RE: car died

["mikeandcarmen@pdq.net" <mikeandcarmen@pdq.net>]

I guess I'm just a cheap @#$*^%. :)  I figure that with a new battery, the car 
will run for a while even if the alternator is bad (just don't run any 
accessories).  If it was worth it to him, he could get the battery at the 
parts store, & install it in the dealer's parking lot.  He could then drive 
the car to the parts store & have the alternator checked.  If it checks out 
bad, he could either buy a new alternator & change it out at home, or he could 
drive the car back to the dealer & have them finish the job.  Either way, he's 
not out any more money for towing, & he doesn't have to pay $200 for the 
dealer to install a battery.  Of course, for some, that may be too much effort 
for what would probably be a net savings of $150, but like I said, I'm cheap 
that way.

Another alternative is to get a new battery & an inexpensive voltmeter from 
the parts store.  He could then install the new battery & test the alternator 
at the dealership himself.

Michael Keith
'98 Jetta GLX
'85 Golf SCCA ITB
>===== Original Message From jettaglx@igtc.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
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