MKIII Jetta/Golf No Crank Diagnosis - 2.0 and VR6!
"When I turn the key nothing happens!!"
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This "how to" assumes you have some basic tools, and safety gear. Safety glasses should be worn at all times when working with tools and automotive fluids. Always use a hydraulic jack and safety stands when lifting or getting under a vehicle. If you are unsure on where to safety lift your vehicle, refer to its owners guide. Batteries contain acid, and high current. Severe electrical and cheimcial burns may result from imroper battery testing, diagnosis, removal, or service. The writer of this how to assumes zero liability in how to use this guide, or any damages that may come from it to you, your property, or others and others property. If you are uncertain at any point, refer to a qualified automotive technician. Dispose of all waste materials based on your local laws. |
The 2.0/VR6 starter is located on the transmission at the front of the engine. Open the hood, and look at the battery, look to the left of the battery in the engine bay. You will need a volt-ohm meter and test light to run these tests. All tests are done on the 12 V DC scale.
1993-1995
Starter Schmatic
1996-1999 Starter Schmatic
1 - Measure the voltage of the battery at the center of terminals.
Is it 12 volts or higher?
No - Charge and test the battery.
Batteries last about 5 years, how
old is yours? To find your batteries age, this example.
Find a sticker on the battery, its a small sticker with a letter and a number
like so;
A/7 A=January / 7 = 1997'
A fully charged battery should read 12.8 volts. A 50% charged battery will read 12.2 volts, and a dead battery reads 12 volts or below.
2 - Measure the voltage from clamp, to clamp on the battery
Is it EXACTLY the same voltage as
step 1?
Yes, to step 3
No - Clean the battery terminals. Clean the terminals and make sure they are tight.
3 - Measure the voltage from the battery (+) terminal to the block of the engine. (must be bare unpainted metal)
Is it EXACTLY the same voltage as
step 1?
Yes, to step 4.
No - Check or replace ground battery cable, and points on the block, and body where the cable is bolted down.
4 - Measure the voltage from the battery (-) terminal to the large terminal end on the starter.
Is it EXACTLY the same voltage as
step 1?
Yes, to step 5.
No - Check or replace ground positive cable, and points on the starter where the cable is bolted down. Make sure to disconnect battery when servicing this cable, it is “hot” at all times. PIN 1 SHOWN BELOW
5 - Unplug the small single wire connector off the starter (the plug that goes into pin 3). Using a test light, ground one end of the test light to the engine block (must be bare unpainted metal), and put the probe of the test light into the plug you took off of the starter. Ensure battery is hooked up for this test.
Have an assistant turn the engine to the CRANK or START position.
Does the test light - light up when
the key is turned to the CRANK or START position?
Yes, to step 6
No - Automatic
Transmission
Check to make sure car is in park.
Check Trans Range Switch, attempt to start car in Neutral
Make sure factory alarm is not active and beeping. (96’-99)
Check Anti-theft relay (Relay 53, position 21) (96’-99)
Ensure Factory radio is installed, or bypassed (96’-99)
Check Ignition switch for failure.
Check Park Relay in Fuse Box
No - Manual
Transmission
Check to make sure clutch depressed to floor. (96’-99)
Check Ignition switch for failure.
Make sure factory alarm is not active and beeping. (96’-99)
Check relay (Relay 53, position 21) (96’-99) (upper right
of fuse box)
Ensure Factory radio is installed, or bypassed (96’-99)
Step 6 - Ensure battery is hooked up for this test.
Ensure keys are out of the ignition and that the car is in neutral or park! If the car is in gear, any gear, or in drive, it will RUN YOU OVER! Make sure parking brake is set!
Using a
fused 30amp jumper wire
jump power from the small pin on the back terminal of the starter (where you
tested it in step 5), and jump power to the large terminal on the starter.
(JUMP PIN 1 to PIN 3)
(drawing
not by me..)
The starter should crank the engine. There will be a good spark as current is sent to the starter.
Did the starter crank the engine?
Yes - Your car does not have a cranking issue; it has a no-start issue, check for fuel, spark, timing, and compression.
Yes, but it cranks slowly, or made a funny sound. - Check battery voltage again or engine mechanical starter or engine defect.
No - Replace starter.
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Can I bypass the alarm?
Sure.
1 - find alarm module (near headlight switch), drop relay panel down.
2 -
3 - Jump the two wires (on the harness side) shown.
