Battery?

[jkellaway]

I have an 06 beetle with 18000 miles on it. Last week I went to the bank and when I came out it would not start. Just clicked. A friend came and jumped it and it was fine until yesterday, did it again. Finally got it jumped and drove home, let it sit running for 30 minutes and now it won't start again. VW dealership is 90 miles away and when you call it goes to voice mail. I don't know what to do. Would the battery go bad so soon? Could it be something else?
After the first time the battery was checked and it was charging just fine and since then I have been careful not to leave things on like the radio,etc. Any advice?

[AzDivr]

Yes, the battery can go bad within that amount of time.
If it's charging then best bet it's the battery.
Don't need a dealership for this.

[LadybugEwa]

Well, I think it's too soon for the battery to die. Less than 2 years??? Come on! I've had the battery in mine for at least 3 years.
I'd suspect some sort of power draw when it's parked. Check that all the lights go off, including the one in the trunk.

[noR]

You're still under warranty; Call the dealership and verify that the battery should still be under warranty as well. Then tell them you want a loaner, or same day service.

[AzDivr]

Keep us posted as to what you find out. Would love to find out if it's not the battery and it gets covered at the dealership.

[jkellaway]

Finally got ahold of the dealership,they told me to call VW Roadside Service or whatever, said it was under warranty. Since the nearest dealer is 90 miles--snowy colorado roads too--they sent a tow truck from that town 90mi away. Needless to say they will not get back to the dealership until tonight so hopefully they can look at it first thing and get it fixed early because I can only get a ride to take me there to pick it up tomorrow or I will have to wait until NEXT Thursday.
I have had the last few weeks from hell....I will let you know what happens.

[LadybugEwa]

Ask the dealership for a loaner as soon as they tell you 'we'll have to keep it overnight' tomorrow. I'd be surprised if they didn't.

[jkellaway]

Well, the dealership still hasn't looked at my car, said the appts they had booked had been waiting a month to get in and it probably wouldnt be looked at for a week or two. I cant wait to get it back because I am trading it in for anything I can afford that is not a VW. I knew the dealership had a bad rep but I went ahead and bought it thinking--how often would I need warranty service on a new car? I am so stupid. I will only buy something that has a place to service in the town I live in.
I have regretted that car since I bought it but it was so darn cute. I will always love beetles but will never buy one again.

[boogety boogety]

Sorry about your perceptions of the car. It's the dealer you need to be dealing with, however.

Call VWoA (248-340-5000) and tell them what's going on, and have them stay on the line while you conference in the dealer service dept., and let them discuss your situation while you listen in (they towed it 90 miles, and they're making you wait a week or two for a battery??!?? Who's the idiot making these financial decisions for the dealership?) and I bet it gets sorted out pretty darn quickly. Don't let up on these idiots... Good luck...

[jkellaway]

Just heard it is fixed. Electronic relay was draining the battery. I cant get up there to pick it up until tomorrow but it was covered under warranty. They put in a new battery too.

[LadybugEwa]

Originally Posted by LadybugEwa

Well, I think it's too soon for the battery to die. Less than 2 years??? Come on! I've had the battery in mine for at least 3 years.
I'd suspect some sort of power draw when it's parked. Check that all the lights go off, including the one in the trunk.

So nice to be right
So glad your buggy's fixed

[Seanele]

Originally Posted by noR

You're still under warranty; Call the dealership and verify that the battery should still be under warranty as well. Then tell them you want a loaner, or same day service.

yeap..what he said is true!

if you go to VW dealer and they refuse in any kind,
call VW of America right away and let them talk to the dealer.

[Seanele]

ooppss...it is done!!...my bad..
i should've read the whole thread first, before replying.