2000 VR6/Smoke under hood

[sada123]

Hi, I am new to this forum and expect to get some expert's advise, if possible.

Recently @ a month before, I bought a nice VW Jetta GLS 2000 VR6 with only 51k. It runs very smooth and I simply love driving my car.

Today, while driving back from office, I heard little sound like spark or so but I ignored and thought that the sound could be of the stuffs laying in the trunk. After couple of seconds, I noticed a smoke like smell, so immidiately I pulled up my car and stopped the engine. When I opened the hood, I noticed the smoke coming out from passenger's side/from the location where windshield washer's tank is mounted. I kept hood open for few minutes, cranked the car and now smoke wasn't coming out but then, I noticed the battery indicator is now turned on and the steering wheel became hard as if the car is turned off and I'm trying to turn the wheels.

I don't know @ cars much and am afraid for the cause. This is my first car and do not want to be mislead by dealers or mechanics. I expect the possible reason/problem with possible remedy and expenses.

Thanks a lot in advance,
Sada

[veedubmechanic]

sounds like your serpentine belt tensioner broke causing belt to slip and smoke. no tension on belt = no ps and no alternator (battery light)

[sada123]

Thanks a lot for your reply.

Yesterday, I talked to dealer and he mentioned @ serpentine belt. I did research for that and you are absolutely correct. I checked for the belt and @ 2" of the belt part is missing, I mean, it got burn.

From few days, I was noticing lil chunking sound in the front wheels while backing up my car and the steerings turned. Could the belt tension be the reason for this behaviour or may be CV Joints or what else? How much the serpentine belt replacement should cost me?

Thanks,
sada

[veedubmechanic]

prob 300-350 dealer cost, new belt is about 30 and tensioner is 120 or so.

cv axles dont really go bad on jettas/golfs. just passats.

[sada123]

Thanks for all your responses. I had my car belt tensioner and belt replaced from dealer. Luckily, while buying my car, I got 3yr/36kmiles warrenty and even if the warrenty doesn't cover belt, the dealer explained them that although the belt was in good condition, because of the tensioner, belt got damaged and they paid for my belt also. Finally, my warrenty paid $299 and I was charged nothing except of the oil change charges. I am really happy, as I did not have to pay and now my car is running very smoothely.

I asked them to check for CV Joints, and it was found in very good condition.

As my headlight focus is not proper (left is ok but right points very close), I tried turning the screws on the top of right headlight clockwise and anticlockwise, it did not changed anything. What could be wrong? Screw threads?

Thanks,
Sada