1995 VW Jetta III GL

[Tito']

Alright Jetta junkies. Help me out...

I have had SEVERAL problem with my car this year but most of them have been easy to identify until this last one. I just recently put a new alternator and battery in my car because it wouldn't start. Less than a week after, my car won't start again. It will turn over (usually twice) everytime I try to start it. After that, it acts like the battery is completely dead and the clock resets and what not. It WILL start by jumping it. I also noticed that when I jump started it, my stereo did NOT reset like it normally would if the battery was completely dead. The car ran for about 4 days after the new battery was installed. The day before it wouldn't start, I noticed it acting weird when it started. It would start, but it just sounded like it was kind of struggling to do so.

Anyways, like I said, it already has a brand new alternator and battery. I don't know what to do next.

[mlb81]

I'm noticing a lot of these jettas have issues starting. My 4 cyl battery says something like 810 cranking amps and just a little less cold cranking amps. Since it's a low compression motor I have no idea why these large turds need so much juice. Anyway, yours starts when jumped, the battery/alt were replaced (together I assume) and 4 days go by and it acts like it is dead again. When you replace the alternator, the battery must have a full charge - if not, damage usually occurs to the alt. That being said, you might have gotten another bad alternator if they were replaced at the same time. If you get the car running again, put a multimeter on the battery terminals and check for 14+ volts dc. If you have that then chances are good the alt is fine. If not, take her back - have the battery recharged then install the new alt. That's my best advice.

[Mugsie]

I had the same problem recently with my 95 Jetta. I replaced the battery first, then removed and bench tested the alternator. Turns out it was the a simple fix. The connector on the wire from positive battery terminal to alternator was badly corroded. Apparently the alt current wan't making it to the battery. NAPA made up a new cable for me for $7 and I installed it in a half hour. Car has been running fine for 6 months now.

[mike1989]

try starting the car and while the car is running unplug the positive termanal from the battery. if the car dies instantly then the alternator is junk. and if the car continues to run then the alternator isnt your problem.