Special VW battery?

[ifyousayso]

My daughter replaced the battery in her 97 Jetta, and now she can't lock the doors because the alarm will sound. She didn't buy the battery from a dealer, and I've since heard that VW batteries have an internal resistor and because she didn't buy a VW battery that causes the alarm problem. Is this true? If it's true is there some place I can find a drawing of an equivalent circuit, so I can try to install inline resistance so she can lock her car?

[boschmann]

I've never heard of a battery with an internal resistor, perhaps they're thinking of coils. I doubt it's because of the brand of battery, I've seen dozens of VW's in your same vintage with aftermarket batteries & no problems. However something might have happened when the battery died or was changed, VW's are notorious for things like that, especially quirks with the alarm & power door locks. Unfortunately it usually control module related. I assume it's the factory alarm system. Start by checking fuses 16, 21 & 22.

[ifyousayso]

Thanks for your quick reply and the tips. VW certainly seems to complicate everything they touch.

[boschmann]

The modern day Lucas of electrical systems.