1999 Volkswagen GTI wont start

Tiny
VOLUPTUOUSVIXEN71
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 VOLKSWAGEN GTI
  • 196,000 MILES
I have a 99 GTi with a 2.0 AEG motor that all of a sudden wont start. I have power to everything, however when I turn the key nothing, wont start. The headlights come on, but when I try to. Start the car they go out. Is it the starter or alternator? Please help, I love my little car, but this has me flustered. Thank you.

Thursday, July 11th, 2013 AT 7:50 PM

18 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 110,176 POSTS
Have you checked to make sure the battery is good? Most parts stores will test it for free. If it is good, you need to check to see if there is power to the starter. Have a friend turn the key to the start position while you check for power to the smaller wire on the starter. It should have 12v
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Thursday, July 11th, 2013 AT 8:37 PM
Tiny
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Thank you for responding. I replaced the battery about 5 months ago. I did notice that the fuse distribution box on top of the battery looks as though a small part of it had started to melt. So I removed the top of it and noticed that inside there was like a white powdery residue in the lid. When looking at the distribution box the black cord to the left is loose but it does not look as though there's anything wrong with it, none of the fuses seem to be blown. Again, I am at a loss and in of help.
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Thursday, July 11th, 2013 AT 8:54 PM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
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The black wire is the alternator charging wire.

The gti did not come with a 2.0l AEG engine. You have a plain golf.

Thomas
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Thursday, July 11th, 2013 AT 9:08 PM
Tiny
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According to my owners manual it is a GTI there are no emblems on the vehicle stating that it is a golf. The VIN number starts with VWVW, all of the replacement parts that I have purchased are for the AEG motor, found this out by purchasing parts that were not AEG and they were not compatible. I do, however appreciate your input.
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Thursday, July 11th, 2013 AT 9:27 PM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
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I was just trying to clarify things so that an expert can help you. Since working on a 1.8t or VR6 engine will be different than on a 2.0l engine.

Thomas
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Thursday, July 11th, 2013 AT 9:58 PM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
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Kristie, is it a standard or auto transmission?

1999 new body style yes?

1999 old body style had issues with the alarm blocking starter operation. New body style does not do this.

Thomas
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Thursday, July 11th, 2013 AT 10:26 PM
Tiny
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Forgive me if I seem defensive when it comes to my car, I've been a "backyard " mechanic for years, but only on old Dodges, camaros n the occasional Toyota. So when it came to my VW, I've done my research plus trial n error. It is perplexing to say the least. Anyway, old body style and I've heard that the alarm system could be the root of the problem, however I am at a loss. What can I do about the alarm system? And thank you for all your help n input.
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Friday, July 12th, 2013 AT 8:22 AM
Tiny
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So the motor is an ABA.

Have a look at this video I made. See if you can follow some of the steps.

I work 7 to 6pm pacific time, so forgive me if I don't reply right away (I am not a paid expert working from home).

Thomas
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Friday, July 12th, 2013 AT 12:27 PM
Tiny
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Sorry forgot to add the link...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inKwzg2osMg
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Friday, July 12th, 2013 AT 12:27 PM
Tiny
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The early body style does not have a fuse box on the battery.

The A4 new body alarm does not prevent starter operation.
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Friday, July 12th, 2013 AT 12:31 PM
Tiny
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It is a 5 speed. I have tried everything. I even double checked the engine and it is an AEG, so I did try bypassing the alarm system, still nothing. I even checked the clutch safety switch, its working. I used a test light to make sure there was power and everything has power with the exception of the 6 disc CD changer. So I tried "jumping" the starter and nothing. I am at a loss. I am going to go ahead a replace the starter. Again thank you for all your help.
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Friday, July 12th, 2013 AT 3:59 PM
Tiny
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I hate to trouble you for a picture of the engine bay. But could you post a picture?

In order for me to be able to help fully (I want to), I need to make sure that I know what model I am dealing with.

If it is an AEG engine, then it is an A4 Body Style. The Alarm is in the Instrument cluster, I don't know how you bypassed the alarm.

The video link was for the A3 body style.

Thomas
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Friday, July 12th, 2013 AT 4:26 PM
Tiny
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The following is a picture of my engine bay.
Image (Click to make bigger)
Thumb
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Sunday, July 14th, 2013 AT 9:02 AM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
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Ok, so you have an A4 Body VW.

Find the starter and disconnect the small wire at the starter. Put the transmission in neutral. Use a jumper wire and attach it to the battery + clamp. Touch the other end of the jumper wire to the pin on the starter solenoid where you removed the connector.

If the starter does not turn, could be a faulty starter.

I have a starter removal video on my youtube channel. It is for an A4 automatic, but it's mounted the same on standard transmissions.

Re-check all the cable connections on the fuse box. The nuts come loose with age. Any cables / nuts that look blue, are burnt due to a bad connection.

Push / roll start the car to get it running, so you can check the charging system.

Thomas
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Sunday, July 14th, 2013 AT 10:25 AM
Tiny
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Tried that Friday evening and nothing. I can pop start it with no problem.
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Sunday, July 14th, 2013 AT 10:39 AM
Tiny
EXOVCDS
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Ok.

Attach a test light to the disconnected small wire at the starter and attach the other end of the test light to battery negative. Have someone turn the key to start. If the light lights up, then your ignition switch is ok (be sure to have the clutch depressed).

If the light does not light up, then you gave 2 issues, the starter and something else (power not getting from ign switch to starter solenoid). A wiring diagram will show you all the components on a circuit).

Let me know if you need wiring diagrams, and I'll link some for you later today. I'm currently away from my home pc.

Thomas
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Sunday, July 14th, 2013 AT 10:49 AM
Tiny
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Now I can't get it to start by pop start. Replaced the stater and nothing. Could it be the alternator?
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Tuesday, July 16th, 2013 AT 5:38 PM
Tiny
VOLUPTUOUSVIXEN71
  • MEMBER
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Update. Thank you for all your help. Got my little GTi running. Turns out it was the starter, however from where I checked the alarm, I did not get the piece pushed all the way back in. Again thank you for everything! I have learned even more about my GTi.
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Tuesday, July 16th, 2013 AT 6:40 PM

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