I have a 2000 VW Beetle...it has recently started giving me problems and we are trying to figure out what we are dealing with. The car shuts off everytime I stop at a red light, stop sign, slow down to make a turn...etc. anytime im idoling. well when it shuts off, the battery is dead and has to be charged/jumped off to get the car on again. We assumed (because of the symptoms) that it was the battery...had the battery checked, it was very low, charged it...then the mechanic told me it was fine...it had gotten up to 12 volts. Well.....he told me maybe it was the alternator....checked the alternator....no problem there. So now the car wont crank at all....battery is dead. Anyone who knows about cars....is this a battery problem...or do you know of anything else that could be causing the battery to get so weak it wont even crank now. (I'm just curious as to what I'm dealing with as far as costs are concerned) Thanks!
2007-11-15 01:42:03 · 9 answers · asked by smayrae 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Ok....car battery was replaced in 2004. I have cleaned the terminals.
2007-11-15 01:55:00 · update #1
I took it to Auto Zone to check the battery...he only charged it for about 30 minutes...then said since it hit 12v that it wasnt a battery problem...so we didn't buy a new battery...then took it and got the alternator checked...we were told the alternator is fine.
2007-11-15 02:04:25 · update #2
take it somewhere else, for a free inspection. if you cant find a free inspection, change your battery first and get a new one. if that happens with the new battery, youve eliminated the battery and should focus then on the alternator. Make sure there are no exposed wires to and from the battery and or the starter as well. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION HERE SO DONT WAIT!
Be careful! I hope things get better for ya.
~Steve
2007-11-15 01:53:13 · answer #1 · answered by Steve S. 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I tend to think that it is still either a battery or an alternator issue. Just because the mechanic got the battery to charge up to 12 v does not mean it will hold that. You need to have a "draw test" done on the battery that will put a charge on it and draw power just like you are putting a load on it. If your battery still tests as good it could be the alternator. I would have it tested at Auto zone. Try going to three or four locations for "second opinions". Third issue could be a loose ground wire. Make sure all of your connections to and from the battery are tight.
2007-11-15 01:52:50 · answer #2 · answered by J Robs 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, this is definitely a battery problem. Your "Mechanic" was wrong. A fully charged 12 volt battery should read around 14 volts on a volt meter. If after several hours on the charger, all it got was 12 volts, then your battery is weak and needs to be replaced.
You may still have other problems, but I'd start with a new battery.
2007-11-15 01:48:40 · answer #3 · answered by JetDoc 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would not be particularly worried just yet! However I would keep an eye on it! I would check to see if the belt is tight enough (if not using a "serpentine belt"), since most "V" belts have to be tensioned manually with adjustments! If she was driving in rain, possibly belt slipped for a little while. Also sometimes brushes in alternator hang up for a few seconds (or minutes), but later on just work fine - sometimes for a very long time! You could have somebody check charging system operation -- you can get this done free lots of places, -- just be aware that they sell parts and batterys. Auto Zone, and Wal Mart are commonly talked about, but lots of places do it! Just bear with a grain of salt, if they start telling you you need lots of things ( they may be trying to sell you things you might not need).. If this happens, better to take it to several places, and see if diagnosis matches! After all it is free, - so you only waste the time,-- and not much money! Personally I would just watch and wait to see if problem returns, as it is sometimes hard to tell anything when it appears to be working right!
2016-04-04 02:29:08 · answer #4 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I KNOW THAT YOU HAVE DONE THIS ALREADY BUT IT WOULD SEEM TO ME THAT THE ALTERNATOR IS BAD OR THE BATTERY CANNOT HOLD A LOAD.
I WOULD HAVE AN INDEPENDENT SHOP CHECK THE COMPLETE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM OUT AND SEE JUST WANT THE ALTERNATOR IS PUTTING OUT AS WELL AS IF THE BATTERY CAN HANDLE A LOAD.
IF YOUR BATTERY HAS GONE DEAD THEN YOU WILL HAVE TO HAVE IT RECHARGED BACK TO ITS ORIGINAL STATE WHICH WILL TAKE ABOUT 48 TO 72 HOURS ON A SLOW CHARGER.
THE REASON FOR THIS MUCH TIME IS BECAUSE IT WAS DISCHARGE SLOW AND MUST BE RECHARGED SLOW OR YOU WILL COOK THE BATTERY.
GOOD LUCK
2007-11-15 01:51:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's the original battery, it should be replaced. Normally a battery's life span is 5 -7 years.
If the battery has been replace recently, then clean the terminals & make sure it's fully charged.
Have the charging system inspected. Make sure your belt(s) are in good shape (no crack) is at the correct tension.
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2007-11-15 01:51:11 · answer #6 · answered by Mr. T 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Maybe the battery has crack in it ? can't see Replace battery not to expensive... then go from there/ other problems? you should have 14 volts reading cause it supposedly charging all the time.. check connections at starter tight? alternator good/ belt good? cracks underneath? check all fuses may one blown out?\
batterys about $45.00 at sears, best? go to NAPPA all the time for batterys..(2 year life in arizona cause of heat)??
2007-11-15 02:03:52 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Alternator bad it is not keeping battery charged.
2007-11-15 02:44:19 · answer #8 · answered by jumbobret 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
check the fuse box under the hood of your car and the alternator and check you battery again
2007-11-15 01:48:20 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋