2002 Volkswagen GTI Battery

SOPHIESLH

MEMBER
2002 VOLKSWAGEN GTI
100,000 MILES

My battery went completely flat when stuck in traffic for 3 hours. A couple of guys gave me a push and we got the engine started. Now I've hot the engine running but when I put my foot on the accelerator nothing happens, no revs nothing. Also all my dashboard light don't come on except the battery light. Does the battery just need charging or is it something worse?

3 Replies

MADMIKE1735

MECHANIC
951 POSTS

Have the battery tested to start. Verify its good. You cant test the alternator with a bad battery, as you wont get a correct reading. Once you know the battery passed the load test (it will need to be charged prior to testing) then you can continue on, and check for alternator charging. It should put out around 14.4 volts. Your local parts store can usually test your battery, alternator, and starter free of charge. Start with this before we go further.

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Saturday, October 26th, 2013 AT 7:05 PM

EXOVCDS

MECHANIC
1,883 POSTS

Think of the battery as a bucket full of water. Small holes in the bucket drain the water. A garden
hose is used to fill the bucket back up (while the water is still draining out).

Your alternator (garden hose) is not supplying electricity to the battery (bucket of water) and your
accessories (holes in bucket) are draining the battery.

Yes, the battery needs to be fully charged & load tested to verify that it is still ok. A battery older than
5-6 years, is usually on its way out anyways. But most likely you have an Alternator issue.

Thomas

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Sunday, October 27th, 2013 AT 10:27 AM

MADMIKE1735