Bad Battery + Bad Alternator = dead radio?

[caro012984]

Hi All,

Came home from vacation to find my beetle's car battery dead. Got the battery replaced (by someone who put it in backwards first...ugh) and then was told at Auto Zone the alternator is bad too.

Here's the question: My radio is completely dead... it is not in auto-theft mode reading "SAFE"... it is just completely dead... any idea if this could be because of another reason than the obvious (that the mis-installed battery blew it?) Also, I check the fuse. It's fine. : (

[D2Beetle]

Off the top of my head, I'm not certain if reverse battery connections would short out a radio. Exactly how long was it connected that way?

Oh, I stumbled across your other thread; keep it going.

[fohveh]

Did you check the fuse on the back of the radio or the accessory fuse in the fuse panel? There is a fuse located on the back of the radio unit itself.

[caro012984]

Ok all, here is the final word:

After finally agreeing (to my father) to have my car diagnosed at the VW dealership before buying the new alternator at Auto Zone, I found out (happily) that a fuse on the battery fuse box had blown, and that actually my alternator is fine. The dealership also found that the in-line fuse to the radio (behind the radio) had blown, and they replaced that as well. So while I was expecting to pay upwards of $400, I walked out spending $52.73.

: )

Now the bad news: when the mechanics at the dealership removed my radio, they scratched the rubber surface on my console BADLY. I went in to tell the service manager, and after looking at it he said "we'll see if we have the part. Otherwise... *chuckle* sorry." I got REALLY mad because of his attitude, and he said, "Well, we don't know that it wasn't that way before." Then I got REALLY REALLY MAD, and said that it wasn't that way and they needed to do something about it. Long story short they ordered a replacement and will be installing it on Wednesday. I can't BELIEVE they would be so rude and apathetic... I've had my car for 8 years and had them work on it plenty of times. I realize that my '99 beetle has many cosmetic flaws, but that doesn't mean you can neglect it and not expect me to say something.

Ok, I'm done with my rant now.

Overall, I should have checked BOTH fuse boxes, but I didn't. Thanks to all for your concern and encouragement. Tomorrow I am replacing a fog light bulb, so now I'm off to search the forum for tips on that.

[Beetlescott]

Originally Posted by caro012984

Ok all, here is the final word:

After finally agreeing (to my father) to have my car diagnosed at the VW dealership before buying the new alternator at Auto Zone, I found out (happily) that a fuse on the battery fuse box had blown, and that actually my alternator is fine. The dealership also found that the in-line fuse to the radio (behind the radio) had blown, and they replaced that as well. So while I was expecting to pay upwards of $400, I walked out spending $52.73.

: )

Now the bad news: when the mechanics at the dealership removed my radio, they scratched the rubber surface on my console BADLY. I went in to tell the service manager, and after looking at it he said "we'll see if we have the part. Otherwise... *chuckle* sorry." I got REALLY mad because of his attitude, and he said, "Well, we don't know that it wasn't that way before." Then I got REALLY REALLY MAD, and said that it wasn't that way and they needed to do something about it. Long story short they ordered a replacement and will be installing it on Wednesday. I can't BELIEVE they would be so rude and apathetic... I've had my car for 8 years and had them work on it plenty of times. I realize that my '99 beetle has many cosmetic flaws, but that doesn't mean you can neglect it and not expect me to say something.

Ok, I'm done with my rant now.

Overall, I should have checked BOTH fuse boxes, but I didn't. Thanks to all for your concern and encouragement. Tomorrow I am replacing a fog light bulb, so now I'm off to search the forum for tips on that.

Sorry to hear about your experience with your dealership I had a (believe it or not) pleasant experience with my dealership. I had Ernie in for some repairs when I first bought him, and when I got him back, the handle was cracked! I went back in and talked to the service guy and he said, well, I don't know if our guys did this or not, but you have been bringing your cars in since you bought your first one, so I'm fixing it. That mad me feel pretty good, especially since Ernie is a 99 also. I'm glad you didn't have to pay the 400+ though! I had the exact same problem with Ernie 2 weeks ago. I have a thread about it, but short version, I had to replace battery alternator, and I didn't turn my radio on for the trip home, as I was talking with my spousal unit. The next day, the radio is dead, nothing, no asking for a code, just dead. I'm taking it to a guy who has worked on sound systems for me before to see if it is indeed the fuse behind the radio. What a strange place to put a fuse?

[fohveh]

The fuse on the back of the radio is VERY sensitive to current flow and blows immediately if there is any surge from whatever source. Just pop the radio out and its right on the back a 10amp I believe. As for caro012984 fuse blown in the fuse block, that is not related to the radio. You may want to check the fuse block further for melting and the ends of the first black wire that goes into the fuseblock for melting or corroded looking connections. It is common on some New Beetles for the alternator wire to build up resistance over time and start to cause the fuseblock to melt at different contact points within it.

[Beetlescott]

Originally Posted by fohveh

The fuse on the back of the radio is VERY sensitive to current flow and blows immediately if there is any surge from whatever source. Just pop the radio out and its right on the back a 10amp I believe. As for caro012984 fuse blown in the fuse block, that is not related to the radio. You may want to check the fuse block further for melting and the ends of the first black wire that goes into the fuseblock for melting or corroded looking connections. It is common on some New Beetles for the alternator wire to build up resistance over time and start to cause the fuseblock to melt at different contact points within it.

How easy is it to pop out?

[fohveh]

You will need the radio "keys" or make your own which is very easy. Go to eBay or something and see what they look like. I made a pair out of a hacksaw blade. There are two slots on either side of the radio. You put each "key" into the slot; about 3/4 inch in the "key" will strike a metal tab that holds the radio in place, after you push the tab gently the radio will pop out. Sometimes you need to release one side at a time and rock the radio a little from side to side.

Like this, just join the dots together.
Straight edges except for the tip which is cut at a 45
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/
/
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[Beetlescott]

I found the VW ones on ebay for a buck! (plus 7bucks shipping), They look like a pair of scissors that has been taken apart. I wish I had of read this before I ordered them. But, I will have these now. I will be happy to make them available to my Org mates! After I use them, if anyone needs them, I will mail them to you and you can just mail them back when you are done