Engine 
The first things I would address:Ok, so my wife went to get in her 2004 beetle the other day and the starter just started clicking when she turned the ignition. I disconnected the battery for a bit and it cranked up fine after awhile.
It did it again later that day. All of the instruments light up and the car seems to have power until I turn the key. I got it started again and took it and got the battery tested. The battery was shot so I replaced it. Now it is still doing the same thing.
When I get the car started, it runs fine for as long as I keep it running. So, it doesn't seem to be the alternator. The starter will click but turn over sometimes, but it seems like it's not getting enough power from the sound of it.
This morning I went out and the battery is completely dead again. Brand new. I checked the fuses and wires in the box on top of the battery and they look fine. There has to be some electrical problem somewhere that I'm not seeing, I just don't really know where to look. Any suggestions? Are there sensors that could become faulty and drain power? Will faulty wiring show up on a diagnostic test?
I would appreciate any help I can get. I can't afford to take it to a dealership and pay $500 to replace a simple wire or something. Thanks
My money is on the Alternator. It may still partially work but not enough to keep the battery charged. Besides the headlights being on I can't think of anything that would fully discharge a Fully charged battery in a few hours. I once had the interior lights on when I was looking for something and forgot to switch them off. They were left on all night and even so the car started right up in the morning. Not sure how old your car is and how many miles are on it but I would have the alternator checked. I am almost 97.6% sure that it is at fault.I appreciate the help. But whatever it is must be draining the battery constantly. I'm going to have to jump it and take it to advanced autoparts, but I can tell the battery is being drained for some reason even when the car is just sitting.
There is a consistent clicking in the dashboard that kinda sounds like the blinker is on. If I put the key in the ignition or turn on the lights, it stops. I'm going to take it to get it tested, but it seems like a wiring problem.
I checked the wires again, running all the way to the alternator, but still can't see any crimps or damage. There is a little corrosion on the negative terminal connector, but I brushed it off mostly. It's from the last battery. Anyways, thanks for the help.
Beside talkin' funny, I guess you guy's count funny on that side of the pond also... But I'd check the alternator and battery first, before bothering with any further diagnosis.I'd also be inclined to check the 7 ground/Earth points.![]()
I know the TSB, I'll look, but I think it was earlier than '04. You haven't been around! you have a good TDay?Also, 04's (don't remember the exact TSB, I think it was for the 'verts) had a recall on the monsoon amp. It drains the battery, although with a new battery, I don't think it would drain it that fast.