Electrical problem
1996 Volkswagen Golf 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Automatic 96,000 miles
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When I go to crank the engine, I turn the ignition switch with the key and all the instrument panel lights come on and the day running lights come on too. When I then go to crank the engine with the ignition key the day running lights go out and the engine does absolutely nothing no crank or chatter nothing.

check the starter, it could have a dead short that when tried to start puts a drain on the battery

Be sure all battey connections are clean and tight.Check for 12 volts at the small wire on the starter with key in crank position. If it has power then the starter needs to be replaced.