ECM issue or not?

5

Asked by greenlights6 Jan 09, 2017 at 01:20 PM about the 2012 Volkswagen Jetta SEL

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I purchased a 2012 Jetta in October. I've yet to drive it, it's still in the shop. Bad research and choices on my part, but on to my issue:

At first the car wouldn't start unless it was jumped, was told it needed a new battery, so I got one. Dash lights come on, car won't start. Take it to a mechanic, and I'm told it's the alternator. Got a new alternator. Car starts, but after 10-15 minutes of driving the battery light comes on- it's not charging. I take it back to the mechanic. Car sits for about 3 weeks, I call him, and find out he hasn't done anything yet. Tells me it's the electrical system, he's checking some wire stuff, should be fine.
Fast forward to today. He hasn't called, I just show up at the shop. It's the ECM now he says. Tells me when I got the battery at Autozone they switched the terminals and burned the old alternator and blah blah blah.

Obviously, if the same person tells me it's a bunch of different things and none of them fix the issue, it's time to take it to someone else. I don't want to spend the $1200 he's quoting me on an ECM I can't be sure will fix the problem. My question is: if the car does start but won't charge, can it possibly be the ECM? Keep in mind new battery and alternator.

8 Answers

13,440

$1200 for an ECM, time for a second oppinion you may buy ECMs on line or repair yours for ~200-300

2 people found this helpful.
5

Thanks! Still taking feedback on the issue itself as well. Does it sound like it could actually be the ECM?

I think it is time for a new mechanic. If he screwed up and fried things then it is his problem to fix, not yours. Reversing polarity could ruin a lot of things including the ECM.

1 people found this helpful.
5

And while we're at it, if anyone knows a good VW Mechanic in long island, NY I'll love you forever if you tell me.

Did you ever get this fixed? My 2013 Beetle is in the shop with the same problem.

30

I was my 2012 Volkswagen Jetta sports wagon today and the little to circle light came on flashing and then I lost power what should I do

3 people found this helpful.
30

I was my 2012 Volkswagen Jetta sports wagon today and the little to circle light came on flashing and then I lost power what do u think

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