How to Charge a Volkswagen Jetta

by Mason Howard

All car batteries self-charge while the car is being driven; however, occasionally a battery that has gone unused for a long period of time, or a battery that was depleted by leaving on the lights or other electrical devices will have to be manually charged. If you own a Volkswagen Jetta that is in need of charging, the process for charging it is virtually the same as charging any other car. There are several methods for rejuvenating your car battery. These methods will vary depending on the situation, and on whether you have a manual or automatic transmission.

Charging the Battery

Step 1

Charge your Jetta's battery with a plug-in battery charger. Turn off any accessories that require electricity. Put on safety glasses. With the charger unplugged and switched off, connect the red clamp to the positive terminal on the battery.

Step 2

Connect the black clamp to an unpainted heavy gauge metal surface of the frame or engine block to create a ground. Do not connect to fuel lines, the carburetor or any thin metal sheeting.

Step 3

Turn on the battery charger. Refer to the owner's manual to determine the best settings for your situation and the type of battery you have. Plug in the charger. Keep your distance from the battery while it is charging, and do not attempt to adjust or remove the clamps while the charger is on.

Step 4

Unplug the charger when charging is complete. Then switch the charger off. Remove the black clip first, then the red clip.

Jump-start the Jetta

Step 1

Jump-start your Jetta with jumper cables. Turn off all accessories that require electricity. Park in front of another car so that its battery is in jumper cable reach of your battery. Place one red clamp on the positive terminal of your Jetta. Then place the opposite red clamp to the positive terminal of the running car.

Step 2

Place a black clamp on the negative terminal of the running car. Clamp the opposite black clamp to an unpainted metal surface.

Step 3

Start the other car. Give it several minutes to charge your battery, then start your Jetta.

Step 4

Remove the jumper cables in the opposite order they were attached.

Step 5

Drive the car around for 30 minutes to re-charge the battery.

Push-start the Jetta

Step 1

Push-start your Jetta if you have a manual transmission. Turn off all accessories that require electricity. Take the car out of gear, turn the key to the "On" position, and have a couple of friends help you push the car and gain momentum.

Step 2

Put your gearshift into the gear that you think conforms to the speed you are rolling once a good momentum is gained. Usually second or third gear is sufficient.