My '02 TDI Beetle won't start! HELP!

External Since: Nov 02, 2006 Posts: 1

Ok, when I started the car this morning, it acted as though it was 9
degrees outside and I didn't wait for the glow plugs to warm up (I'm in
AZ, so I've never SEEN 9 degrees, and it's always in the garage...and I
ALWAYS wait for the glow plugs to warm up). Anyways, I made 3 stops,
and it was harder than usual to get the car started all three times.
After the last stop, it flat out wouldn't start again. It was trying -
cranking over a little, but wouldn't start. In the process of trying
to start it, it reset everything electrical (the tripometer, clock,
etc). The car next to me was nice enough to give me a jump, which
after a couple minutes worked. I left, got about 100 yards, and the
car died (so now, instead of being stranded in a parking spot, I'm
blocking traffic...FUN!). Has this happened to anyone?? Is it the
alternator? The battery?? Anyone have any ideas? Thanks!

External Since: Feb 25, 2006 Posts: 18

Alternators can go bad on NBs. You might want your mechanic (the one
driving a new Lexus on what you're paying him to work on the thing) to
check it out. I had to replace mine.

Greg M.