Auto Parts: ABS and Engine Light, abs light, vw golf

Question
Hi Christina,

Yesterday, as I got off work, my car wouldn' t start.  (I own a 2000 VW Golf.)  I had security jump start it, and it started running.  As I left the parking garage, my ABS light and engine light came on.  Every ten to fifteen seconds, the lights would turn on and off.  About a mile when I reached the stop light, my car died and I had to push it to the nearest gas station.  I had it dropped off at my uncle' s garage, but he could not figured it out.  He mentioned something about a fuse but was not sure.  I don' t want to bring it to the dealership because they will overcharge me.  I would rather get an opinion first before I go the another mechanic.  Could you help me out?

P.S.  My power windows work, so I know it' s not the battery.

Answer
Hi Ray,

Sounds like the alternator to me... but that's an expensive replacement if it's not. Your battery could still have juice in it to allow your windows to work, but not enough to start the car. When you turn your key do all your electronics work? Does the check engine light come on then and stay on? I certainly wouldn't go to the dealership, I'd go to a mechanic before I'd go there just do to pricing... if your check engine light stays on you need to have a diagnostics ran on it- AutoZone can do that for free.... but you've got to get the car to them, so we need to get it running. Let me talk with a few of my mechanic friends and see if they know anything specific about the Golf and I'll get back with you.

Christina