Jakal02

Hey all...this is my first post here, but I've been reading up in this forum for a while, but I have a problem now and hope you all may share you knowledge and opinion with me. Here's the problem:

2 Weeks ago, service engin light came on. Brought it to service, service determined that it was the older version of the ECU's program that's causing the serivce engin light to come on. So, they did the upgrade and programmed in the newer version for the ECU. Friday night, I was driving down a road, and my head lights started to get dimmer. Then all the lights on my dashboard came on; ABS, SRS, Battery, and eventually Engin light. I immediately pulled over to a near by gas station, and that's where the car just shut off completely. I was able to start it up again, however, same thing occuring, dim lights and dash lights. Within 5 min, the car powered down again.

Now, I'm assuming this is probably the "Alternater" that needs changing. That's what the AAA tow truck guy said also. But, I also spoke to a friend of mine, he says it may be faulty ECU programming, and it's happened to his Jetta before.

So, what do you guys think? faulty ECU programming? or Althernater?

Thanks...

spirilis

iTrader: (2)

I don't see how that could be caused by ECU programming... sounds like your alternator is stuffed. How many miles, and what year/trim/options/etc?

Jakal02

104K miles. 2000/GLE/All options available that year.

† ErV †

Alternator. Besides you do not need to reflash or bother the ECU on a 2000-01 in anyway.

Thaniel

Could be alternator or bad connections to the alternator or battery. The ECU is not integrated into the charging system and would not normally be affected by programming. However they may have disconnected the battery while servicing the car or something. Never know.