Seven problems related to alternator/generator/regulator have been reported for the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Volkswagen Jetta based on all problems reported for the 2004 Jetta.
Alternator wire melted part of the battery top fuse box. Cable was very hot and may have caught fire if I hadn't smelled it first. Had to replace the alternator cable harness and fuse box panel.
On 12/18/2016 I was driving this car back from the movies at 2:30 a. M. Once the movie had ended it was storming and sleeting. I started to notice systems shutting down as indicated by various dash lights such as abs, airbag, among others. Eventually the radio, interior lights shut off. The windshield wipers slowed and the headlights dimmed, and eventually the car died going 50 miles an hour in sleeting conditions leaving me with no abs, no airbag system (at least per what the dash lights indicated) and, of course, no power steering. I inspected the vehicle this morning and found the alternator wire coming into the high amperage fuse box that sits on top of the battery had melted and disconnected the circuit, disabling the alternator from charging the battery, and letting the battery die. The incident did not cause a crash, but it could have if there was anyone else around me as I had to cut across a couple lanes with no engine power and no power steering to get to the shoulder.
Alternator cable melted the fuse block and wires above the battery. I will need to replace the alternator, alternator wiring harness, the fuses, and possibly the battery. My car has shut down while driving and this is dangerous not just for me but for others on the road around me. Too many vw owners are experiencing this exact same issue. Vw please take ownership of this ongoing safety issue. This same issue is being addressed in a class action for beetles.
I have replaced my battery twice and my alternator once. My car completely shuts down when I part it. I have also turned on my car and then completely shuts down by itself, yet if I jump start it it will turn on. I'm not able to turn my car back on, as though something is draining my battery. This has been occurring for over one year now and I'm getting stranded at my last destination and have had to get towed to the mechanic show. It's getting very expensive and ridiculous. The mechanic has done his due diligence but problem is still occurring. I'm afraid to drive on the highway in fear my car will shit down!.
My (generator cable - s177) alternator cable melting the fuse box and wires above the battery. My car needed a new alternator. My car does not always start even with a new battery and alternator. My car has shut down while driving on the highway. Vw admits this is a known problem but will not do anything about it. I am the second owner of this vehicle. Thousands of people are having this same problem.
The battery fuse box melted due to corrosion on the terminal of the alternator wire, this is a very common problem with this car and cars of similar make (Audi a4, tt etc. ) and can lead to fires.
Alternator wiring harness overheated my battery fuse box and melted it. The vehicle battery light came on so I pulled over, turned the vehicle off, and inspected the battery, noticing the damage (melted plastic, smoke).