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Question

alternator or battery issue

Jun 28, 2017 4:04PM PDT

I have a 2001 vw 1.8t recently the battery light came on and then lost power and died. i can jump start the car and the clock and radio keep the memory. But when i jump start it the rpms eventually freeze and the gas pedal will not rev the rpms. Both the battery and alternator are testing dead. I was wondering if anyone could tell me if this is a dead alternator issue, battery, or aomething in the computer syste?m

Discussion is locked

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Answer
Charging system
Jun 29, 2017 1:49PM PDT

Hi, Spider Monkey; First, it's not a good idea to 'jump start' a car anymore. Computer damage can result. You will need to have the battery fully charged, then tested. If it tests okay, then have the alternator tested. You can't accurately test the alternator with a low or faulty battery. If the alternator tests bad, make sure it is getting a 12V source (some are fuse protected). Please reply with results.
Thank you. Loren

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How about this charger?
Jun 30, 2017 9:38AM PDT
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0051D3MP6 is what I use now. Yes, it takes forever to charge up a battery but it's as safe as I can get today.

I'm an electronics designer with designs in fleet systems. GPS trackers, etc. Our gear is rated for 100% over voltage. Some say we went too far. I think it's why we don't see burnouts.