Re: RE: car died

[Matt Zajac <MTZajac@beloit.com>]

And I wish you a lot of luck removing the alternator....

Matt Z.


>>> "mikeandcarmen@pdq.net" <mikeandcarmen@pdq.net> 11/19 9:48 AM >>>
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