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puppetbat
New User
Dec 24, 2013, 10:37 AM
Post #1 of 3
(2245 views)
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Haunted 2005 VW Jetta
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Hi everyone - I know it's not really possible to troubleshoot this one over the internet, but we just had a baby and I don't have a lot of spare cash, so I am hoping to try to save some $$ by troubleshooting this one on my own. I'm pretty handy with a multimeter but really don't know much about car electrical systems.
I was heating up my 2005 Jetta yesterday in the morning (idling with heat on) and I noticed that the back defroster wasn't doing anything. Then the head lights dimmed, so I'm thinking ok, cold battery, dying battery or alternator. I gave it gas, and the battery perked right back up, heat came back on, etc. So I ruled out alternator (too soon?). I drive to work (35 miles), no issues. I am driving home and the power steering light (electrical) light comes on yellow. Then the air bag, then I lose my taillights etc etc etc until the battery dies. Clicks on ignition and everything. Stuck on the highway, I call AAA, they come out and guess what, the darned thing starts right up as if nothing happened. I drive home (25 miles) no issues. Dude thinks I'm an idiot. Doesn't charge me (which was nice).
I go home and clean the battery terminals. I didn't replace the battery.
Then the same thing happens on my way to work. By the time I pull into work, the power steering is gone and the air bag light is on and the dash lights are dim (I'm stuck here now, getting a ride home).
I bought the car used a year ago and it has always been haunted. The sunroof opens on it's own, the wipers will "jiggle" randomly, the left turn signal will sometimes stay on when the car is off and you have to turn the key back and forth to get it to turn off. The dash display dies after 10 minutes of driving when it's warm out. The check engine light comes on every three months or so: it always comes back with a "heating system" fault code. I have replaced every part of the heating system, every thermostat, fan, etc. I've sunk $2000 into the car since I bought it. I'm inclined to think it is all the part of the same electrical problem.
Has anyone ever seen anything like this before? Any advice on where to start?
Thanks and happy holidays!
Joe
(This post was edited by puppetbat on Dec 24, 2013, 10:40 AM)
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Discretesignals
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 24, 2013, 11:27 AM
Post #2 of 3
(2218 views)
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Re: Haunted 2005 VW Jetta
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First thing that you need to do is have the battery tested. Then make sure the battery connections are clean and tight. Once you get the battery testing taken care of see what the charging system voltage is at the battery terminals with the engine running using your volt meter.
Since we volunteer our time and knowledge, we ask for you to please follow up when a problem is resolved.
(This post was edited by Discretesignals on Dec 24, 2013, 11:28 AM)
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Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 24, 2013, 11:31 AM
Post #3 of 3
(2213 views)
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Re: Haunted 2005 VW Jetta
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Congrats on your new arrival!
The car: This points to no or intermittent charging by the guess of the day. Dim lights and funky things can happen just with improper voltage while running a lousy battery would probably be OK as long as you kept it running but apparently not good enough so charging system in whole needs to be checked including maybe needing a new battery.
You said it snapped to for a bit when revved up suggests and I mean only suggests an alternator but you have to check everything about the charging system. Begin with checking that the belt is tight enough - free to look at it, touch (engine off please) and go from there.
How much to fix this? Can't know till it's known what is the source problem and maybe subsequent problems because of it,
Tom
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