I have a 97 jetta 2.0. I went to start the car and when i turn the key, it tried to start like normal but then stopped. I was thinking the battery was dead so i hooked it up to my friends truck and jump started it. When i tried to turn the key nothing happened. It does not click like its a bad starter motor, and i checked all of my grounds. The timing is perfect on the fly wheel cam and distributor. i checked all sensors and visible wires. Could the ecu be bad? Could i have a loose connection to the clutch safety switched? Ignition switch? Im stumped.
Test the battery with a load tester. Did you verify the jumper cable connection when you hooked them up? Make sure the alarm isn't cutting off the starter?
If you've got power on that starter signal wire (small wire) while the key is in the crank position, and battery voltage on the big wire to the starter, the starter is bad. If no 12v at the signal wire while cranking, time to get out the wiring diagram and diagnose the circuit.
yea i had the jumpers connected right. Im confused because 5% of the time when you turn the key the starter will fire and the other times it does nothing
i havnt gotten a chance to hook a volt meter up to it. I have to borrow one from my friend and he is at work. I will probably do that tomorrow. What should i be looking for if i do or do not get the 12v
i tested the voltage and got 12v. I replaced the starter motor today and it is still not even cranking. Igot 12v when i had someone turn the key while i used the meter. Any other ideas?
You should have 12v on the big wire to the starter at all times, 12v on the small wire to the starter while the key is being held in the crank position, and ground on the starter body, where it bolts to the transmission.
If all those factors are present, the only possible explanation is a bad starter. You've either got a bad reman'd starter out of the box (which is definitely not unheard of), or you skipped a diagnostic step.
I have the exact same problem with my '99 Jetta. Replaced the starter, still didn't start. Removed the new starter and had it checked, starter is good. I'm planning to get the battery checked even though it is two years old. After that, I will check the battery to starter cable and the starter to alternator cable and replace as required. If that doesn't work, I'll concentrate on the grounds.
Changed both battery cables: 1- battery to starter (positive); and the battery to engine ground. the car running like a champ.
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