Unfortunately, I'm not sure how much parts are for a VW. I heard they're a bit pricy.
2006-11-05 08:03:19 · answer #4 · answered by tracethelostboy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like the alternator but sometimes there is a voltage regulator that can go bad. However, often the voltage regulator is inside the alternator. First make sure the fan belt is tight. Secondly, if the battery has removeable caps then make sure it has water in it.
2006-11-05 08:01:52 · answer #5 · answered by tumbleweed1954 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have a dead battery caused by : 1) defective battery or 2)bad alternator. Number one will cause number two if you keep driving it. I've bought new dead batteries. Go to Auto Zone (or similar), they check each for free and install battery if needed. I've always found them to be honest. Alternator installed should be $170-225, parts included. Premium battery around $80 installed.
2006-11-05 08:13:04 · answer #6 · answered by James 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
most likely your alternator,remanufactured ones go for around 90-170 u.s. dollars [east coast] and pay about an hour to install. [note your car probabley has a double sided serpintine drive belt this should be replaced as well. these are expensive belts]
2006-11-05 08:36:42 · answer #7 · answered by hobbabob 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'll keep it short and simple, is your alternator. :(
2006-11-06 02:48:36 · answer #8 · answered by fellin1975 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋