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I turn the key, the dashboard lights up, but the engine does not crank over?

Tiny
SAM.POLLARD
  • MEMBER
  • 2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF
  • 1.3L
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 95,000 MILES
My car won't start when I turn the key, the dashboard lights up, but the engine won't crank over. I can jump start it with another car and do a lengthy drive (I did a 1 hour drive no issues) but when I turn engine off it won't start again.

Do I need a new battery, or do I need a new starter motor?

TIA
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Saturday, December 9th, 2023 AT 1:22 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,256 POSTS
Hi Tia,

Yes, it sounds like the battery has gone bad which can happen if the battery is more than 3 or 4 years old. To be sure we can do a load test, or you can take the battery into an auto parts store for testing as well.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Here is how to remove the battery for testing or replacement. Where gloves and eye protection before you begin, this guide can help but please check out how the job is done on your car in the images below.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

Check out the images (below). Please upload pictures or videos of the problem so we can see what's going on.
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Saturday, December 9th, 2023 AT 3:23 PM

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