Passat won't start

Zeek12

Hi guys,

Just looking for some advice here. My Passat won't start today, its a 10 year old 1.9 diesel. The brother took my jump leads a while ago so I'm just waiting for him to call round later, and will try and jumpstart it then.
But I'm guessing the battery may not be the problem. The radio, heater and lights all come on ok, but the engine just won't start on the final turn.
And I noticed the alternator warning light remains lighted up too - normally it would come on just for a second or two.
So am I looking at an alternator problem here? And would this be an expensive repair job?:(

Esel

Lights etc. working does not mean the battery has enough charge to start the car, and the alternator light won't go out until the engine is running afaik.

Have you checked the electrolyte levels in the battery's cells? If low, add distilled water only Water from a condenser clothes dryer is suitable, but I find I have to filter mine first to remove small fabric particles.

Also check the battery connections.

Remember when attaching the jump leads, do not put the negative lead on the battery terminal of the dead battery - use a body/engine earth point instead. This is the final connection in setting up the jump leads.