Car won't start...Electrical? Battery?

Question

2000 VW Jetta GL 2.0
Hi, Sorry this is going to be long, but I wont to be very specific.
Every day I drive the car, with no problems at all. Starts up, gets me where I wanna go, period. Well last night, there was tons and tons of rain, so I didn't bother going out or taking the car anywhere.

Today....I wake up this morning, ran outta cig's and decided to run to the store for more, I get into the car, and it wont start.

Heres what happens:

I hop in the car (buzzers and lights as usual when I open door) I put the key in the ignition (buzzers and lights again as usual...) but when I put the key in the start position, I get nothing at all. Everything else works, interior lighting, headlights, taillights, alarm, etc. All the dash lights display properly as well.

When I turn the key, everything 'seems normal' except the following:

- I get no sound from the starter (no clicking)
- Headlights shut off immediately (shut off, not dim) while trying to start the car, but immediately turn back on when I release the key???


I've never really had battery issues, and did not leave anything on in the car over night to drain the battery. I also had someone try and jump the car for me, and theres nothing at all. No sounds, no clicking, its the same during a jump as without the jump.


Heres what I've replaced/checked:
- Ignition switch
- Relays
- Starter

I purchased a new starter, and before I removed the old one, I put the wires on the new starter to see if it would turn, and same problem, I get nothing. So I'm guessing a starter is definitely not the problem here, I'm assuming it's something electrical?

I'm getting all jerked off on this so any help would be greatly appreciated. I dont have electrical testing tools, so I wont have access to give any readings on voltage etc.

Tomorrow I'm going to have a buddy of mine bring his car battery over, and I'm going to swap mine with his, just to see if I have a dead cell or something. I'm not sure if I shoulda checked the battery first or not, I just assumed because the lights and radio and everything else was working I had a good battery. Also I assumed that even if I did have a bad battery, I'd at least get somewhat of an effort from the starter, but maybe I'm wrong?


Has anyone else had an issue like this, or can anyone point me in the right direction? 

Thanks a million.

- Mike

Uncle Bo · Accepted Answer

Good story, thanks for the details.

Yeah, I would have swapped out the battery for a known good one, just to see if that was it.  Funny the jump start didn't do the trick.  But, best to do the whole process of elimination thing.

Also, the rain you got has me thinking a short circuit somewhere.  Double check your battery cables for tightness, solid connection, and no damage or wear.  Moisture + old cables = corrosion and that could lead to a short.  Get into CSI mode and do some detective work under the hood.

Have your battery load tested, not just a simple voltage check.  Load testing will tell you if the batt is dying or OK.

Good luck.  I'd bring ya some cigs if were not on the other side of this inertwebs thing.

STEVE R · Answer

You are the most typical VW owner, bought it, i can fix it,  as it is simple, and the car is a hot-rod.  Bull-****.  The car is junk and the sooner you realize this, the smarter you will be.  Whithout you spending all your hard earned money, it is obvious you need a battery.   Why do VW People over think this?  Why did you buy an ignition switch, should have been ordered from Dealer as would not work with your keys with-out authorzations.  I know  you spent a bunch of money on this fiasco.  I am sorry, how much does a Battery cost for your car?  How much have you spent?  Tell me what your savings are?  luv ser  You sir, should learn to respect your elders, who try greatly to help you in life.  You get this other battery and you make sure of the connections, they must be clean and tight.  i will give you a written gaurantee your problem fixed. luv ser

topofga · Answer

There is a fuselink and a fuse in your starter circuit.  If the fuse is good (expect it is) then the fuselink is fried.  This could happen with a starter that froze.  The link is normally inline with the link to the starter solenoid.  
You did not mention if you tried using a jumper cable direct to the plus pole of the starter while using the neg side of the jumper cable from the battery neg to the engine block.

One other possibility which normally will not occur on a vehicle this new - corrosion in the negative battery lead to the chassis.  It will cause the symptoms you've described.

deljack05 · Answer

I had the same problem in a Dodge Intrepid. It turned out to be corroded connectors. You also might check the ECM fuse. If it goes the car will not start but all the accessories work fine. I think it is located in the fuse box under the hood. You were probably right in assuming that the battery was ok since you had lights and all. they usually work even when it won't start. Hope some of this was helpful.

mikrp · Answer

check for loose negative battery cable at block or coroded or defective battery clamps. also.you didnt say if this is a manual trans or auto.if auto this may be a nuetral saftey/interlock switch ( keeps the car from starting in any gear but park or nuetral) if  this is an automatic car,try shifting to nuetral to start or if its a manual this may be a clutch interlock switch on these VW's i believe you can see them under the dash mounted on the pedal assembly, it may be just a loose plug on this switch. my other quess would be a blown fuseable link on the battery cable, or a loose connection on the cables, i would suggest that if you are slightly mechanically inclined spend 3 bucks at the parts store for a 12 volt tester and at least see if you have voltage at the starter and also hook the test light between the positive bat cable and the engine block to make sure you have a good ground as well.

Car won't start...Electrical? Battery?

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