# Volks jetta clicking noise after engine shutoff

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/volks-jetta-clicking-noise-after-engine-shutoff/80379>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** jetta, volkswagen\
**Created:** [July 17, 2013, 1:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volks-jetta-clicking-noise-after-engine-shutoff/80379 "2013-07-17T01:37:49Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![sparkymarky](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/73ab20/32.png) [@sparkymarky](https://community.cartalk.com/u/sparkymarky)\
**Post date:** [July 17, 2013, 1:37am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volks-jetta-clicking-noise-after-engine-shutoff/80379/1 "2013-07-17T01:37:49Z")

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hello all, first time here.

I have a 2000 volkswagen jetta 4 cyl and when I shut off the engine, what I believe to be the air compressor for the air conditioner starts an erratic clicking noise. sometimes it doesn’t click at all, sometimes a little. I’ve had to jump start the car twice because I believe this may be running down my battery. I have no idea why this is happening or what the possible outcome will be…help! and thanks in advance.

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**Author:** ![George\_San\_Jose1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e5b9ba/32.png) [@George\_San\_Jose1](https://community.cartalk.com/u/George_San_Jose1)\
**Post date:** [July 18, 2013, 3:33am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volks-jetta-clicking-noise-after-engine-shutoff/80379/2 "2013-07-18T03:33:41Z")

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Ray has said on the show that noises coming from under the dash after the engine is turned off is frequently something faulty w/the air vent doors. A mechanic can easily do a phantom current test to see if the battery is being drained when the car is parked and off. My guess is the non-start is a coincidence, not related to the clicking noise.

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**Author:** ![Benjamin\_Madore](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7ab992/32.png) [@Benjamin\_Madore](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Benjamin_Madore)\
**Post date:** [July 23, 2013, 10:42pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/volks-jetta-clicking-noise-after-engine-shutoff/80379/3 "2013-07-23T22:42:26Z")

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I would suspect the alternator, specifically a bad diode in it. Go down to the local auto parts supercenter and have them test it, that will eliminate the battery and alternator.

I just did an alt in my '02.