Car not starting (99 VW) [SOLVED]

SkeithSkeith Registered User regular
edited May 2012 in Help / Advice Forum
Info- It's a Jetta. Cannot use the electronic dongle to trigger the alarm, lock or unlock functions, nor the trunk opening function. When I use the key to open the trunk manually, it sounds different- more mechanical, where before it sounded softer, like it was being opened electronically. Radio works, horn works, wipers work. Headlights, highbeams, taillights (reverse and brake), hazards and turn signals work. Windows and sunroof cannot be adjusted from the driver door or the door the window is fitted to. Tried jumping it from two different packs, no effect either time. Tried in park and neutral, holding/not holding the brake, parking brake engaged/disengaged. The car had been working fine all evening at work, the difference from it running to doing this was only an hour of time.

When I put the key in the ignition and turn to the accessory position, I am 90% sure I can hear the fuel pump starting as usual, however it's late and I'll fiddle with it tomorrow to make sure it's working. There are zero sounds coming from under the hood or in the vicinity of the ignition when I try to start the car either from any key position-- no clicks or anything, and no signs of the engine cranking. I checked what fuses I could, and nothing looked burnt out, but I'll be checking those in full daylight as well. The tow truck driver thinks it could be the starter, the solenoid, or something gone wrong with the anti-theft; I hate to say it but it's almost certainly something electrical and I'm just praying it's not something with a wiring harness. I'm going to be calling my mechanics at a more sane hour, but more opinions are always a good thing.

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Skeith on

Posts

  • BlindZenDriverBlindZenDriver Registered User regular
    My first step would be to check the fuses in the fuse box(es) - if one or more a done then I would look into what and consider why (and most likely simply try replacing said fuses).

    If all fuses are fine then next move move would be to disconnect the battery, wait a minute and the reconnect it in order to "reboot" the electronics. However since you have a mechanic you can call which I presume knows the car I suggest hearing him first before doing any experiments.

    Bones heal, glory is forever.
  • JohnnyCacheJohnnyCache Starting Defense Place at the tableRegistered User regular
    Probably a body control module

  • SkeithSkeith Registered User regular
    Mechanic is pretty sure it's my ignition switch, but I'd like to keep this open just in case.

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  • SkeithSkeith Registered User regular
    Welp, not the ignition switch, and the engine still isn't throwing codes.

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  • mtsmts Dr. Robot King Registered User regular
    probably not helpful but i want to say my the electrical on my 98 jetta shit the bed too

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  • SkeithSkeith Registered User regular
    It was the starter switch. Safe to lock this up.

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