1999 Volkswagen Jetta Jetta won't start

Tiny
ERICPA
  • MEMBER
  • 1999 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 100,000 MILES
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?
Wednesday, May 6th, 2009 AT 12:35 PM

5 Replies

Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
Sounds like a bad battery. If the battery is shorted internally sometimes you need that much amperage to jump start through them.
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Tuesday, December 20th, 2016 AT 11:16 AM
Tiny
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  • 3 POSTS
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.
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Tuesday, December 20th, 2016 AT 11:16 AM
Tiny
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
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Tuesday, December 20th, 2016 AT 11:16 AM
Tiny
ERICPA
  • MEMBER
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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?
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Tuesday, December 20th, 2016 AT 11:16 AM
Tiny
2CARPRO JACK
  • MECHANIC
  • 11,533 POSTS
You will need to take some stuff apart. I would start under the hood and work my way inside, check all powers and grounds
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Tuesday, December 20th, 2016 AT 11:16 AM

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