My 2001 Jetta GLS 2.0 does not start. When I turn the ignition key, nothing happens. If I hold the ignition key in the start position for a few seconds, a clicking sound can be heard from the dashboard. If I keep holding it, the clicking sound gets faster and more erratic, and the dashboard lights, clock, and odometer turn off. The clock is reset to 12:00.
A jump start does not work. There is no visible corrosion on the battery terminals, and it seems to me that it is too soon for the battery to go dead. The remote works fine to open the doors. The interior lights work, though the power windows will only work for a second, then the clicking will start.
The car has been fine all winter. Even when it was not started for weeks in very cold temperatures, it always started right up. The last time I drove the car was 10 days ago. Since then the temperature has warmed up (it is in the 50's now).
Am I looking at a bad alternator? Anything else that could be wrong? Thanks in advance for your help...
-- Dave