1999 Volkswagen Jetta Jetta won't start

1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
100,000 MILES • 6 CYL • FWD • AUTOMATIC
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ERICPA
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When I try to start my Jetta, it won't start. Turn the key to on, electric door locks engage. Electric windows won't work. Stereo, other electric things work. Turn key to start and nothing - no solenoid sound or anything - other than what sounds like fuel injectors or some other sound from around the throttle body area. Buzzes for a minute or so then quits. At this point I can't unlock the doors; I have to turn key off and use remote to unlock. I have had a problem opening passenger side window for quite a while - intermittent. I always hear a relay clicking, but window doesn't always move. I thought it was a broken motor or mechanical assembly for the longest time, then it just started working again, but currently doesn't. I thought it was a weak battery at first but had it tested - ok. If I connect a 10A charger to battery, nothing happens - won't start. If I switch to 50A setting, the car WILL start.

?????

Any ideas?
May 6, 2009 at 12:35 PM
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2CARPRO JACK
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Sounds like a bad battery.If the battery is shorted internally sometimes you need that much amperage to jump start through them.
Dec 20, 2016 at 11:16 AM
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ERICPA
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Battery is not bad - tested good at two separate stores. Voltage is 12.6V and drops to 11.8 when ignition turned to on.

I'm thinking it's gotta be a short somewhere in the electric door or window wiring.
Dec 20, 2016 at 11:16 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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something shorting that hard would normally blow a fuse or trip a breaker.Sounds like a weak/poor connection in the power delivery for the interior somewhere. Check all connections you can find to be sure they are clean and tight
Dec 20, 2016 at 11:16 AM
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ERICPA
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Do you have an idea where is most likely to start looking - the power feed to the fuse box for example? Do you need to remove the under side of the dash to expose necessary connections to fuse box or is there an easier way?
Dec 20, 2016 at 11:16 AM
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2CARPRO JACK
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You will need to take some stuff apart. I would start under the hood and work my way inside, check all powers and grounds
Dec 20, 2016 at 11:16 AM
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