Car shuts off often

CATHERINE RAMOS

MEMBER
2013 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT
2.5L
5 CYL
2WD
AUTOMATIC
168,000 MILES

I got my car about two months ago and it was find until about a month ago, it shut off on me often. I had the battery and alternator checked both came back good. I even bought a new battery it still shuts off often. I have to jump it every time. But when I put the key in everything comes on; all the lights radio everything, but it just ticks when I try to start it. What the heck could be going on with my car?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
109,724 POSTS

Welcome to 2carpros.com

Based on your description, either you have a bad connection at the battery or the starter is going bad. Since it does start with a jump, we will start there.

The most common cause of this condition is a poor connection at the battery. Battery terminals can loosen and become corroded causing a weak connection. The battery can provide the power needed to turn light and things like that on, but when a heavy draw is placed on the electrical system, the connection can't handle it.

Take a look through this link first to see if it helps.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

Try that first.

If the terminals are clean and tight, check the ground between the battery and the left rear of the engine compartment. Take a look at pic 1. Make sure it is tight and clean also.

Since you get a clicking, power is making it to the starter, just not enough. Lets start with these couple things and we will move on from there.

Take care and let me know what you find.
Joe

Image (Click to make bigger)