Car started fine, then ABS light came on...quickly followed by headlights dimming and dash display lights including climate control lights went out. Airbag light also on and...bizarrely, the rear wash wipe was going. Got to destination asap turned off engine and it wouldn't restart...totally dead. Any ideas?? Partner just fitted stereo that has never really worked properly...cutting out etc on cd player...he muttered something about an earth wire...any connection?
Modern CAN-bus electronics can do some very strange things when the battery voltage is very low and your description of events matches almost exactly with those experienced by a friend shortly before he needed to replace his car battery.
My own experience tells me some stereos should not be fitted to some cars or a discharged battery will result (unless the wiring is suitably modified). It is important to read the instructions - carefully!
I strongly suggest you have your battery and charging system tested and the stereo removed until it is discovered to be compatible...
SOURCE: batt or alt?
The battery won't just quit so suddenly, you'll know when it's almost dead, so it could be the alternator. If you can get the car started, check the voltage on the battery while the car is running, if it's below 12.8 - 13 volts, then the alternator isn't charging and it may need replacement, or repair. Good luck!
SOURCE: 1999 VW Jetta- all dash lights (ABS, Brake,
Sure is, the regulator in the alternator went out. You can test this by starting the car and disconnecting the battery while the engine is running. If the car dies, you have a bad alternator.
SOURCE: 97 Passat Dash Lights GONE! Last
pull the dash light dimmer rheostat and test it, chances are it is open and is the problem, If the dimmer has power to it and the lights don't work then the dimmer switch is defective, the fuse is most likely not a problem, it would be the instrument cluster fuse, remember any fuse being blown indicates a shorted circuit.
SOURCE: I have a 2004 VW Jetta. The radio ejected the tape
Open the hood. Lift the battery cover, then there is a little black box on top of the battery. Open it. bet it is burnt and melted. Do NOT take it to the dealership. You'll pay $600 . You need an alternator cable and a new fuse block. 30min fix.
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Have you checked the BCM (Body Control Module)?
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