I need help with this got tomorrow off so I can work on it

Tiny
KENNYWEAVER92
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
  • 160,000 MILES
I have a 99 vw passat I was driving it down the road and all of a sudden all the interior check engine light and all the other check things lights came on and so I pulled over and shut it off then when I tried to start it up it wouldnt start back up it would just click. Then I had some one jump start me and it started up right away then I let it set thinking it was the battery that was not fully charged but then it just shut off and wouldnt start again so I had to jump it again and did the same thing so I had to get a tow now I believe it to be the alternator but just in case I put the battery on the charger now when I start it up it dies almost immediatly. Any advice?
Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 AT 12:46 AM

7 Replies

Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
You need to have the system checked at a shop. It does sound like the alternator has failed.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 AT 12:50 AM
Tiny
KENNYWEAVER92
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I dont have the money to have it check out at the shop
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Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 AT 12:57 AM
Tiny
ASEMASTER6371
  • MECHANIC
  • 52,796 POSTS
Ok, but for 20 bucks, it will save you from spending a lot of money on a battery or alt.

Roy
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Wednesday, April 25th, 2012 AT 1:01 AM
Tiny
F4I_GUY
  • MECHANIC
  • 3,302 POSTS
Charge the battery for a few hours on a low amperage setting, then start the vehicle. Immediately put a voltmeter on the battery and record the voltage. If the voltage is below 12 volts, then you have a charging system issue. I would check fuses first, then the alternator power cable. You check this cable by doing a voltage drop test. Set your voltmeter to volts and put one lead on the positive terminal (battery) and the other on the power cable on the alternator. Start the vehicle, you'll get a low voltage reading, most likely around 0.1-0.5V. If you see anything above 0.4-0.5volts, replace the alternator cable. If the reading is low. Replace the alternator.
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Sunday, May 13th, 2012 AT 3:21 PM
Tiny
JAMMINJAMES
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
Did you check what codes if any were present? Did light come on when vehicle died or prior?
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Monday, May 14th, 2012 AT 7:29 AM
Tiny
JAMMINJAMES
  • MEMBER
  • 6 POSTS
What size motor do you have this also will help in troubleshooting your problem.
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Monday, May 14th, 2012 AT 7:30 AM
Tiny
VWSCOTT
  • MEMBER
  • 66 POSTS
Codes still should be present. They have to be cleared by scan tool/ code reader. I've had some vw's that had charging issues ended up having to reset theadaption on the throttle body. Probably wouldn't hurt to clean it. If adaption is attempted and unsuccessful a cleaning often time will cure it.
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Saturday, July 7th, 2012 AT 2:58 AM

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