When attempting to start the engine cranked and sputtered and shut off, no lights, radio, milage, gas gauge, buttons, nothing

2005 VOLKSWAGEN BEETLE

114,000 MILES • 1.8L • TURBO • 4WD • AUTOMATIC

TRENNEDYWADE

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I went to turn on my car this morning and it completely shut down! The first time I turned the key and cranked the engine it sputtered a bit, so I attempted it again. Then it completely shut off. No lights, radio, milage, gas gauge, buttons--nothing.

It doesn't respond to a jump, any buttons on the doors or keys, and while I can turn the key as normal, absolutely nothing happens--not even sound.

I checked all the fuses and they're fine and the battery was replaced (brand new) less than 5 months ago.

Please help!

Jul 6, 2022 at 6:26 PM

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This will be one of two things either the battery shorted out or there is a bad connection at the battery, I would remove the battery and have it tested at an auto parts store and then clean the battery cables. There is an outside chance a main fusible link has blown but I would do the first two steps. Here are two guides that can help with instructions below for your car:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/everything-goes-dead-when-engine-is-cranked

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-a-car-battery

Check out the diagrams (below). Please let us know what happens.

Images (Click to enlarge)

Jul 7, 2022 at 12:04 PM