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2001 VW Jetta - Starting Problems
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Jax3683
New User
May 22, 2010, 7:47 AM
Post #1 of 2
(3226 views)
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2001 VW Jetta - Starting Problems
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2001
Volkswagon
Jetta
1.8 T
112,000
About a month ago, overnight my Jetta's battery went dead. No big deal, I assumed one of the kids hadn't shut their doors all the way or something. We got a jump, and all was good for about a week. Then it started dying every morning. I'd jump it and it was fine. If I plug it into a trickle charger overnight, it's fine too. But 2 weeks ago, I replaced the battery (it was at least 3 years old, so I assumed it was on it's way out.)
Now, the last two days it's dead again - with the brand new battery. Every morning. It runs fine all day (once jumped) and can even sit for six hours or so and start up just fine. It's longer periods of time, over night that it dies. I double and triple check everything to be sure all the lights, etc are off before bed. But no luck.
Also - when voltlage was checked (while running) the voltage was at 13.89, so I don't think the alternator is the problem.
I should add, that for diagnosing - I do have a digital multimeter that belongs to my husband.
(This post was edited by Jax3683 on May 22, 2010, 8:57 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
May 22, 2010, 11:12 AM
Post #2 of 2
(3215 views)
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Re: 2001 VW Jetta - Starting Problems
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You likely have a module or light staying on and causing a parasitic draw on the battery.
There is a procedure for finding a battery draw like that.
You will need a digital ammeter and a jumper wire with clips on the ends to do this.
First rig any door switches so you can have a door open without triggering the interior lights and unplug the hood light. Remove one battery cable and attach the meter in series between the battery cable and battery post. Take the jumper wire and also attach it the same way. Leave the jumper wire on for at least 10 minutes to expire all the automatic timers. Now remove the jumper wire and read the meter. Anything over 50ma is too much draw. The way you locate this is to start removing fuses one at a time until the meter drops to normal level. This will be the circuit with something staying on. Determine what components are part of that circuit and check them individually until the problem is isolated.
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