96 Jetta Won't Start

Hey Ben,

Check your coil. It is located to the left of the brake fluid reservoir. If you're not getting spark, that is the main place I've seen a problem. The coil will run around $125. A 2.0L will die when it is damp or raining outside if the coil is arcing. If you get it running when it is dry out, take something that can squirt water and spray the coil. You'll know if it is the problem or not. You'll see a few arcs and then she'll shut down. This is where I'ld start if you are only having the problem as stated. Let us know what turns out. Oh, if you have to replace the coil, you'll need to use a 10mm wrench and a torq's bit (T30 I think). Good luck!

OK, so I've got spark at the distributor. With coil wire removed from cap, put against valve cover, there is orange spark. But still nothing at brand new plugs, with brand new wires, cap, and rotor. Then what?

Have someone try starting the car (in park if an automatic/neutral if a manual) and see if you can visually see an electrical arc at the coil. You should have a blueish spark at the spark plug. If you continue to have the coil wire disconnected and are checking the spark as you are you are running the chance of smoking the ecu. That's bad. I've seen this happen. You probably just have weak spark.

Ok, what if you have a weak spark, what do you do if that is the case?