Why won't my Vw Cabrio start

55

Asked by Vwcabby198 Nov 11, 2012 at 09:45 PM about the 1998 Volkswagen Cabrio 2 Dr GL Convertible

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

It's a manual 2.0, daily driver. I drove
it around town, to work and back
home and all of a sudden will not
crank or click. The battery has power,
lights radio etc.. I tried to jump it and
nothing happened. I also took the
terminals off the batteries and
cleaned them up. Still the same...
Any suggestions on what to try next?

6 Answers

245

My similar problems started like that. When I turned the key, nothing happened. Would aso not take a jump. Replaced iginition switch in the column and all way well, A couple months later it would start sometimes and sometimes not. It would eventually start if I kept trying.. Had someone hit the starter lightly with a wrench while I was trying to turn it over and it worked. So I replaced the starter A couple months later and I started having problems, Took it to a small reputable service station in town and he checked the battery and the readout said replace, so I did. One year later, I am not having any more starting issues. I love my 98..

8 people found this helpful.
5,315

it sounds loke a starter engine problem. you'll need to take it off and test it. try with a cable from the plus of the battery to the + contact on the starter. if it cranks the starter is damaged.

2 people found this helpful.
55

I've tried everything I could think of.. I had it pushed down the road and put it in gear and drove it to the shop.

1 people found this helpful.
245

Let us know what they find. Might be helpful to someone else in the future...

1 people found this helpful.
55

My starter was completely dead, had no power whatsoever. I replaced it for $107 bucks and it seems to be working fine now.

4 people found this helpful.
50

I am having the same problem right now. Replaced the starter motor and still nothing.

5 people found this helpful.

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