RE: car died

[Khan Klatt <khan@mediaaccess.com>]

That won't work. Remember, he has to have his car towed no matter 
where he goes. So it's not going to save him much money to go and 
take the car to a auto parts store to test the battery and alternator.

If they fix the car, then you're out the money for the 
battery/alternator, and also for the tow from the dealer to the parts 
store.

If they can't fix the car at the parts store, then you're still out 
the towing to the parts store, and then have to tow back to the 
dealer (where you will look foolish, might I add) and still pay for 
the repairs.

Just keep it at the dealership and have them look at it. Them's the breaks.

-Khan

At 9:48 AM -0600 11/19/99, mikeandcarmen@pdq.net wrote:
>Putting a new battery in yourself is a good idea, but get a good quality
>battery such as a Die Hard or Interstate.  You can then have you alternator
>tested for free an an auto parts store.  Most of them (such as Auto Zone) have
>the equipment to test the alternator while it's in the car.
>
>Michael Keith
>Pasadena, TX
>'98 Jetta GLX
>'85 Golf SCCA ITB
> >===== Original Message From jettaglx@igtc.com =====
> >OK, not DIED, died, but it wouldn't start when I got off of work. Clicking
> >noise, no turn-over. Slow response from the electronics. My little 
>chime (the
> >one that goes on when you start the car with seat-belt undone) has been weak
> >and stuttery starting up in the PacNorWest (sorry, Navy influence) mornings.
> >Naturally, I'm suspecting that the cahnge of climate (FL, AZ to WA) has done
> >my battery in. Called up AAA, and they showed up, hooked up the cables, but
> >still unable to start the car. Waited a few minutes, while the guy 
>gassed his
> >engine, and then tried again. All that really happened was the darned horn
> >from the anti-theft system just went off HONKHONKHONKHONKHONK... you get the
> >picture. I'd take the key out, put it in the driver's door, turn, then
> >quickly try again. Just the clicking again. Sheesh.
> >     Long story longer. Towed to dealership, waiting for AM. 
>Here's where you
> >come in... Should I just pick up a battery at Wal-Mart and try to put it in
> >to save my money, or let them (VW) do their thing and charge me $200? I know
> >I should have the alternator and belt checked, to ensure proper tension, but
> >why not just do that after I put in a battery MYSELF? Hey, if it ain't the
> >battery, I can take it back to WalMart, and I've STILL saved myself money.
> >Any other probables? Thanks.
> >
> >God Bless,
> >Dave

Khan Klatt                                         khan@mediaaccess.com

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