I own a 2001 VW Jetta..but now it won't start!...when i try to start it, it just makes a clicking sound!?

Question 1
I own a 2001 VW Jetta..but now it won't start!...when i try to start it, it just makes a clicking sound!?...  Does anyone know what might be the problem??

Answers
1)   Check your battery terminals, it might be loose and dirty. If its okay check also your starter. Hope this helps! - Mikaela P

2)   try jump starting it. sounds like a dead battery. - Great Scott

3)   cause nazis are bastards - Noah

4)   Battery or Starter - JOHNNY C

5)   Mikaela P is cheating very badly. Has at least 5 accounts set up and using them to run the score up. I have reported it. - ohmywhatamessimin


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Question 2
I just put a new alternator in my vw 69 bug and the motor will turn over, but it wont start.?...  I think its these two wires the wire that goes to the battery and the ground wire. i dont think i have them on the right spot on the alternator.

Answers
1)   better get some help before you burn out some expensive stuff/stop trying - ken k

2)   unless you battery is completely dead it wouldn't matter that you hooked up the alternator wrong, it would just eventually drain the battery.It's more likely that your battery is already dead and you need a jump start or you need a new starter. - gq t

3)   if you think that, then what would you do. if your positive youve got em right, take the alt back.bad alt, or regulator can kill ignition primary voltage in rare cases. - idontgivafork

4)   Did you install an indicator light by the accessory side of the ignition switch? This must be done to energize the alternator.

B+ goes to the starter where the battery cable is.
D+ goes to an indicator light >then to the accessory side of the ignition switch.

I have attached link to an alternator wiring and a video.
Good luck, once you get it working you will enjoy having an alternator over a generator. - Chirco.com


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Question 3
How much should Meineke charge me to install a catalytic converter I bought online? I have a 2000 VW cabrio?...  

Answers
1)   $ 50.00, but they will probably want to sell you one of theirs due to yours "not being the right one" - not 2 B fooled

2)   Go to a "mom & pop" muffler shop, they will charge you about 40-50 bucks to install, and usually won't give you anything but a Thank you.

Rule of thumb, stay away from chain stores they charge you more. - Briano

3)   Usually shop charges 75+ an hour just labor,deepens on if any other problem occur like screw's braking up what's common problem upon replacing exhaust system,could cost more.Ask first for labor rate. - JOHNNY C

4)   they work cheap but they expect to make a profit - ken k


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Question 4
What is the shift pattern for German cars?...  I have heard from classmates that have German cars that you have to push down the shift knob then place the shifter out and left. Is this true? If not, how do they shift?

Also, if you happen to know the insurance and cost of maintenance of a 1985 VW Golf Vs. a 1996 Saab 900 SE V6, that would also be helpful.

Answers
1)   The pattern you spoke of is for reverse in most German trans.1st will depend on the car, my 911T had a"901" racing trans where 1st is where 2nd is located on all others.
When you guys ask about insurance , this is a question for the insurance agent. No one online can tell you with the kind of information given. So as for help got to your agent. - DR DEAL

2)   The shift pattern on most street cars around the world is the same in left or right hand drive. The only real difference might be when shifting into reverse. This is where your friend might have to push down or pull up and move the lever to either side to get it into reverse. - Keenan

3)   On you shift pattern question,
Pressing down, left and back was for rear engine air cooled VW's

On maintenance cost,
I believe the more cares sold, the less expensive parts are going to be.
Also the older car usually has less bells and whistles making it easier to work on. - Chirco.com

4)   I have a 1973 Volkswagen Beetle. It is the simple H pattern ,except it's slanted slightly. To get to reverse, you have to push down the knob, bring it a little left, then down. - Prime


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Question 5
is using the 50/50 pink toyota coolant okay to use in my 2002 vw jetta?...  My mechanic said it was okay to use the toyota 50/50 pink coolant in my jetta since the are the same color. He recommended buying it from toyota as opposed to vw since it would be cheaper at vw. So basically, I am just wondering if the toyota coolant will be a satisfactory substitute for my vw jetta. Thanks for your answers

Answers
1)   I believe you'll need to get your coolant from the VW dealership. I'm pretty sure your car will have G12 coolant which is pink. You can also add G12+ to it, but then you must use G12+.

Check what coolant Toyota uses, maybe he's right. But always consult your manual. G12 coolant is pink, but maybe others are too. - Jake

2)   I thought vw coolant was orange. Anyway, don't put it in unless it really is the same color, antifreeze is sorted by color so if both are the same color they are the same antifreeze. - fireturd_owner88

3)   I agree with Jake.

VW's current coolant spec is called G12++, or G12 plus plus. It's made by Pentosin and available at VW and Audi dealers. I would not use anything else unless you plan to do a complete system flush and fill.

Toyota spec is Super Long Life Coolant. That is G-05 standard in 1996 and older Toyotas, and DexCool in newer models. DexCool is the pink stuff you are probably talking about. Lots of Toyota guys use Peak Global coolant, found at most auto parts stores.

Do NOT use DexCool in your VW. Only use the proper VW coolant. Your mechanic is a bonehead but typical, most car mechanics pay no attention to modern fluid and lubricant technology. Just like with women, not all pink stuff is the same. Can't tell a car mechanic that, though. They'll just ignore it. - Uncle Bo


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