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Volkswagen Repair/Alarm system issue

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Expert: Rick O. - 1/2/2009


Question
I recently had a new battery put in at Walmart.  Ever since then, my car alarm goes off at random times. I have a 2001 Volkswagon Jetta 1.5 Turbo.  This has never happened before.  Any ideas?

Answer
Julia,
 It seems the ECU (computer) needs to be reset.  Whenever losing power to the ECU, this can disable certain functions or cause other problems.  Normally when doing any maintenance on a modern VW which requires loss of power, the shop should use a "memory saver".  Walmart techs obviously do not know or practice this.

Rick

Volkswagen Repair

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Rick O.

Expertise

Classic, aircooled (rear engine) 1949-1979 VW's, specializing in electrical problems, fuel injection, and Type 181 "The Thing". NOTE: I have limited experience on water-cooled VWs (Rabbit, Golf, Jetta, etc...) but I am glad to help to the extent of my knowledge, due to the fact there are currently no other experts registered for these models.

Experience

15 years of aircooled VW ownership and maintenance.

Publications
Wikipedia, VW Beetle

Education/Credentials
Retired US military Electronics Tech/Master Training Specialist, Civilian Computer engineer.

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