1996 Jetta GL 2.0 Engine won't even turn over

Hi, I'm hoping there are some knowledgeable people here who can help me with my problem!

I can not start my engine. The engine will not turn over, and there is no noise whatsoever, such as clicking. I have cleaned the battery terminals and tried jumping the car. The car was sitting in freezing temperatures (Syracuse, NY) for the past week without being driven. When the engine is on start, the radio works, the door alarm works, as well as the gas gauge and the gauge lights. I've heard it could be the starter or the ignition. Any ideas?

could be your ignition coil. had to replace mine on my 96 jetta a couple of years ago except mine quit while driving down the interstate. also have your timing belt checked out. i say that because mine just went out a week ago. what a car!

lou

OrangeFan wrote:

Hi, I'm hoping there are some knowledgeable people here who can help me with my problem!

I can not start my engine. The engine will not turn over, and there is no noise whatsoever, such as clicking. I have cleaned the battery terminals and tried jumping the car. The car was sitting in freezing temperatures (Syracuse, NY) for the past week without being driven. When the engine is on start, the radio works, the door alarm works, as well as the gas gauge and the gauge lights. I've heard it could be the starter or the ignition. Any ideas?

Could be a few things. First you should check to make sure your battery is good. If the battery is 4 or 5 years old it is time for a new one. The battery must be strong in order to crank the starter.

If you tried to jump the car and got nothing than you should check your starter, you can tap the starter with a hammer or pipe before trying to start it and see if it kicks over. If it does than your starter is on its way out. Start from there first and see what happens.

Thanks, I know it's not the battery because I just replaced it last year and I'm getting power from it. I'll be taking a look at the starter when the weather clears and it stops snowing. Several people have told me the starter is the most likely culprit. I'll let you know how it goes.

Just an update: it turns out the connections to the starter had been very dirty and were not sending a signal. We cleaned them up and made sure the connections were secured, and it started right up! It was nice to find it was nothing major. Thanks for the suggestions!