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

2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF

95,000 MILES • 1.3L • 2WD • MANUAL

SAM.POLLARD

MEMBER
1 POST

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

Dec 9, 2023 at 1:22 PM

STRAILER

✓ASE Certified Mechanic
54,832 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.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Professional Diagram for 2CarPros Members
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Dec 9, 2023 at 3:23 PM